MUKAH: Efforts to preserve the traditional weaving heritage of the Melanau community in Kampung Tellian Ulu are gaining momentum as local artisans continue to actively promote the craft ahead of the upcoming Kaul Mukah festival.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine expressed his support for the initiative by presenting uniformed T-shirts to the village handicraft group during a visit to the Tellian Ulu JKKK Hall on Friday (March 6).
The handicraft group, led by Johny Anthony, has been actively organising weekend craft classes around Mukah to revive and promote traditional weaving among the local community.
Royston said the contribution was a small gesture of encouragement for the group to remain active in preserving local handicraft traditions.
“This small token is a sign of my support for the group to continue their efforts in safeguarding local handicrafts,” he said.
Among the key products produced by the group is the ‘terendak’ Melanau, a traditional woven hat known as ‘tapou’ in Mukah, Oya, Balingian and Dalat, while in Matu, Daro and Rajang it is referred to as ‘seraong’.
The ‘terendak’ is a Melanau weaving craft made from rattan and sago palm branches.
It continues to be used in the daily lives of the Melanau community and remains in demand, particularly with the Kaul Mukah festival expected to take place at the end of April, with the main highlight in early May.
With the festival approaching, demand for traditional handicrafts such as the ‘terendak’ is expected to increase, providing local artisans with opportunities to generate income while ensuring the preservation of Melanau weaving heritage.
