Friday March 23, 2012

Give prisoners handicraft training, says Sultan

KUALA LUMPUR: Inmates in prison and detention centres should be given the opportunity to acquire skills to create handicraft, said the Sultan of Selangor.

In his speech at the launch of the National Craft Day here yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the inmates could undergo intensive training in making handicraft during their detention.

He said he wished for Kraftangan Malaysia to encourage the inmates to acquire handicraft skills and knowledge.

Royal skill: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah trying his hand at batik painting after launching National Craft Day in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With him are (from left) Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Rais and National Craft Institute trainer Noor Azizah Zainal Abidin.

“It will also give them the opportunity to become skilled in a craft and contribute to society and the nation upon their release,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin also urged Kraftangan Malaysia to work with craft entrepreneurs in enhancing and strengthening the industry so that it could give the country better returns.

Later, Information, Communica- tions and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said this year's National Craft Day, which ends on April 2, had seen a massive increase in sales with the sum expected to reach over RM30mil.

During the event, 10 people were conferred the Distinguished Craftsmen awards by the Sultan.

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