SABAH-MADE ORNAMENTAL STONES HAVE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), Sept 11 (Bernama) --Ornamental stones produced in East Malaysia state of Sabah have the potential to be promoted as another local handicraft products to tourists, Sabah branch Malaysian Handicrafts Development Corporation director Mohd Mokhtar Lop Ahmad said Friday.

He said the corporation was conducting research and development (R&D) on
commercial production of the products.

"We know many people come to Sabah to buy ornamental stones, but most of the
products are imported from China and the Philippines.

'The Geoscience Department has found that Sabah has high quality jades, so
this is among the ornamental stones we are working on," he told Bernama.

Mohd Mokhtar said technical training on production of ornamental stones was
provided by the corporation and that there were now 2,218 registered craft
operators in Sabah.

Mohd Mokhtar suggested the craft operators to form a consortium or an
association to manage production, as well as sales, of their products.

"We also suggest that the Sabah branch Malaysian Handicraft Complex be the
one-stop centre to exhibit, promote and sell craft products," he added.
-- BERNAMA