KUALA LUMPUR: When Sasibai Kimis heard how traditional artisans in underserved communities struggled to get their products out to the market at large, she decided to do something about it.
Her new store near Central Market is a joint effort with the Sea Monkey Project, another social enterprise. “I couldn’t help them get over their trauma, so I used my skills in finance instead. I bought products from these survivors and sold them to my family and friends.” “As a Malaysian, I felt very uneducated about the rich heritage and culture we have. It was when I travelled the country and met all these local artisans that I realised we have such a rich heritage and so much of it is dying,” the 44-year-old said.
She said she was serious about the “Made in Malaysia” label as it was important to support local communities and the many artisans who depended on their crafts to earn a living.