Sarawak records 1,237 craft entrepreneurs, including 49 from Bintulu

BINTULU: Sarawak has recorded a total of 1,237 craft entrepreneurs, with 49 of them hailing from Bintulu.

Kraftangan Malaysia director-general Datuk ‘Ainu Sham Ramli expressed hope that the constituency would become a hub for the production of bead craft products that can be commercialised not only in the local market but also internationally.

As of May 2024, she noted that Kraftangan Malaysia successfully developed 247 new craft communities through the implementation of 14 Community Skill Development Projects (PPKK) in Sarawak.

These projects encompass various fields of craft, including textiles, forest products, metal products, and miscellaneous crafts.

“The efforts and initiatives by Kraftangan Malaysia indirectly help to increase the number of craft entrepreneurs in Sarawak.

“I hope the new community here can make the most of the skills they have learned and continue with their craft product production activities.

“I am confident that with the commitment and determination shown by everyone, the craft industry will continue to grow and remain competitive,” she said.

She was officiating at the certificate presentation ceremony for the Bead Craft Product Development and Production Lab at Rumah Bujang @ Endawie, Bukit Bethany yesterday (June 27).

The ceremony involved 15 recipients from the craft community who participated in the Bead Craft Product Development and Production Lab activities held from June 24 to 27.

The community was guided and mentored by local bead craft entrepreneur Johiam Jitui, along with two designers from Kraftangan Malaysia.

This lab activity marked the second phase, focusing on beaded embroidery weaving techniques.

Earlier, in its first phase in 2023, the community was introduced to the basics of bead embroidery using loom equipment.