KUALA LUMPUR: The craft industry continues to show positive developments post Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the sales of craft products last year increased by 44.4 per cent compared to 2021.
"Therefore, it is hoped that this year, the sales of craft products will increase to a greater value, in line with the government's efforts to improve the national economy in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani," he said in his speech at the launch of 2023 National Craft Day (HKK2023).
Gracing the event was Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi, Kraftangan Malaysia director-general 'Ainu Sham Ramli, Dewan Rakyat speaker Datuk Johari Abdul and his wife Datin Noraini Mohd.
Tiong added the ministry, through Kraftangan Malaysia, has always encouraged continuous creativity among craft entrepreneurs.
"Kraftangan Malaysia has taken steps to help craft entrepreneurs in the design aspect and the discovery of new research, resulting in the production of innovative craft products.
"New product designs and research findings shared with entrepreneurs and the craft community can certainly help increase the variety of craft product offerings in the market that are more attractive, high quality and meet the needs of consumers at affordable prices.
"This is very important to ensure that more Malaysians use local craft products in their daily lives, thereby promoting Malaysian-made products," he said.
Meanwhile, 'Ainu Sham in her speech said Kraftangan Malaysia is aiming to rake in RM16 million from the sale of handicrafts during HKK2023.
She said Kraftangan Malaysia is targeting 185,000 visitors in the 13 days event, which started on March 1 and ends on March 13.
"A total of 550 entrepreneurs and the craft community, with the majority from the B40 group, gathered to promote and market their products.
"This annual event is very special because we are celebrating entrepreneurs and the craft community for their contribution to developing the country's craft industry.
"It serves as a meeting ground for craft industry activists, craft lovers and other related industries to exchange ideas and views for the progress of the country's craft industry."
Held at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, HKK2023 with the theme 'Kraf Identiti Malaysia' will showcase local entrepreneurs' works ranging from traditional textiles to classic woodcarvings.