THE Malaysian Craft Council (MCC) is actively nurturing young talents in Kelantan to keep the traditional weaving art alive.
MCC treasurer Ariza Mohd Yusoff said the initiative was carried out through The Textile Project (TTP), a community-based programme aimed at training skilled apprentices in traditional crafts such as kelingkan embroidery and songket weaving.
She said the initiative, which received support from Yayasan Hasanah, involved four student recruitment sessions and spanned an 18-month implementation period.
“We started this project in April with a kelingkan embroidery course.
“The first session concluded in July, with 20 students successfully mastering the skills of producing traditional embroidery art after completing an intensive three-month course.
“Some skilled graduates have even earned up to RM3,000 for a single shawl (made from kelingkan embroidery),” she told Bernama at the Kelantan Textile and Malay Heritage Festival at Istana Balai Besar in Kota Baru.
Ariza, who is also TTP project director, said the second intake, that began at the end of September, focused on songket weaving.
“Participants need not worry if they lack skills, as we will provide guidance.
“We will also assist in securing grants and promoting their artistic products to both local and international markets,” she said, adding that the course was offered free of charge.
In addition to strengthening the textile sector, Ariza said the initiative also created economic opportunities for the local community.
Those interested in participating must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, and are willing to fully commit throughout the programme.
For details, visit MCC’s social media platforms.
