The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has allocated RM970,000 in Cultural Sector Support Grants (GSSK) to 14 arts associations to promote arts and cultural activities in the state.

Its deputy secretary-general (Culture), Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, explained that the grant supports preserving arts and culture while boosting programmes and events ahead of Visit Kedah Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

"The Tourism Ministry, through the GSSK secretariat, has introduced this grant to enhance arts and cultural infrastructure across Malaysia.

"As of October this year, RM970,000 has been distributed to 14 arts associations and companies," he said at the Temasya Oghang Kedah (TOK) 2024 opening ceremony held at Darul Aman Stadium on Friday night (Nov 8).

Datuk Salleh Saidin, Kedah Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman, officiated the event.

Mohd Yusri added that RM86,600 was allocated to nine arts associations in Kedah through the Financial Arts Incentive, managed by the National Culture and Arts Department.

"An additional RM1.06mil was distributed to five arts and culture associations through the Government Assistance Grant Committee," he added