BETONG, Nov 3: The Dayak community is encouraged to explore and exploit opportunities in the handicraft business.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas disclosed that the state handicraft industry recorded sales totalling RM30.5 million last year.
He disclosed the Sarawak government is now looking at various income streams from the rural areas and that handicraft has the most potential.
“From January until May this year, sales totalling RM13.6 million were recorded and this indicates that the industry has an excellent opportunity to generate income,” he revealed at the closing ceremony of the two-day 1st Iban Ngepan Symposium, on Saturday night.
Uggah noted that among the popular handicraft are the Iban “Pua Kumbu” or woven blanket, and also beads.
He also hoped that a session on the handicraft industry could be included in the next symposium.
“We need to work out strategies to enhance the development and the supply chain for handicrafts.
“This includes looking for new technology to produce not only quantity, but also quality as well.” — DayakDaily
