Status of Malaysian Handicrafts in Social-Cultural and Economic Development

Abstract

For Malaysia, handicrafts have been a source of income for the rural economy. It also embodies the cultural tradition of the Malays. The development of indigenous handicrafts in Malaysia can be said to span over the three decades, from the period before Malaysia's independence, to the present. Over the years, national policies, infrastructure and development plans for handicrafts have been formulated as part of a strategy to develop rural industries and employment for the rural population.