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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 23: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has revealed that ethnic handicraft sales in Sarawak reached RM17 million up to October of last year, exceeding the target of RM15.5 million.
Uggah also encouraged rural residents with artistic skills to produce ethnic handicrafts as a means of generating additional income due to the industry’s impressive sales up to October of last year, indicating that there is money to be made in the industry.
“For the record, up to October last year, sales totalling RM17 million had been recorded and surpassing the target of RM15.5 million. By comparison, in 2021, sales were RM15.7 million.
“The number of registered full time producers (craftspeople) had also increased from 951 in 2019 to 1,143 last year.
“Furthermore, baskets, furniture, wall decorations, and souvenirs made from forest resources made up the majority of ethnic handicraft products, according to a breakdown,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Iban Women Charitable Trust (IWCT) Handicraft Competition held today at a hotel in Kuching.
He disclosed that 346 craftspeople were engaged in beadwork and cosmetics, while 283 were engaged in producing weaving, embroidery, batik, and clothing.
In addition, 131 were blacksmiths producing machetes, personal accessories, and wall decorations, whereas only 27 were earthenware artisans producing pottery, personal accessories, and souvenirs.
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, further stated that while sales and the number of craftspeople are increasing, the industry is extremely competitive due to competition from local products sold overseas.
“We have seen how products from across the border are flooding our market and at very competitive prices. While domestic demand may not be sufficient, it is the overseas markets that we must aim for,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that if Sarawakians are to produce handicraft for the international market, they must create unique, high-quality products that reflect the State’s many ethnic cultures and traditions.
“Thus, we need innovative designers and creators. We should explore the usage of machines and technology to give us the edge.
“I would again like to stress here that we must be particularly mindful of the originality and uniqueness (of our work),” he added.
During the event, Uggah also announced a contribution of RM50,000 to IWCT for their upcoming event the following year.
Also present at the event were Uggah’s wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang; IWCT advisor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang; IWCT chairman Dato Sri Tan Sri Empiang Jabu; IWCT trustee Senator Susan Chemerai Anding; and other dignitaries. — DayakDaily
