THE skills and products of 28 craftsmen specialising in different areas are on display at the ongoing National Craft Festival 2022 in Johor Baru.
Housewife Nurul Nazihah Muhamed Faizal, 29, who gave rattan weaving a try at one of the exhibition booths, said she enjoyed the hands-on experience.
“I have always been interested in arts and crafts, but this was my first time trying rattan weaving.
“The demonstrator was an experienced weaver and she patiently taught me how to produce a small rattan basket,” said Nurul Nazihah when met by StarMetro, and noted that it was difficult to master the weaving technique.
Her husband Wan Aliff Abdul Saad, 29, said they checked out the festival while shopping at the mall.
“The event is a good way of attracting more public interest in traditional crafts to ensure their longevity.
“It is good to see our two daughters looking curious throughout the rattan weaving demonstration, too,” said the researcher.
Another shopper Siti Fatimah Onn, 61, said she also enjoyed browsing around for kaftan and other handmade apparel for her grandchildren.
“The festival added some cheer in the mall and it is interesting to see a variety of products from intricate crafts to big handmade furniture on display.
“I think festivals like this are a recognition and acknowledgment of craftsmen’s skills,” she added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation Johor director Mohd Ridzwan Misran said the event, from March 15 to 27, provided a platform for the local craftsmen to reach a wider audience.
“Their income was severely affected as sales dropped by at least 70% due to the lack of tourism activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While handmade apparel and accessories could be sold online, larger craft pieces such as wooden furniture and ceramic pots were not even allowed to be produced as workshops were unable to operate during the movement control order.
“This programme is to help them jump start their business and assist them on their road to recovery, while also instilling the love of crafts in the public,” he told StarMetro.
The festival brought together craftsmen from Johor, Melaka, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang and Sabah in various disciplines such as textiles, woodwork, metal crafts, earthenware and miscellaneous crafts (such as fake flowers and decoupage), he added.
The festival’s next stop is Sarawak in April.
“There are demonstration areas for visitors to try making handicrafts like rattan weaving, batik printing and ceramic painting as we want to raise the people’s awareness of the different types of crafts,” said Mohd Ridzwan.
“Our local crafts scene is unique and beautiful in its own way, and it deserves more attention from the public.
“The festival also lets visitors get a head start in their festive shopping for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, as there is a wide selection of traditional attire, accessories and home decorations to choose from,” he added.
Mohd Ridzwan said his branch was planning a similar programme for the end of the year on a bigger scale called the Johor Craft Festival.
This event will include and showcase more crafts unique to the state.
Those interested can visit the ongoing event at Aeon Mall Bukit Indah in Johor Baru. It is open from 10am to 10pm.
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