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Sarawak Craft Council formed under new ordinance to boost local industry
Abdul Karim says the industry had previously lacked a formal administrative structure. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 20): Sarawak's craft industry will undergo structured development with the establishment of the Sarawak Craft Council, following the gazettement of the Sarawak Craft Council Ordinance 2023 on May 1 this year.
The ordinance provides a legal framework to promote and develop the local craft sector while uniting communities through Sarawak's artistic and cultural heritage.
State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the industry had previously lacked a formal administrative structure.
'In the past, the Sarawak Craft Council was only run by a manager. Now, with this ordinance, we have a chief executive officer ― Suriya Charles Baos,' he said during a press conference after chairing the council's first official meeting here today.
He also announced the appointment of the council's board members, including renowned crafts expert Edric Ong, Tanoti Sdn Bhd founder Dato Jacqueline Fong, and Sarawak Crafts Association for Rural Community Development president Nur Rahmah Ranong Abdullah.
He noted that the board selection reflects Sarawak's ethnic diversity.
'We want all races to feel represented,' he said.
Abdul Karim himself has been appointed as chairman of the council, while his deputy, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, serves as deputy chairman.
He said the council is tasked with introducing a branding mechanism ― such as 'Sarawak Best' ― to ensure local crafts are recognised as high-quality products capable of competing in the global market.
In addition, the council will play a role in setting benchmark pricing to protect the value of local crafts, as well as organising regular expos and seminars, including the biennial Borneo Global Craft event.
He said the council will also explore strategic partnerships with corporate entities such as Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to empower rural craft makers.
'If we can successfully develop craft communities in longhouses or villages, they can earn extra income. This will not only help uplift the household economy, but also preserve the heritage,' he said.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the Sarawak Craft Council will evolve into an independent institution capable of managing the state's craft industry in a more organised and sustainable manner. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah sarawak craft council
