Have marketing skills will travel, rural handicraft artisans advised

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MIRI: Producing beautiful items remains the expertise of many craftsmen from rural areas in the state such as Baram, but when it comes to promoting and marketing these exquisite products, it is a challenge they have yet to overcome.

Due to logistics and lacking in promoting and marketing skills, these rural artisans could only sell their crafts whenever visitors came to their villages or longhouses, noted Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.

“Bear in mind, tourists don’t come every day, but these products are being displayed on shelves or left out in the open.

Hence, most of them end up covered in dust, worn and faded. Worst of all, several items get damaged by termites or other pests,” he said at the opening of ‘Malaysia Craft Promotion’ at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.

“This has discouraged many of these rural craftsmen to be wholly involved in the industry, which is a pity as it could be a good source of income for them, particularly the womenfolk,” added the assemblyman, urging the state Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation to look into this matter.

Apart from that, he also called on the corporation to assist craft producers on marketing guidelines, encompassing the quality and standard of products as well as suitability not only for the domestic market but also for the international one.

“It is important for these manufacturers to be given the knowledge and training on quality and standards that would enable them to penetrate and be accepted in domestic and international markets. They must also be creative and innovative in creating of their products,” Dennis said, also calling for the corporation to invite rural craftsmen to participate in promotional activities and expos held locally or abroad.

“I also hope that the government, through the agency, would provide some assistance in the form of capital grants to these smallholders so that they would be able to undertake larger production. Most of them make a small number of products so as to avoid from losses if there are no buyers.”

Dennis also reminded local rural producers that it was not enough for them to fashion their artworks solely into souvenirs and decorative items.

“You must also come up with products that can be used daily and in the case of clothing, are wearable for any occasion. This is how we develop our handicrafts industry,” Dennis added.

Meanwhile sales of handcraft items throughout the promotional events here, in Sibu and Kuching recorded RM772,495.40. As at yesterday, the turnover registered in Kuching and Sibu for this year were RM677,891.30.

The organiser was targeting to reach RM250, 000 in sales during the 10-day event at Bintang Megamall here.

Also present at the launch was state Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation director Azran Arip.