SARAWAK saw sales of its ethnic handicraft last year soar past its RM15.5 million target, said Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas.

In appealing to people in rural areas with the artistic skills to take up producing ethnic handicraft for side income, Uggah said the industry’s RM17 million in sales up to October last year showed there is money to be made in the sector.

Closing a handicraft competition in Kuching today, Uggah said in 2021, ethnic handicraft sales stood at RM15.7 million.

He said last year, there were 1,143 craftsmen in the state making products with forest resources like baskets, furniture, wall decorations and wooden souvenirs.

The next group comprised 346 craftsmen who did beadwork and cosmetics, while 283 produced “weaving, embroidery, batik and clothing”, he said.

Another 131 were blacksmiths producing machetes, personal accessories and wall decorations, with only 27 in earthenware craft producing pottery, accessories and souvenirs.

Uggah said although sales and the number of craftsmen are increasing, the industry is very competitive, with cheap knockoffs flooding the local market.

“We have seen how products from across the border are flooding our market at competitive prices. While domestic demand may not be sufficient, it is the overseas markets we must aim for,” he said.

Uggah said if Sarawak people produce handicraft for the foreign market, they must make unique, high-quality products to reflect the state’s many ethnic cultures and traditions.

“We need innovative designers and creators.”

He encouraged them to explore the use of technology to give them an edge in the sector, but reminded them that in doing so, they must still be mindful of the originality of their work.

“The handicraft industry is a way of diversifying the people’s income, especially those in the rural areas. While they cultivate oil palm, pepper and rubber, and raise livestock, entering the handicraft industry can earn them additional income,” said Uggah. – August 23, 2023.