Malaysian handicraft to market products via digital platform

KOTA BHARU, Oct 9 -- The Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation will use the digital platform to promote and market the country's handicrafts in the international market starting next year.

Its director-general Ibrahim Ismail said negotiations were underway with all the handicraft entrepreneurs to come together in a one digital platform.

"Next year we will focus on doubling our campaigns and promotions both domestically and internationally. To that end we will focus on the use of digital platforms to keep pace with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

“We have also submitted a special application to the government for the purpose of promoting the country's craft industry via the 2020 Budget which will be tabled this Friday,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the Engagement Session with Craft  Entrepreneur  at the Malaysian Handicraft Kelantan Branch here Tuesday, which was also attended by State Handicraft director Nor Azmi Ismail.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim said craft entrepreneurs needed to keep pace with the evolution of the craft industry, including making relevant innovations in order to compete with other countries' craft products.

"We recognise that the craft industry is fragile and is facing challenges from competitors from other countries, especially in terms of pricing. In this issue we see craft entrepreneurs need to be more creative by providing a wide range of materials for everyday use at a more affordable price,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the craft industry contributed about RM500 million to the country's revenue last year, largely from the sales of textiles.

He said the same amount is expected to be achieved this year with the involvement of some 20,000 craft entrepreneurs nationwide.

-- BERNAMA