MATU: The opening of the Kampung Treng Matu Handicraft Centre is expected to boost the economy of the residents here.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the existence of this centre helps the younger generation to learn handicraft skills.
“In addition to revitalising economic activities, I also want to create these activities among the community at the grassroots level.
“This is mainly from the point of view of crafting skills because they need to be handed down to the new generation and not be extinct,” he said.
He said this when declaring open the Kampung Treng Matu Handicraft Centre, here, on Thursday.
Juanda, who is also Jemoreng assemblyman, said that if the centre was well developed it would be a stopover for tourists visiting the district.
“Not only that, it will be a business training ground by setting reasonable and affordable prices based on quality so that visitors can afford them and spread the word about the existence of this centre to outsiders.
“Therefore, the continuous production of products needs to be done to ensure that the supply is always sufficient to meet the demand of customers who buy them in large quantities,” he explained.
He added that various handicraft items such as Seraong Mato also known as Terendak, vases made from used materials, kacip and so on are available for sale and exhibition to visitors.
As such, this Handicraft Centre will be a gathering place for handcraft makers who are able to generate their income, thus boosting handcraft-based economic activities.
