KUCHING: Exports by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contributed as much as 11.7 per cent to the country’s export revenue with a value of RM124.3 billion last year.
And among the main contributors is the Sarawak songket which has a high commercial value.
Caretaker Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the aesthetic value of the Sarawak songket makes it the most sought-after local product overseas.
“Now Sarawak songket has also been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at the global level.
“Therefore, I call on Malaysians to help develop the country’s economy by supporting Malaysian goods which can help the nation’s economy.
“Of course, as consumers in this country, we make sure that every expenditure is also value for money, reasonable and of good quality.”
Nanta said this at the Karnival Barangan Malaysia (KBM) Sabah/Sarawak Zone 2022 held at Kuching Waterfront on Saturday evening (Nov 12).
The carnival, he said, is one of the strategic initiatives under the Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia (KBBM) which has been implemented by the government and led by the Ministry.
According to Nanta, the objective of the campaign is also to stimulate domestic economic growth by increasing the purchase of local goods, increase community awareness about product quality as well as Malaysian services that are able to compete at the international level.
“This campaign also helps local entrepreneurs in marketing their products and services, not only within the country but also abroad.
“These products are not only limited to food, drinks or beauty. The Ministry also strives to ensure that the products of other segments such as handicrafts, furniture, fashion and others, too, can be on a higher level,” he added.
With the current economic climate, Nanta stressed that it is time for the rakyat to support small traders.
“Even if it’s just buying a bag of dabai by the roadside or a hand-made necklace of Sarawak beads, it means a lot to the traders.
“Most importantly, with this kind of support, it will certainly spark their enthusiasm to continue doing business,” he said.
