The art of making clothes is capable of supporting Dayak women's income.

KUCHING, Sept. 20: Skills in the production of swimwear have the potential to generate income for Dayak women through the production and sale of traditional handcrafted crafts.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the skills of making Kuas clothes should be continuously learned and passed on to younger generations to ensure that traditional art remains relevant and potentially developed as a source of income.

"This science must go on, not just stop until this workshop. You need to go on and study at home. If possible, produce for children and grandchildren, even teach this knowledge to others so that it can be passed on to the younger generation", he said.

He said this while addressing the closing ceremony of SIDS Kuching Branch at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka here today.

Snowdan also emphasized the importance of using the correct terms and terminology in making Kuas clothing to ensure that the understanding of heritage art is not misinterpreted.

He said that every traditional outfit has its own story and story which reflects the cultural diversity of Sarawak.

Snowdan Lawan delivered his certificate to the participants of the Indu Dayak Sarawak Branch Kuching Squash Workshop at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka today.

Meanwhile, Kuching Branch SIDS Chairman Bunie Japah said that the art of making Kuas clothes requires rigor and skill, thus opening up space for skilled participants to produce the garments to meet the demands of buyers.

"Those who want to buy and wear them can get the brush from those who are skilled at making it.

"So, it not only elevates the heritage art of Iban Balau clothing, but also provides opportunities for Dayak women to earn income through the sale of their handicrafts", he said.

Commenting on the future planning, he said that his party also received many requests to organize a workshop for making Ujan shirts following current trends which saw increased attention towards clothing from Batang Rajang.

Meanwhile, SIDS Hand Craft Bureau Kuching Branch, Florence Anaka Jacy said the reception to the workshop was very encouraging, as well as providing exposure and knowledge to participants about the techniques of making Kuas shirts.

One of the contestants is working hard to make a brush.

"All participants from the first session to the second started without basic knowledge of the fabrication of the Kuas suit. During the three days of the workshop, they studied and received instruction from teachers and staff.

"During that period, the participants managed to master the basics of making Kuas clothing even though the clothes were not yet fully finished", he said.

The workshop was conducted in two sessions, the first session on August 7 to 9 involving 32 participants, while the second session took place from September 18 to 20 with the participation of 29 participants.