KUCHING, April 4: Authentic handmade handicrafts of the artisans from Murum and Baleh under Sarawak Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Handicraft Development Programme garnered overwhelming response at the recent National Craft Day 2019 in Kuala Lumpur.
Sarawak Energy pointed out in a media release that the artisans sold around RM19,000 worth of handicraft products at the 12-day event at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, which carried the concept ‘Culturising Craft in Lifestyle’.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was the guest of honour at the launch of the event.
The artisan’s participation in the festival was made possible by Sarawak Energy in partnership with the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC).
Murum was represented by artisans Sheila Bayak, Meron Kulleh and Permai Asan from Long Malim in Tegulang, Murum, whereas Baleh representatives were artisans Josephine Midong Jubin from Rumah Nabau, Dapong Sempurai and Lily Siba from Rumah Laso and Liban Jinggau from Rumah Tajai in Ng Antawau, Baleh.
Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai stopped by Sarawak Energy’s booth to show support to the artisans.
They were accompanied by Sarawak Energy general manager (CSR and Sustainability) Jiwari Abdullah and MHDC Sarawak director Azran Arip.
Their crafts and textile designs were showcased alongside products from both international and local artisans, and this provided the artisans with a platform for networking.
The artisans also benefitted from the exposure, which can further enhance their craft making skills and develop their marketing techniques.
Commenting on the artisan’s participation, Jiwari said, “We are always looking into ways to promote the artisans under our programme. We believe that giving them the right exposure will develop not only their craft skills because they get to exchange knowledge and ideas with other fellow artisans but also enhance their marketing concept and strategies. This is very important if they are to create a sustainable flow of income from the handicraft trade.
“Sarawak Energy is pleased to play a part in enabling these artisans to realise their potential and promote Sarawakian indigenous handicrafts and designs to the world. This is in line with our community investment values of supporting culture and heritage as well as community development and entrepreneurship.” — DayakDaily
