SPAOH: More skilled and accomplished weavers of Iban ‘Tenun’ and ‘Baju Dabong’ (Baju kebaya) need to be produced to meet the high demand of the traditional products.
In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah disclosed that he received inquiries from Singapore asking whether it was possible for both products to be produced in big quantities.
“It will generate good income to the community but we need to further upgrade their (weavers) skills.
“We will look for teachers who can polish up their skill to allow them to produce specially high quality products.
“We will look at sewing machines that can help them with the quantity and quality,” he said.
He said this at a certificates presentation ceremony for those who completed their weaving and tailoring course at RH Nelson Rentap, Beduru today.
Following this, Uggah assured the weavers that he would help them with the marketing of their products.
He also suggested they use the e-commerce platform for them to do their own promotion.
“Moreover, with Betong to have an airport by 2023, the town would be accessible to visitors from outside who are keen on local souvenirs and products.
“When you have secured your orders, do not dilly-dally in completing them on time,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Uggah’s wife, Datuk Doreen Mayang, who is the initiator and promoter of both weaving and tailoring courses, said that some 250 women from Bukit Saban had been trained since 2017.
“This effort is being made to recruit more teachers to train even more (weavers). For that, please share your knowledge with the rest (of the weavers),” she said in her speech.
