The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) has initiated a variety of measures to ensure that tourism industries benefit traditional crafts and the food industry.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Syukri said today that such initiatives should encourage cooperation between farmers of rural homestay programmes and local communities in the development of side products.

“Products such as chips and traditional kuih made with local ingredients, as well as handicrafts can be sold to tourists who frequent homestays,” she said at the closing of a cultural entrepreneur workshop in Simunjan.

Nancy, who is also a Batang Sadong member of the Parliament, said that with the help of shopping malls, local hotels, and tourist spots, MOTAC has also specifically promoted local crafts.

“This initiative will have an impact if cultural, arts, and craft entrepreneurs have digital marketing knowledge and the skills to use the digital medium, which is vital to remain relevant in the new norm landscape,” she said.