Lack of goldsmiths in the country puts sector at risk, say groups

Pro at work: SMS Deen Jewellers’ goldsmith Saravanan making gold jewellery pieces at the shop in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s glittering gold industry is at a crossroads, with a striking imbalance of just one goldsmith for every four jewellery shops.

A prominent industry leader has called for adopting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in goldsmithing to ensure the survival of this craft and maintain the country’s competitive edge in the global market.Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Chiah Hock Yew said there has been a declining trend of gold craftsmen in the country.