MOTAC programmes aimed at helping boost national craft industry

In a statement issued yesterday, MOTAC said both programmes were under the Reskilling and Upskilling Programme initiative with an allocation of RM3.9 million.

The ministry said for the apprenticeship programme, job opportunities with selected crafts entrepreneurs would be offered to youths, the unemployed and other individuals in order to cultivate new talent.

“This programme will be implemented through the ‘place and train’ method, where participants will be placed with selected crafts entrepreneurs for six months and they will be provided training to become a skilled employee for the entrepreneur.

“Six projects under this programme have been implemented since Oct 1 which will continue till Mar 31 next year, involving 26 participants according to the types of craft,” the statement read.

States that are participating in this programme are Pahang (PPPK Royal Pahang weaving), Sarawak (PPPK Songket and Batik weaving), Terengganu (PPPK Songket weaving), Selangor (PPPK Ceramics), Langkawi (PPPK Crystal, Ceramics, Wood and Batik) and Perlis (PPPK Leather crafts).

Meanwhile, the ministry said PPKK would involve training to improve the crafts community to be involved directly in the crafts industry and to generate income.

“This programme will also use the 'train and place’ method where participants will be given training by Kraftangan Malaysia based on the crafts determined through four initiatives, namely Product Development, Craft Community Development, Marketing and Promotion as well as Integrated Marketing Communication,” the statement read.

MOTAC also reiterated its commitment to continue to help the crafts industry to compete and grow, in line with the ministry’s aim of enhancing Malaysians’ socio-economic status.