Kota Kinabalu: A Kota Kinabalu-based social enterprise, G1FT, conducted an integrated sewing and batik-making programme in two villages in Nabawan, recently.
The villages – Kg Binanun and Kg Pangaraan – are located in Mukim Tatalaan and the aim was to empower the local economy and create a sustainable value chain.
Fashion designer cum G1FT founder Zee Shazila said the initiative was designed after discovering that the Murut community’s rich cultural traditions, despite being the third largest ethnic group in Sabah, are “still very underrepresented and rarely narrated.”
“Surveys conducted among these marginalised interior communities also highlighted the severe economic hardships, thus prompting the need for such a programme,” she said in a statement.
In response, an integrated programme named “Ampikit Ambatik Tumoro” (in Murut, meaning “rising together through batik making and sewing”) was organised.
During the four-month programme, Kg Pangaraan focused on batik making, while Kg Binanun specialised in sewing, creating a sustainable value chain between the two communities.
The programme ended recently, and its graduation was held.
Zee said it marked the first fashion show in the interiors showcasing Murut batik fashion products such as cardigans, bags, pouches and scarves, among others, created by the communities.
“We hope that more corporations, government agencies, and foundations will support all efforts to create a value chain through cultural design in this community,” said Zee.
G1FT co-founder Ivy JL said, as a Murut herself, it was heart-warming to see the social enterprise’s small contribution in transferring knowledge and skills to these women, which enable them to earn income, promote Murut cultural identity, and create a new cottage industry.
Axiata Foundation CEO Kamal Nawawi officiated the event, and funded the initiative through the Sabah Social Entrepreneurs Association (Sosea).
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