HANDICRAFT INDUSTRY STILL NEEDS SKILLED WORKERS

KUALA KANGSAR (Malaysia), Jan 8 (Bernama) -- The handicraft industry will
still depend on the need for skilled workers to grow even with the introduction
of sophisticated equipment and machines.

Chief executive officer of Mariwasa Kraftangan Sdn Bhd (MKSB), Puteri
Rafidah Megat Noh, said the handicraft products, whether metal or wood, needed
skilled workers to ensure the products were of high quality.

"We can invest millions on sophisticated machines but the human expertise
are still needed for refined work to produce the handicrafts," she told
reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony for MKSB's second factory at the
Industrial Zone here Friday.

MKSB is one of the country's biggest producers of pewter, copper, silver and
gold products and souvenirs.

Puteri Rafidah said MKSB would offer opportunities for 'dropouts' to pick up
a skill in the factory.

"Handicraft workers do not need high educational qualifications ... what's
important is their interest because the skills acquired will be a worthwhile
reward in terms of salary and they can also work until they are old," she said.

She said MKSB, set up in 1975, now has over 140 workers.

Puteri Rafidah said the expansion of its factory was to meet the demand for
its products locally and overseas.

"The company is expected to spend RM3 million to expand the factory and
about RM2 million on sophisticated machines. (US$1=RM3.38)
-- BERNAMA