Craft entrepreneurs descend on Festival Kraf Sarawak 2017

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Penan artisan Roska Asan (centre) from Long Wat in Belaga and traditional performers hold some of the beads for sale at her stall. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Some 100 craft entrepreneurs from throughout the country are participating in Festival Kraf Sarawak 2017 at Kuching Waterfront held from yesterday (Nov 10) to Nov 19.

The festival themed ‘Beli Kraf Malaysia’ (Buy Malaysian Crafts) is aimed at encouraging Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to use and apply locally-made craft products as part of their lifestyle.

The event is also held at the same time and venue as the International Dragon Boat Race from Nov 10 to 12, Food Festival (Nov 10 to 19) and Sarawak Regatta (Nov 17 to 19).

Organiser Kraf Malaysia in a statement issued here said a sales target of RM900,000 has been set for this year.

“Festival Kraf Sarawak has been organised annually since 2004. It has received encouraging response, judging from sales recorded each year.

In 2005, the festival recorded RM841,798.91 in sales from 84 participating craft entrepreneurs. In 2015, sales recorded was RM1,009,061.85 while last year, it was RM909,123.85,” said the statement.

It revealed that Kraftangan Malaysia was entrusted to design Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2017 official attire for the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri, Sultan of Brunei, Chief Minister, state cabinet and members of the organising committee.

The attire to be worn at the launch tonight (Nov 11) will feature Penan ethnic designs created using ‘batik terap’ technique.