Kuala Lumpur: Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing clarified that the National Craft Day (HKK) 2025 has been postponed rather than cancelled. The decision to defer the event this year was made due to issues concerning the direction of Kraftangan Malaysia in organizing HKK and the low return on investment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tiong stated that the ministry would investigate Kraftangan Malaysia’s shortcomings. He emphasized that if there is no clear direction for the event next year, it should not proceed, as he does not want to waste public funds. Tiong made these remarks while winding up the debate on the Royal Address for the Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat.
The cost of organizing HKK ranges between RM6 million and RM8 million, and MOTAC’s top management is currently restructuring Kraftangan Malaysia. In addition, Tiong mentioned that MOTAC has agreed to implement a statistical reporting methodology that includes both overnight tourists and day visitors, following a suggestion by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
The Bintulu MP explained that this move is necessary because day visitors contribute to the economy through spending on transportation, food, shopping, and other services. The proposal to use foreign visitor data was also approved during the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ meeting on January 19.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan shared that the Ministry of Works, through the Board of Engineers Malaysia (LJM), conducted a study on the starting salaries of engineers in the country. The study suggests that the starting salary for engineers should range from RM2,500 to RM3,500 per month, highlighting the need for a more sustainable salary increase for fresh engineering graduates. LJM has also improved the standards of the Engineering Accreditation Council for engineering and technology degree programs to address mismatches and knowledge gaps among graduates.
Meanwhile, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced a government allocation of RM6 million this year to subsidize intrauterine insemination treatment and RM1.3 million for the Men’s Health and Well-being Programme, expected to benefit 8,000 individuals. She also mentioned plans to launch a podcast featuring doctors to raise awareness and encourage those facing fertility issues to seek consultation at clinics under the National Population and Family Development Board.