Critical Factors Influencing the Disappearance of Handicraft Products in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

• Published in: The international journal of interdisciplinary cultural studies 2021, Vol.17 (1), p.69-86
• Main Authors: Mohd Tokiran, Nurul Syfa’ binti, Hussin, Dr Norhayati, Ahmad, Masitah, Shahibi, Mohd Sazili
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capital; Copper; Disappearance; Government agencies; Handicrafts; Home based businesses; Interviews; Pottery; Rural communities; Sustainability
• ISSN: 2327-008X; 2327-2554
• DOI: 10.18848/2327-008X/CGP/v17i01/69-86

This article aims to discover and explore the near-extinct handicraft products, and the factors influencing the disappearance of handicraft products in the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The handicraft industry plays a vital role in the economy of sustainable rural communities in the cottage industry. However, several handicraft products are on the brink of disappearing in this industry if there are no plans and solutions forthcoming to preserve them. The article utilized a qualitative approach to provide an understanding of the current scenario of the handicraft industry, through a semi-structured interview with the officials at a prominent government agency, which manages the development of handicrafts and sustainability in the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, namely in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. Through the interview sessions, it was found that there are several handicraft products, such as “keringkam,” silver, copper, and pottery, to name a few, that would disappear if there is no action taken to preserve the knowledge of making them. The most significant factors that contribute to the disappearance of handicraft products include the unwillingness of the beneficiary to inherit the legacy, the complex and time-consuming processes of making the product, and the emergence of a substitute product, a lack of raw materials and the limited amount of financial capital provided by the government. This article aims to contribute possible solutions to ensure the spread of knowledge of local handicraft products among the villagers, including the younger generation, and could serve as a reference for the future.