Turn Handicrafts Into Income While Preserving Heritage, Says Bawang Assan Rep

SIBU (Aug 30): Turning handicrafts into economic opportunities can help preserve cultural heritage while providing additional household income, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president said handcraft makers should move beyond producing items for personal use and focus on creating attractive, unique and high-quality products with commercial value.

“If our products are good enough, we should not limit ourselves to the Sibu or Sarawak market. We should look beyond Sarawak and Malaysia and explore overseas markets,” he said at the opening of the PDPN52 Bawang Assan handicraft workshop at Rumah Suda Majoy yesterday.

He said e-commerce and digital platforms had made geographical boundaries less of a barrier, citing China as a potential market.

“I am prepared to help explore opportunities to find agents or business partners in China who can help market and sell our handicraft products there,” he said.

However, Wong stressed that the products must first meet high standards of quality and appeal while retaining their Sarawak and Iban identity.

In this regard, he said workshops such as this could help more Iban women master traditional skills and also encourage younger generations to learn them.

Wong also said the workshop could strengthen community ties by brining participants together to learn, exchange ideas and share experiences.

He urged PDP leaders and members to continue engaging with communities to understand their needs and identify ways to assist them.

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