NATIVE HANDICRAFT: Some of the handicraft items on display for sale at the bazaar.
MIRI: Tourism players here should consolidate their efforts in promoting Miri city as well as its handicrafts both to the locals and tourists.
Mayor of Miri City Council (MCC), Lawrence Lai in stating this regretted that there was still much to be done especially in promoting the handicrafts here.
“The council is only the facilitator to promote tourism, the stake holders like the hoteliers, travel agents, STB (Sarawak Tourism Board) and you as the handicraft sellers should enhance your cooperation in promoting the crafts,” said Lai when launching the arts and craft bazaar jointly organised by MCC and Miri Handicraft Centre here yesterday.
Among those present were Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and the organising chairlady Councillor Kijan Toynbee.
Lai, however, is optimistic that the bazaar will become an important platform to promote especially the local handicrafts, which will indirectly promote the rich heritage of its people and Miri as a whole.
A total of 20 manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers selling various arts and handicrafts as well as food and drinks are taking part in the bazaar which is open until tomorrow from 9am to 10pm daily.
The bazaar also aims to promote the centre, which is also featuring an exhibition of traditional ‘kebaya nyonya’ dress and selling Bario rice and salt.
The bazaar will also feature traditional dances from the Chinese and Orang Ulu communities and a cultural performance from local dance troupe ‘Sanggar Budaya’.
There will also be demonstrations on handicraft making.