KENINGAU: The Sabah Foundation Group has set aside 200 acres for bamboo and rattan in the Sabah Foundation Concession, Class II Forest Reserve, Sungai Pinangah, in Sook.
Its Director, Datuk Seri Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar said this is part of the Foundation’s efforts to preserve raw material sources for the handicraft industry.
“Although this programme is only a year old, the Sabah Handicraft Centre (PKS) has not stopped implementing various activities to make the programme a success,” he said in his speech read by Corporate Secretary, Haji Hanafiah Diman, at the appreciation and Closing Ceremony of the Special Native Programme (PKAN).
It was officiated by Deputy Director General, Strategic Development Sector, Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), Dato Norashiken Haji Ishak.
PKS collaborated with the Sabah Foundation Group Research Division and the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah in sharing research findings on bamboo plants and effective plantation methods, as well as obtaining expert services in the field of Research and Development (R&D).
Several PPBM participants have also taken steps as young entrepreneurs by producing bamboo and rattan-based products and have successfully earned income through the sale of their products.
“A total of four PPBM participants have been successfully accredited with the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 2 in Furniture Making through the Prior Achievement Assessment method,” he said.
To develop craft entrepreneurship, the Business Start-up Fund Program was created specifically to help develop crafters who have the potential to become entrepreneurs.
In 2025, under the Special Program for Sabah Natives, 12 crafters were selected to receive a start-up fund injection for the development of their craft enterprises, which includes sole proprietorship and community entrepreneurs.
“At the community level, industrial sewing machine assistance was provided to the Kampung Lompozou Handicraft Community and Kopunadan Women’s Handicraft Association, both in Kudat, and cylinder sewing machine assistance was provided to the Pulau Omadal Semporna Women’s Association to assist in the production of high-quality and aesthetic handicrafts,” he said.
He hoped that this injection of funds and equipment would produce successful craft entrepreneur icons in the eyes of the community.
PKS is working to obtain recognition as an accredited center for SKM certification. This is PKS’s future plan to raise the status of handicraft enthusiasts in the state.
