KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) hosted six artisans from the local communities of Murum, Bakun and Baleh under the Handicraft Enhancement Programme, to showcase their handicrafts during the National Craft Day (HKK2023) at the craft complex in Kuala Lumpur.
The event showcased booths from 380 different local craft entrepreneurs and communities, representing various cultures across Malaysia.
“The Handicraft Enhancement Programme is a Sarawak Energy initiative aimed at helping local communities preserve their cultural heritage while promoting and marketing local craft.
“The programme provides training and support to local artisans to enhance their skills and knowledge of traditional craft-making techniques,” it said in a press release.
It added that in order to promote the preservation of cultural heritage, the initiative also aims to promote the conservation of Sarawak’s rich and varied cultural heritage, while also fostering a greater appreciation of its unique cultural traditions.
“Furthermore, this initiative offers local artisans an opportunity to showcase and sell their wares to a broader customer base, thereby elevating the value and appeal of their handicrafts, resulting in modern and fashionable products with expanded product lines,” it added.
During the exhibition, their craftsmanship was highly appreciated by visitors, with the most popular items being pua’ kumbu, selampai, kain burie, rattan mat, beaded accessories, rattan baskets, and bags.
The 12-day event turned out to be a fruitful one for the local artisans with an estimated RM49,000 earned through their sales.
During the exhibition, the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandar visited the booth and purchased some of the handicraft.
The Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing also visited the booth to show their support.
