KUALA LUMPUR - All ministries and departments involved in organising activities must procure handicrafts that highlight the finesse, uniqueness, and authenticity of local artisans’ work.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that this initiative aims to support craftsmen in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, which involves organising more than 270 meetings and activities across all states.
"For example, the document bag I am using today is a piece of woven songket art created by local designer, Adiguru Rasiah Yusoff, from Kampung Tikat Penambang, Kelantan.
"I hope this will generate income for entrepreneurs, especially those providing logistics, hospitality, and tourism services, including handicraft sales,” he said while presenting the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday.
Anwar said that Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025 is a significant opportunity to lead the region in line with the Asean Community Vision 2045.
He emphasised the government's commitment to shaping a more resilient, innovative and people-centric Asean.
"Malaysia firmly upholds a united approach in driving the reform agenda within ASEAN, including advancing development in border areas with neighbouring countries for shared prosperity,” he added.
In his speech, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead in fulfilling this important responsibility, especially with Asean facing issues like major power rivalries, the South China Sea dispute, the Myanmar crisis, food security concerns, and climate change.
However, he expressed confidence that Malaysia's strengths would enable it to guide Asean forward with determination, including strengthening regional economic cooperation through the first-ever Asean-China Summit