Khatijah showing a batik dress made using the eco-print technique which she learned through the Malaysian Handicraft’s Community Skills Development Programme. — Bernama
THE Malaysian Handicraft’s Community Skills Development Programme (PPKK) involving 2,676 participants recorded an income of RM12.8mil from October 2020 until April this year, involving 104 projects nationwide.
Malaysian Handicraft Industry Development division senior director Azizi Samsudin said of the total, RM799,296 was income from 143 people who participated in the Johor PPKK programme.
He added that the PPKK comprised eight projects and 16 community development activities to learn how to make wooden chess sets, rattan weaving, batik blocks, mengkuang weaving, batik eco-print as well as sewing.
Participants produced items such as face masks, shawls, bags, table runners and cushion covers.
Through the PPKK, participants are trained to make the products as well as learn entrepreneurship and marketing skills.
These skills help boost the target group’s chances of getting employed or turning handicraft- making into a full or part-time career, he said.
“The programme was started in 2020 when many lost their jobs.
“The government wanted to provide skills training to target groups, especially vulnerable members of society.
“PPKK participants are taught product development, marketing and promotion as well as integrated marketing communication skills,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff showing a book cover he made out of batik.
Azizi was speaking after the closing ceremony of the wooden chess set craft community development programme at the Segamat 2 Community College in Johor.
The event was closed by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar and attended by Johor Craft Complex director Mohd Ridzwan Misran.
A total of 15 participants received certificates in wooden chess craft skills during the ceremony.
PPKK batik eco-print craft participant Khatijah Mohammad, 37, encouraged others to participate in the programme if they wanted to transform their lives, especially youths, single mothers and those who had lost their jobs.
The mother-of-three from Pagoh said the PPKK had not only provided skills training but also helped participants market their craft products, both digitally and physically.
“I am thankful because all this while, I thought it was very difficult and I would not be able to generate income.
“However, even in the early stages I was able to achieve a four-digit income every month,” she said.
PPKK batik and sewing participant Mohd Yusoff Zaki, 34, from Tangkak said aid in the form of knowledge was more beneficial as it was long-term and taught participants how to be more independent.
Mohd Yusoff, who produces batik items using the shibori technique from Japan, said the knowledge and techniques he learned through the programme had made his handiwork more well-known and provided him with more income.
“The knowledge gained is more valuable than financial aid.
“The basis of my product is Terengganu batik but I had wanted to learn the shibori technique for a long time.
“Now, I have a unique identity and product, which is not available elsewhere,” he added. — Bernama
