TATAU: A collection and trading centre for craft products will be established here, said Native Laws and Customs Assistant Minister Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
He said the centre will be set up by upgrading an old building next to Tatau District Office.
“It is important for the local community to have their own handcraft products such as woven mats, basket, sumpit (blowpipe), etc.
“From there, we will be able to commercialise our handcraft products not only for our own consumption but also to be sold as our source of income,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Kakus Creative Craft Dinner programme held in conjunction with seventh series of Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) here on Saturday (Dec 5).
Sikie who is also Kakus assemblyman further advised the local craft makers to utilise online facility to market their products.
“Many handicraft product operators have not yet registered with the Sarawak Craft Council and the Malaysian Craft Council. Please do so in order for them to facilitate the distribution of assistance and interest-free loans,” he added.
Prior to the programme, courses related to ‘kain burie’ — traditional Iban clothing, ‘manik’ — beads, and makeup, were held during the day.
The theme for the dinner was ‘burie’ and it was attended by burie lovers and course participants taught by the minister’s wife Datin Melia Gelen — who had taught three batches so far.
The dinner was also aimed at giving appreciation to the Selangau District Agriculture Department and Sibu Division Agriculture Department in making all seven series of AgriCOP programme a success.
Also present were the minister’s wife Datin Melia Gelen, Sibu Division Agriculture Officer Harun Remain, Tatau District Administrative Officer Calvin Ligong, and political secretary to the chief minister Edwin Banta.
