KENINGAU: Rosiah Kuruak arrived here on Friday evening to fulfil her two missions – to check out the newly launched Sabah Handicrafts Centre and also to see the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak up-close.
“I came all the way from Kampung Gaya Ratau in Tamparuli to see this building. It is huge and I believe it would benefit the people well,” said the 45-year-old mother of two children.
Rosiah said she would not mind sending her children to undergo the handicraft making courses as she believed it had great potential and would help to increase their income.
As for mission number two, Rosiah said: “I am all excited to see our nation’s premier leader since I have only seen him on television and never met him personally. So being here is such a great opportunity,” she said.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is on a two-day visit here. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and other cabinet ministers.
Meanwhile, best friends Mohd Amin Muhidin and Yuslan Jafri, both 37, were proud when Najib and Rosmah admired their batik works.
“It took us four sleepless nights to finish the batik. We decided to draw the nation’s premier leader and our first lady and added the Sabah concept into the creation,” said Mohd Amin.
Asked on the most challenging part of the project, both pointed at the faces of the two national figures.
“We wanted to make sure that it is perfect,” he said.
Another trainee at the centre, Claire Maidin, said she never regretted signing up for the Hydrostone Course.
“It is a three months course and I have only been here for about two weeks. This is an interesting opportunity for me to learn some skills,” said the 19-year-old lass from Kampung Toboh Baru, here.
As for the senior ones Mursdah Muang, 53, Solumi Mijaa, 39, and Maruajib Ahmad, 54, it is a great opportunity to have a place to showcase their works.
“Besides, I get to improve my existing skills,” said Nursdah from Kuala Penyu, who has been making mats for the past two years.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah Handicrafts Centre - One-stop centre for handicraft making and marketing
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