By Sakini Mohd Said
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Baskets and food
covers made from the leaves of Mengkuang (screw palm or screw pine) are some of
the popular handicraft items in Malaysia.
Mengkuang is a large shrub of the genus, Pandanus, which is
found in the coastal regions of Southeast Asia. This plant plays an important
role in many cultures and traditions of rural coastal communities in the
region.
In addition, this plant is used to make traditional
handicraft items.
The Mengkuang weaving industry used to be a big cottage
industry in Malaysia, where villagers would produce handicraft items to
supplement their household income. Over the past few years, the world has
witnessed a decline in the demand for products made out of Mengkuang.
HERITAGE
However, this industry, which has been in existence for
three centuries, is not going to fade away. The local authorities are working
hard to preserve the nation's heritage.
Handicraft items now have their own commercial value, apart
from being offered as attractive souvenirs to foreign tourists.
Aware of this factor, Kraftangan Malaysia (Malaysian
Handicraft Development Corporation) has embarked on research and development programmes
to boost the demand for handicraft products.
VALUE
During the recent Malaysian Crafts Promotion 2012 at the
Mesra Mall in Kemaman, visitors got the opportunity to look at a variety of
handicraft products. Many visitors said the items were beautiful, attractive
and trendy.
The handicraft items that were exhibited had bright colours,
which were attractive to the younger generation.
In fact, handicraft items complement sophisticated gadgets
that young people carry these days. Some of the handicraft items on display
were cell phone, laptop and iPad covers.
These handicraft products have also penetrated the
international market.
Khairul Hafizi Naharuddin, Director of the Terengganu
Kraftangan Malaysia, said the organisation needs to come up with a variety of
handicraft items.
"We have requested people in this industry to reduce
the supply of mats and other traditional items. We have requested them to make
more handbags and other trendy items," he told Bernama.
TRADITIONAL FEATURES
Many people may feel that traditional elements will be lost
when the focus is on producing trendy items. This is not true.
The traditional features play an important role in
preserving the Malaysian heritage, apart from promoting the local culture to
foreign tourists, according to Khairul Hafizi.
He said the traditional elements are retained in the design
of the handicraft items.
"Despite technological advances, traditional features
need to be included in the design of the handicraft items, to preserve the
culture and to differentiate the products from items made in other countries
(such as the Philippines)," he said.
He said handicraft items, including those made in
Terengganu, are authentic. They are purely made out of Mengkuang, without the
addition of other materials.
ASSISTANCE
Kraftangan Malaysia has taken steps to ensure that
handicraft items of good quality are produced. The organisation provides
assistance to people in the industry by enhancing their skills.
"Research indicates that these handicraft items have
immense commercial value in the local and international markets. In Terengganu,
the turnover of these products reached RM120,000, in the first eight months of
2012," he said.
Meanwhile, Asmah Ismail, an entrepreneur who looks into the
production of Mengkuang handicraft items in Rhu Rendang, said the incentives
and assistance provided by Kraftangan Malaysia has rejuvenated this industry.
She admits that her handicraft business has picked up after
the agency gave her ample guidance.
"The Mengkuang handicraft business has immense
potential. Sometimes, the demand is overwhelming. Although Kraftangan Malaysia
provides assistance by enlightening us on innovative designs, I try to maintain
the traditional features in my products," she said.
-- BERNAMA
No comments:
Post a Comment