KUCHING: Clog (terompah) and beaded shoe maker Sally Tan, who hails from Malacca, might find better luck at the Sarawak Craft Festival here.
She is excited to showcase her products again at the festival following a slowdown in her business two years ago.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that restricted tourism activities, she said her business had to depend on orders online as she could not open her shop.
“Now that my shop is open, I can continue my business which is my hobby for over 30 years already.
“This terompah is a traditional wear from our ancestor, and I want the culture to continue and let our younger generation know about it,” she told New Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak Craft Festival, Kuching Waterfront in conjunction with Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022.
She said, terompah making was getting less popular among the community, but with the craft festival organised by the government, she hoped it would create interest among the younger generation.
Meanwhile, beads craft entrepreneur Phyllis Tobi said the festival was timely for them to make money following a slowdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is really good for the government to come up with this festival, which helps us a lot.
“Because, during the pandemic I only depend on social media and friends in promoting my products, beads pattern that I designed by myself for earrings, necklaces and many others.
“I hope in future, we could participate again in such festivals so that we can sell our products,” she said.
The festival showcases about 50 craft entrepreneurs comes from several states including Sarawak, Sabah and Malacca.
The four-day event started yesterday (Feb 24).
