PETALING JAYA: A revenue target of RM1bil by 2025 from the cultural sector has been set by the government following its latest policy, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

       The Prime Minister, while launching the National Cultural Policy (Daken 2021), noted the sector has great potential as an economic generator for the country.

       “In 2019, the cultural sector recorded revenue of RM585mil compared with RM542mil in 2017.

       “Now, the figure shows a convincing recovery as the country enters the Covid-19 endemic phase,” he said on Tuesday (Oct 26).

       Ismail Sabri said the government is confident the target will be achieved through various development strategies and structured programmes.

       “Among them are Genius Seni and Tunas Budaya, who are committed to bringing children of the Malaysian Family closer to art, culture and heritage.

       “The strategy comprises education from the earliest level at pre-school, to primary and secondary education,” he said.

       The Prime Minister said that higher education institutions have also added cultural activities as part of co-curricular activities.

       Daken 2021 was launched as a holistic document, which will be used as a guide and reference in planning the entire development of art, culture and heritage of the country.

       He added the initiative goes hand in hand with making this sector a socio-economic catalyst for Malaysian families.

       Daken 2021 has seven main objectives that include high-value culture; community harmony; preservation and conservation of cultural heritage; cultural development and empowerment; and generation of cultural economy and excellence.

       Ismail Sabri added the policy was formulated based on five principles in the Malaysian Family, namely; inclusiveness, togetherness, a spirit of pride, openness and comprehensiveness.

       “The government, through the Tourism and Cultural Ministry, will also continue to diversify its efforts to increase the competitiveness, visibility and image of art, culture and national heritage,” he said.

       Daken 2021 is not something new as previously, the government has also introduced the National Cultural Policy 1971 or DKK 1971 in an effort to shape national culture and to produce a united Malaysian nation.

       “For the past 50 years, the policy has been used as a guide to shape and maintain Malaysia’s national identity of being a multicultural society.

       “There have been a number of achievements in the arts, culture and heritage arena that were recorded,” the Prime Minister said, adding the establishment of Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara) was proof of the government’s commitment towards the sector.

       He added Malaysia continues to collaborate with regional and international organisations such as Asean, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and United Nations to empower national culture and heritage.