Johor Craft Festival also featured activities for the family, including giant board games. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
FROM intricate pottery to traditional wear and woodwork products, the Johor Craft Festival had it all.
Industrial designer Goh Chee Yong said the event was the perfect opportunity to introduce Malaysia’s vast cultural heritage to his Japanese wife.
“Our eyes were immediately drawn to the multiple displays at the event, all showcasing the artisans’ skills.
“We were also captivated by the pottery because the designs are something we have not seen before,” he told StarMetro.
Goh is happy to introduce Malaysia’s cultural heritage to his Japanese wife.
Goh, who is originally from Taiping, Perak, but has lived in Johor Baru for over three decades, said both he and his wife were art lovers.
“My wife is really into arts and crafts, so this is a perfect opportunity for her.
“The festival was more than a shopping trip; it was a chance to immerse ourselves in the nation’s craft and traditions.
“We are amazed at how diverse the products are and I can feel the history and skill behind every piece,” he said.
Goh believes that if promoted widely, the festival can attract more tourists and visitors in line with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026.
Ketiswary came looking for batik baju kurung and baju kebaya made with soft fabrics.
Another visitor, A. Ketiswary said she was drawn to the fabrics used for traditional batik baju kurung and baju kebaya showcased at the fair.
“I like batik designs made with cotton and silk because they are soft and breathable, making them comfortable to wear in Malaysian weather.
“I brought along my mother to look for baju kurung batik or baju kebaya for an upcoming event, and we also explored the different crafts,” said the quality engineer.
Ketiswary said she was impressed by how the festival had brought together unique crafts from all over the country under one roof.
Housewife Noorfadzillah Daud said she enjoyed discovering rare handicrafts that she had never seen before.
“The designs from Sarawak truly captivated me – from their traditional beaded attire to the decorative wooden wall hangings.
“The products are of high quality and you can tell how much time and skills were poured into the craft, making them worthy of the price tag.”
She added that the festival was perfect to promote local products to foreigners.
Noor Azima says the fair helps to promote Malaysian identity through handicrafts.
Kraftangan Malaysia’s Johor director Noor Azima Mohd Alwi said the annual festival gathered about 200 artisans from all over the country.
“The aim of the festival is not only to promote local products, but also encourage appreciation for the crafts and support the artisans.
“At the same time, this helps to promote the country’s identity through local handicrafts, in line with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026,” she said.
Noor Azima said the festival was also a chance to bring artisans’ creations closer to the community while generating income for them.
She said the festival, held at Padang Akasia, Angsana Johor Baru Mall, coincided with the year-end school holidays so both children and their parents could attend and explore Malaysia’s local crafts.
Apart from exhibition booths, the event featured business matching, performances, interactive demonstrations and workshops for visitors of all ages, she added. — By MYSARA FAUZI
