NST Online: StreetsJohor

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:32 AM PDT

2011/08/10
By Sim Bak Heng

A group of women from Labis, Segamat, are keeping the art of basketry alive by making and teaching those interested

THE rattan handicraft is fast becoming a sunset cottage industry.

It is rare to see rattan baskets these days as most products are made of plastic in factories.

Making rattan baskets is time-consuming and in a fast-developing economy like ours, with ample job opportunity in cities, very few people are interested in going into handicraft-making.

However, a group of women from Rancangan Tanah Beliawanis in Labis, Segamat, are helping to keep this handicraft alive by learning to make rattan baskets and organising workshops to teach those interested.

Some samples of their basketry are being put on display in a workshop in the village, and those who want to purchase them will have to place their orders.

Halimah Atan, 58, who makes baskets of different sizes and designs, ventured into the industry in 2004 after she learned the art from Kraftangan Malaysia at Jalan Datin Halimah in Johor Baru.

Today, she has trained some 60 people, but she is not sure how many of her students ended up in the industry after mastering the art.

"When Kraftangan Malaysia showcases new designs, I will attend their courses to pick up what is new," she said.

"Basket-making is a creative industry. Without new designs to cater to the ever-changing needs of the people, it will be difficult to promote the art, sustain the industry, and make a living from it."

Among the types of baskets produced at the workshops are those for fruits or flowers, laundry, hampers, grocery shopping, storing eggs, magazine display and holding umbrellas.

There are also smaller ones like those that are used for Malay weddings.

The time taken to make each rattan product varies from only 20 minutes for an egg basket to two days for a laundry basket.

Price-wise, an egg basket costs only RM2 while the laundry basket is more than RM100.

Of all the products, the most saleable is the hamper basket and the order for it is especially high during festive seasons.

To add value to the products, Halimah will dye some of the rattan to create a contrast when weaving the basket, and this is part of the creative process.

As it is a small industry and Halimah is not able to afford the cost of advertising her products, she makes full use of opportunities to promote them at carnivals, fun fairs and family days.

"I participate in such events for the sake of promoting my handiwork, and not just to make money. After all, these baskets are all hand-made and not produced at factories. That is why we can't cope with big orders," she said.

"But we are delighted to see people coming to our stalls and appreciating our products."

Halimah is assisted by her sister Jamlimah and friend Siti Normah Masdar.

As they are operating from a small and simple workshop with limited facilities, Halimah hopes the government can provide a bigger and more comfortable building to work in for the sake of the industry.

To learn more about rattan handicraft, call Halimah at 07-927 0616.

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Ramadan fare with 1Malaysia theme

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 10:01 AM PDT

2011/08/11
By Jassmine Shadiqe

THIS year, M Suites Hotel rewards its guests in style. The major renovation works, onceto be completed soon, will mark the beginning of the new M Suites brand. A new façade, lobby and rooms will be unveiled.

Some new facilities will be added, including another eatery and a mini water park. It is an exciting phase for M Suites and as it is Ramadan, a sumptuous buka puasa buffet with a 1Malaysia theme awaits diners at the hotel.
The Ramadan Buka Puasa Buffet spread has been thoughtfully planned to satisfy even the most discerning of diners.
At Myra Bistro, Ramadan is celebrated the Muhibbah way with a variety of sumptuous Malaysian dishes.

Guests will be spoilt for choice as there are delicious Ramadan favourites, encompassing kampung fare, signature Chinese dishes and delectable Indian temptations. Live cooking stations featuring local delicacies will be showcased nightly.
Guests can look forward to M Suites' kambing golek , its traditional bubur lambuk , Myra Bistro's signature dish of asam pedas, satay , Ming Courts' sweet and sour soup, nasi beriani bukhari, barbecue stations and many more.
An ais kacang station will also be available, along with a colourful spread of local kuih and desserts.

The Ramadan buffet is priced at RM60++ per adult and RM30++ per child. It is available from 6.45pm to 10pm.
Myra Bistro also provides sahur meals from 3am till imsak for in-house guests.
For lovers of Chinese food, make your buka puasa reservation at Ming Court Chinese Restaurant. Known for its delicious Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, Ming Court offers three choices of Ramadan set menu from RM268++ per table for five to seven persons.

All set menus are inclusive of a plate of dates, bubur lambuk and a cold or hot beverage.
For those who want more privacy, they can choose to break fast at the banquet hall.
The menus are affordably priced from RM50++ per person (A minimum number of pax is required).
Surau facilities with an imam are available for Tarawih prayers.
For details on the Ramadan buffet, call 07-221 1000.

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Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Khamis, 11 Ogos 2011

NST Online: StreetsJohor

NST Online: StreetsJohor

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