HKK 2025 POSTPONED, NOT CANCELLED – TIONG

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing today clarified that the National Craft Day (HKK) 2025 has been postponed and not cancelled. 

He said the ministry decided to defer the event this year due to issues concerning the direction of Kraftangan Malaysia in organising HKK and the low return on investment.

“I acknowledge our shortcomings, and we will investigate the agency (Kraftangan Malaysia). I have already stated that if there is no clear direction next year, then do not proceed because I do not want to waste public funds,” he said.

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He said this when winding up the debate on the Royal Address for the Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Tiong also said that the cost of organising HKK ranges between RM6 million and RM8 million, and MOTAC’s top management is currently restructuring Kraftangan Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Tiong said MOTAC has agreed to adopt a statistical reporting methodology that includes both overnight tourists and day visitors, as suggested by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

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The Bintulu MP said the move was necessary as day visitors also contribute to the economy through spending on transportation, food, shopping and other services.

“The proposal to use foreign visitor data was also agreed upon during the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ meeting on Jan 19,” he added.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, during his winding-up speech, said the Ministry of Works (KKR), through the Board of Engineers Malaysia (LJM), had 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, and there is a need for a more sustainable increase in salaries for fresh engineering graduates,” he said

“LJM has also improved the standards of the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) for engineering and technology degree programmes as an initial initiative to reduce mismatches and knowledge gaps among graduates,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the government has allocated RM6 million this year to subsidise intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment, along with RM1.3 million for the Men’s Health and Well-being Programme, which is expected to benefit 8,000 individuals.

She also said there are plans to launch a podcast featuring doctors to raise awareness and encourage those struggling with fertility issues to seek consultation at clinics under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). 

-- BERNAMA