MIRI (July 21): Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau has urged the Orang Ulu women to tap into the thriving handicraft industry, highlighting its potential for a lucrative source of income if pursued consistently.

The Sarawak Tourism Board chairman said the Orang Ulu community is privileged to inherit the skills and arts of making unique handicrafts that are often sought after and cannot be found elsewhere except in Sarawak.

“According to Sarawak Craft Council, Sarawak recorded total sales of RM23 million in 2023 and for this year, they expect to hit RM25 million sales.

“This means that the handicraft industry has the potential to become a lucrative source of income for those who consistently and diligently work on their products,” he said when officiating the closing of a workshop  on Orang Ulu beadmaking “Bua Tebaeng Bela” at a leading hotel here last night.

Dennis highlighted that the handicraft industry offers several income opportunities for the Orang Ulu women.

“One can choose to become the producers of the products. You can start making your own products. Whatever you have learnt today at this workshop, you can go back and start making them and make full use of whatever skills you’ve learnt today,” he said.

Dennis said the Orang Ulu women also have the option to become the entrepreneurs, whose role would involve buying and selling products from the producers.

Additionally, he said some individuals can take on roles as marketers and designers of the handicraft products.

“Whatever you choose to be, you can do it as long as you are doing it consistently. We have to change our mindset and think of new ways to earn income,” he added.

Dennis said during the recent Gawai Dayak bazaar in Kuching, a total of 25 entrepreneurs participated by selling their handicraft products.

He added that over the course of the month-long bazaar, the entrepreneurs recorded a total sales figure of RM500,524.

On another note, Dennis thanked the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) for supporting the Orang Ulu women by giving them opportunities to improve their craft skills.

He said that it was the first time that SEDC had collaborated with the Orang Ulu women to organise such a workshop, which was focused on the making of the Orang Ulu red pendant, also known as “Kabo”.

A total of 70 Orang Ulu women took part in the one-day workshop.

Among those present at the function were SEDC director (Entrepreneur & Community Development Division) Nikk Adam Abdillah Kipalli, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Telang Usan women chief Margaret Nawan and organising chairlady Julia Baun Ngau.