By Alexius Khung & Lee Shaw Wei
KUCHING: The pottery business plays a prominent role in the economy of the state, generating income domestically and internationally but despite this, several such businesses here have already closed down.
Lawyer Joseph Tie, 27, reckons that the pottery business must go on because it is part of Sarawak’s heritage and profit can still be made from it.
“Whether or not it is generating a significant sum of profit, the pottery business will always be one of our main sources of income for Sarawak locally and internationally,” Tie told New Sarawak Tribune.
“I’m not entirely sure how the future is going to affect the pottery business since the younger generation is not in touch or educated with this sort of things and unless there are changes, I don’t see the younger generation getting into it.”
Student Lydia Lau, 19, thinks that the pottery business is still considered lucrative.
“I believe that it can still be profitable here due to the many restaurants and small shops that still require the usage of dishware, namely ceramic bowls and plates.
“It is still relevant and as I mentioned, the number of new restaurants in sight, it is in high demand,” she said.
“Pottery is not about the bowls and plates but it is also used as decorations in public areas or in households such as vases for flowers and pots for plants for those who love gardening.
“I expect the pottery business to rise because of how environmentally friendly it is compared to using plastic plates or bowls or materials that produce harmful chemicals which can harm the environment,” she added.
“Thus, I believe that the pottery business should keep going.”
