Mohd Ridzwan (second from left) with some of the programme’s participants.
THE Johor Craft Complex will help local craft entrepreneurs and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic under its Community Skills Development Programme.
A total of 170 people have been selected to participate in the programme.
Johor Craft Complex director Mohd Ridzwan Misran said the initiative was part of the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) comprehensive stimulus package that aimed to help the B40 group generate income through crafts.
“This is part of Kraftangan Malaysia’s efforts to build and strengthen the community in line with the government’s aim to help the target group.
“It is also to help those in need, such as the elderly, single mothers and person with disabilities, ” he said when contacted in Johor Baru.
Mohd Ridzwan added that the participants would be involved in 19 craft skills workshops to be held in nine areas, each with different types of projects.
The nine areas are Labis, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Tangkak, Muar, Pagoh, Bandar Penawar, Segamat and Pulau Tanjung Surat.
“We started this programme in September last year.
“It is expected to be completed by the end of June.
“Some of the crafts that they have produced include rattan, mengkuang (Pandanus tectorius) or pandan weaving, wood resin, block batik print, eco-print batik, tie-dye batik, batik face masks, batik bags and jong (sailboat) replicas, ” he said.
Ridzwan added that the four targets under the programme were product development, community development, promotion and marketing development and integrated marketing communications.
Participants will be exposed to training that involves technical skills in producing a craft, aside from entrepreneur training by Kraftangan Malaysia.
“Their product will then be sold on online platforms E-Kraf Bazar and MyCraftShoppe, ” he added.
