Kelantan: The Malaysian Craft Council (MCC) is actively nurturing young talent in Kelantan to keep the traditional weaving art alive and prevent it from fading away. MCC treasurer Ariza Mohd Yusoff said the initiative was carried out through The Textile Project (TTP), a community-based programme aimed at training skilled apprentices in craft arts, including kelingkan embroidery and songket weaving.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative, which received full support from Yayasan Hasanah, involved four student recruitment sessions and spanned an 18-month implementation period. Ariza mentioned that the project commenced last April with a kelingkan embroidery course. The first session concluded last July, with 20 students successfully mastering the skills of producing traditional embroidery art after completing an intensive three-month course. Graduates of the course are not only able to produce kelingkan embroidery, but some have even earned up to RM3,000 for a single shawl.

Ariza, who is also the TTP project director, stated that the second intake, scheduled to begin at the end of this month, would focus on songket weaving. So far, only seven participants have signed up for the second session, while the target is 20. She expressed hope that more people would come forward to register, as this course is offered free of charge. Participants need not worry if they lack skills, as guidance will be provided from zero to hero. Assistance in securing grants and promoting artistic products to both local and international markets will also be offered.

The initiative not only strengthens the textile sector, which forms part of the national agenda in the country's development policy, but also creates economic opportunities for the local community, particularly for women and traditional textile art practitioners. Among the requirements to participate in this course are being a Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above and willing to fully commit throughout the programme. Those interested can obtain more information via MCC's Facebook and Instagram pages.