RM258mil spent on arts, crafts, heritage

Chieng (left) being briefed by Ong on the photography exhibition.

The state’s Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Ministry through Mudahcara Fund has supported the organisation of 54 activities and programmes this year.

The aid amounted to RM258mil.

Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said last year, the fund supported 80 programmes and activities to the tune of RM4.65mil.

“I call on all artists, cultural associations, non-governmental organisations registered under Registrar of Societies to apply for the funds,” he said at a photography exhibition themed “Mysterious Heart Of Sarawak – Discovery Kajang Culture” in Sibu.

According to Chieng, RM10mil fund was allocated last year aimed at stimulating recovery of Sarawak’s heritage, arts and culture sector following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through this fund, he said, registered associations and artists could organise workshops, classes, courses, forums, performances and competitions which contributed to the development of Sarawak’s arts, crafts and heritage.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Ministry representative Melina Manan, Dudong assemblyman representative councillor Joshua Ting and Sibu Photographers president Edwin Ong.