THE art of wood carving is one that has been around for decades, synonymous with the identity of Malays.
THE art of wood carving is one that has been around for decades, synonymous with the identity of Malays. While it is considered a cottage industry, the craft has a huge growth potential, largely due to the rich timber resources – of approximately 3,000 species – available in the country.
At the same time, wood is a natural material that is very suitable for carving with a high aesthetic value and can be used in various ways including as a value-added component to other products, mainly for use in furniture, ships or decorative panels.
For instance, furniture combined with wood carving is known as design craft, which is capable of bringing higher profit margins in terms of price, as it is unique with its own special identity that has untapped potential.
This explains its popularity among Malaysians as locally, the industry can achieve a yearly market value of between RM150mil and RM200mil.
“The wood carving industry has a very big potential and can guarantee exciting returns, in addition to having high aesthetic value. Each motif that is sculpted comes with its own story and plot.
“These are what give the products strong added value, if they are marketed widely in the international market, ” said Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) director-general Mohd Kheiruddin Mohd Rani.
At present, there are about 500 entrepreneurs actively involved in various capacities in the wood carving industry across the country, but there are only 42 who make their living as wood carvers, such as wood carving Master Craftperson Abd Muhaimin Hasbollah.
Mohd Kheiruddin: The wood carving industry has a very big potential that can guarantee exciting returns.
He shared, “Wood carving is a national art heritage that will die if it is not maintained and preserved as much as possible. It is the responsibility of the government, its related agencies and the public to ensure that development continues, especially in conservation efforts, as well as education and documentation activities.”
In order to not only preserve but also develop the industry, MTIB holds an important responsibility. Among the early efforts that have been made include the Wood Carving Development Strategic Plan 2021-2030, which aims for the mass production of wood carving by creating demand and increasing sales, as well as generating a new and more profitable source of income for local wood carvers.
Amongst the focus areas of the strategic plan is alignment with the latest technological developments, as the wood carving industry must leverage readily available technology to remain sustainable in the long run, so that the industry’s development can soar to higher heights within a shorter period of time.
One way of doing so is through the upskilling of wood carvers to increase productivity, such as using technology like laser cutters, computer numerical control tools for engraving and 3D printers to breathe new life and open a wider scope towards the production and usage of wood carving.
Currently, MTIB is in the midst of executing the Lakar Meet Lakar programme to develop the industry towards mass production, through collaboration with Tanggam Design Centre designers to create wood carving elements incorporated in modern furniture.
According to MTIB industry development division senior assistant director Nik Zuraihah Nik Mohammad, the aim is to move from handmade to mass production by matching designers with wood carvers to synergise and create new furniture designs.
“It’s a new way of designing more contemporary pieces to introduce the craft to a new generation through mass production. The designs still maintain our traditions and heritage, while the means of production are modern, ” she said, adding that wood carvers have become more accepting of the new direction as a new vertical of their business to diversify revenue sources.
Moreover, MTIB is doubling down on its marketing efforts through existing channels and new programmes, with a focus on state-level promotional activities to be expanded to national levels. It will also be involved in efforts to position Besut, Terengganu as a national wood craft centre, where various programmes related to the development of wood carving will be held.
To further raise the acceptance of wood carving products in the international arena, MTIB will also be identifying suitable markets for promotional and market exploration activities, including trade missions that local wood carvers can participate in.
With an eye on the future, MTIB is looking to intensify training to those who are interested in entering the industry to create a new generation of local wood carvers to carry on the tradition, by holding suitable courses.
It is also actively undertaking efforts to record and immortalise high-value wood carving products, such as Mohd Salizan Abd Rahman’s production process and carvings at Terengganu’s Singgahsana Istana Syarqiyyah to serve as reference for generations to come.
