SABAK BERNAM, Sept 17 — The Sungai Air Tawar state constituency is empowering rural women’s involvement in the workforce, including with a plan to set up a batik and songket centre for the group.
Assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail said the effort aims to bring small and medium enterprise (SME) products, such as handicraft made by rural women, to wider markets.
The state executive councillor for rural development and unity said women are the backbone of family institutions and the drivers of unity, and they can be economically empowered through various programmes.
“This is why I asked the Sungai Air Tawar Penggerak Wanita Berdaya to create jobs for women, especially single mothers, in Sabak Bernam. Among our plans is to set up a batik and songket centre in this state constituency.
“We have identified women’s products such as SMEs, handicraft, and such that we can help in the aspect of marketing so their products can be marketed,” he said.
Rizam was met after Karnival Wanita Desa Kampung Tradisi Rumpun Selangor, held in Sungai Air Tawar here, yesterday.
During the carnival, Selangor was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest hair-shaving ceremony for babies (cukur jambul), with 100 infants undergoing the rite.
The event also featured the waxing of Selangor’s Longest Batik, which measures 40m and features a nine-petal bunga tanjung, which is the state’s official flower.
