Fatimah (second left) looks at a handmade bag on display at the event. Also seen are Chye (left) and Women and Family Department director Noriah Ahmad.
KUCHING: Hand-made products from Wisma Wanita Training Centre (WWTC) will be sold at selected commercial centres in Kuching via the Handmade Market Sarawak.
Minister of Welfare Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said three malls had given a good response to make this a reality.
“We have invited 11 malls initially, and so far three have given good response. The products will be sold once every three months, and for five days at a time,” Fatimah said at the launching of Handmade Market Sarawak, Spa and Massage Course at the WWTC here yesterday.
“In the three months, they are to make as many products as possible so that they have enough variety to sell at the market. Also, get ready your business cards and open a Facebook page to reach more customers.”
To the venue providers, she hoped they would take it as a corporate social responsibility to charge the participants minimal fees so as to help them to grow their businesses and support the womenfolk.
She added that the market would serve as a platform to help women, single mothers and the disabled people increase their income and that of their families.
She also urged the participants to put greater effort in ensuring the products were made of good quality material in order to give confidence to customers to continue buying their products.
“Participants need to consistently produce good quality products to gain customers’ confidence. Don’t just produce once and then silence for the next few months.”
The market is aided by Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif (PSJK) and Epal Handicraft Training Centre.
“The Handmade Market Sarawak is eagerly awaited by the PSJK members who comprised of 95 per cent mothers who want to increase their family’s income and quality of life. The association’s goal is to guide them to have a balance in their family life and gain additional income,” said Epal Handicraft Training Centre managing director and Mostwell Sdn Bhd managing director Fully Chye at the same event.
This programme was very meaningful as it would give an opportunity especially to women to generate income via home-based businesses, she said.
The first Homemade Market Sarawak will be held in May while Epal Handicraft will be holding an exhibition at CityOne Megamall.