KOTA KINABALU — The Sabah Handicraft Centre (PKS) has implemented 1,066 programmes with a total allocation of RM47.2 million, benefiting 22,038 people between 2011 and 2026.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the figures reflected the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for the people.
“These figures show that the development of the handicraft industry is not merely about preserving heritage but also about creating economic opportunities for the people,” he said.
He said RM1.5 million had been allocated this year for 29 programmes involving 200 participants from targeted groups.
Hajiji said Sabah’s rich cultural heritage, including weaving, batik, bamboo and rattan crafts, beadwork and other traditional handicrafts, must be carried forward by younger generations while adapting to changing times.
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He said this in his speech at the Appreciation and Closing Ceremony of the Sabah Special Programme for Natives (PKAN) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif delivered the speech on his behalf.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, said human capital development must keep pace with technological advancements, employment trends and industry requirements.
“The people of Sabah must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to adapt, innovate and seize opportunities. That is why education, training, guidance, entrepreneurship and market access must complement one another so that the skills acquired can translate into products, businesses, income and community economic development,” he said.
He described PKAN as an initiative that provided opportunities for the people to develop their capabilities through skills training and practical experience.
He also cited the participation of PKS batik and digital printing creations in the KPDN Presents: Fashion Forward Batik Malaysia fashion show during Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2026 as evidence that Sabah’s creativity and craftsmanship could gain wider recognition.
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Hajiji said Yayasan Sabah’s efforts to ensure the sustainability and growth of the handicraft industry had also been strengthened through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Yayasan Sabah, through PKS, and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB).
This was followed by the presentation of Letters of Intention (LOIs) to Yayasan Sabah by Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic, the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) and Sugee Group Sdn Bhd.
He also welcomed the participation of educational institutions, including Yayasan Sabah College of Technology (KTYS) and University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), in PKAN.
“Their involvement demonstrates that human capital development is not limited to traditional skills but also encompasses areas related to employability, technology, entrepreneurship and current industry needs,” he said.
He said KTYS had made positive progress in its human capital development initiatives, implementing 93 programmes with a total allocation of RM15.01 million and involving 1,936 participants between 2016 and 2026.
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Through PKAN, KTYS implemented the Gerak Cemerlang SPM Programme (GeCerSPM), which focuses on improving students’ performance in Mathematics and Science.
Hajiji said the programme, which initially involved three schools and 200 students, had raised the pass rate from 35 per cent to 98 per cent in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
Following the achievement, participation was expanded to 300 students from six schools this year.
He said the Gerak Ekonomi Makanan Inovasi Laut (GEMILAU) Programme was also introduced to empower vulnerable communities economically through seafood processing skills, with 43 of its 89 participants successfully increasing their income.
Meanwhile, UCSF implemented the Exploration and Empowerment of Technology, Arts and Entrepreneurship (ExPERTISE) programme under PKAN Sabah 2026, with an allocation of RM750,000 for 11 programmes benefiting 314 targeted participants, comprising youths and members of native communities.
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Hajiji said another initiative introduced this year was the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certificate Programme, implemented in collaboration with Institut Jantung Negara University College (IJNUC).
The programme saw 13 students secure three-month practical training placements at the National Heart Institute (IJN) and private clinics in Sabah.
He added that the BRIDGE (Building Resources, Inclusivity, Development and Growth in Communities) programme had also been successfully implemented through nine programmes covering arts and crafts, tourism and hospitality, artificial intelligence (AI), science and technology, and agriculture.
The outreach initiative involved 292 participants from various districts and areas, including Sipitang, Semporna, Pulau Banggi, Keningau, Ranau, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kota Kinabatangan.
Between 2015 and 2025, UCSF implemented 85 programmes with a total allocation of RM11.7 million, benefiting 1,842 participants.
Hajiji assured that the state government would continue strengthening its efforts to ensure Sabah’s development remained people-centred, with opportunities made available to all segments of society.
