BY ANIS HIPNI
KANOWIT: Creativity and innovation took centre stage as 36 women from Nanga Ngungun completed a hands-on workshop aimed at enhancing their skills in ‘Buri’ cloth making – a traditional craft with promising income-generating potential.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Women’s ‘Buri’ Cloth-making Workshop at Rumah Rety, Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana encouraged women to actively pursue economic empowerment by harnessing their creativity and traditional skills.
He emphasised that women should not be discouraged by personal challenges or limitations when seeking opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
“Besides managing their households, women – especially mothers – need to be smart in identifying ways to earn an income,” he said.
Anyi added that traditional crafts like ‘Buri’ weaving can become a viable source of income when properly developed and promoted, especially with growing interest in handmade and cultural products.
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from local women, all eager to gain new skills and explore how to turn their craft into a sustainable business opportunity.
Also present at the ceremony were Anyi’s wife Gelim Utan, political secretary to the Minister of National Unity Dr Stephen William, Kanowit District Council secretary Bilong Ingkas, workshop instructor Wong Yau Nyau, Penghulu Pree Minggat, Penghulu Tiong Ming Kiong, councillors Mutang Kerani and Usin, as well as several village heads and residents.
The event concluded with a showcase of the participants’ ‘Buri’ creations and a renewed commitment to support women’s entrepreneurship and grassroots economic growth in rural communities.
