Chye showing reporters the various bags on display inside the giant holdall.
The world’s largest holdall bag is on display at CityOne Megamall until Oct 29.
KUCHING: The world’s biggest ‘holdall’ bag that has been making its rounds around the country has reached Kuching, its sixth destination.
It was opened to the public at CityONE Megamall yesterday, and will be on display there until Oct 29.
The bag is made with 2,984 old t-shirts, and 1,492 people took six months to sew it. It measures 25 feet long, 17 feet 10 inches high, and has a width of 9 feet 11 inches.
It was recognised by the Guiness World Records as the biggest bag in the world last June. It was first recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records on May 29.
Epal Handicraft Training Centre managing director Fully Chye said Kuching was the first East Malaysia stop. The bag will be going to Sabah next.
“We told the participants that we are going to display the bag at their respective states. It started with Seremban, then down to Melaka, Rawang, Cyberjaya and Subang before coming to Kuching.
“Each participant donated two t-shirts for the bag, stitched their part in their respective states, and then shipped to us in Kuala Lumpur to stitch it together. The cloth alone weighs 130kg,” said Chye at a press conference yesterday.
For Kuching, there were 56 participants. They learned about this project through the center’s sole branch here. Located at Electra House, its six tutors offer sewing courses to those who are interested.
Apart from the gigantic bag on display, there are 500 items from members made from cloth and unwanted items like plastic bag, banners and rice bags. Some are on display inside the giant bag.
“The main purpose of the exhibition is to share with the people that sewing is not only limited to clothing. It also comprises other items like bags and comforters. Housewives who are skilled with sewing machines but don’t know what else they could do with their skills can pick up ideas from the exhibition.
“Even teenagers who have never sewn before can give it a try as we provide the materials and tutors who can teach them on the spot at the exhibition,” said Chye, adding that the centre itself came out with the idea of making the biggest bag in the world.
Visitors can bring back handmade items as there is a booth selling items like bags, backpacks and pouches.
The bag will be officially launched by Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah on Oct 22.