Labu sayong among attractions at AKM tour in Perak

PASIR SALAK, July 2 (Bernama) -- A booth displaying and selling Perak’s heritage craft, ‘labu sayong’ (gourd-shaped clay pitcher) is among the attractions at the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (AKM) or Malaysian Family Aspirations Tour which is being held at the Dato’ Sagor Circuit in Kampung Telok, Kampung Gajah here.

Labu sayong gets its name from the place where the clay being used to make the traditional craft can be found, namely kampung sayong in kuala kangsar

Labu sayong potter Harun Mat Jidin, 57, who has been running the family business for 20 years said the traditional pitcher has not only gained the attention of locals, but also people from abroad.

In fact, he said there were also parties who wrote a thesis about the pottery making.

“What makes it unique is that the clay used to make them can only be found in Sayong,” the Harun Pottery & Homestay owner told Bernama.

Meanwhile, Perak Branch Kraftangan Malaysia Economic Affairs officer, Ku Norasriza Ku Ahmad said currently, there are more than 100 labu sayong entrepreneurs in the Kuala Kangsar district.

She said these entrepreneurs have diversified labu sayong into various forms from its original use as a water storage container to home decorative items such as table lamps.

Kuala Kangsar Member of Parliament, Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid, when met at the event said the AKM tour can serve as the best platform to promote local craft products such as labu sayong, especially among the younger generation to ensure that they are not forgotten.

“It (AKM tour) will also help small and medium enterprises increase their income,” said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Tasks).

The Perak AKM Tour opened its doors yesterday with more than 30,000 visitors expected to attend the three-day programme.

-- BERNAMA