SUBANG JAYA: The 4K (family, career, health and community) Women Empowerment programme has made its way into the Malaysia Book of Records for the collection and display of 8,509 handmade bags.
The custom made bags with various sewing techniques and fabrics were done by 896 tailors nationwide from Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia (PSJKM) and are being exhibited at the handmade market, at the Sewing World Gallery, Sky Park @ One City here, from Nov 22 until 25.
PSJKM chairman Fully Chye Goet Lee said the 4K programme was aimed at encouraging its members to come up with creative ideas to produce handmade products.
"Carrying the the theme “Masih ada yang sayang”, it provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to start their business with their own products,”she added.
Chye said the programme is held in collaboration with Epal Handicraft Training Centre, with the support of the International Trade and Industry Ministry, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Communications and Multimedia Ministry, and Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
“We are also cooperating with the respective agencies to provide 30 buses to bring visitors to the exhibition centre. The Sewing World Gallery will be made part of the tourist attraction,” she added.
Chye expects at least 1,200 visitors to come to the exhibition and handmade market, which was launched by PSJKM patron Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah on Thursday.
Meanwhile, some 200 women entrepreneurs are showcasing their products at the handmade market, or Tunku Azizah Handmade Market, over the four-day event.
Tunku Azizah said the programme could help empower women, especially from the B40 category to sell handmade products.
“As they also have the responsibility of taking care of the family, this initiative offers a great opportunity to earn an income for those who are skillful with their hands, such as sewing, which is also a passion of mine."
The Tunku Azizah handmade market offers handicraft such as handmade quilted bags, custom made jewellery and batik products.
The exhibition and handmarket are open from 10am to 7pm until Sunday.