(From left) Dr Annuar, Misnu, Abang Johari, Gramong, Abdul Karim and Hii at a press conference.
SIBU: The ‘Sejiwa Senada’ is one of the programmes to show the people that there is space for them to get involved in business, Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said yesterday.
The minister who is in charge of Sejiwa Senada programme also mentioned that the state government now wanted to encourage the setting up of more cottage industry.
“In the Sejiwa Senada programme here, one main area we want to engage with the people is Sibu Kitchen which is actually a cottage industry.
“For example, the Miri Kitchen held in conjunction with Sejiwa Senada in Miri recently was very successful, grossing about RM1.2 million in three days,” he told a press conference at Sibu Islamic Complex here.
“Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the state’s tourism centre is giving more push to cottage industry including creating innovative culture among local entrepreneurs,” he pointed out.
He said food industry was also an attraction for Sarawak.
“I went to Frankfurt, Germany where there is a place called Tropical Paradise serving umai which has been one of the attractions for the place,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sejiwa Senada in Sibu begins today (Friday) until Sunday at Sibu Town Square.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will officiate at the function tomorrow at 10.30am.
There are a total of 216 booths for 172 government agencies from state and federal levels to exhibit their products and services.
Another 100 stalls are put up for Sibu Kitchen where local entrepreneurs sell clothes, accessories, health and cosmetic products, kitchenware, handicrafts, dry foodstuff as well as food and drink.
Also present at the press conference were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Gramong Juna, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee.