 Pewterware
Exquisitely crafted pewter items include mugs, goblets, coffee sets,
clocks, letter opener and plaques. Leading names are Royal Selangor and
Tumasek. They can be found at hotel shopping arcades and shopping
complexes.
 Songket
Songket is Malaysian brocade that is intricately hand-woven with silver
or gold threads. Rich and heavily embroidered, the cloth makes superb
evening gowns. Buy the material untailored and have it made to measure,
or buy songket items such as handbags.
 Gold
Gold is of high quality here, often 22k. Items of traditional designs or
avert grade are available. Jewelers are located at shopping complexes,
hotels, city free shops within the city centre.
 Brassware
Brassware items generally come from the cottage industries in
Terengganu. Items include candle stands, vases, ash trays and plaques.
Best bought at handicraft centre.
 Woodcarvings
Woodcarvings, again, those from Kelantan or Terengganu, are of excellent
workmanship. Wood figurines of the orang asli (abourigines) also make
good buys. As these are bulky items, you can make arrangement with the
stores to have them sent home. Shopping complexes stock a good range of
such products.
 Food
Items Check out the supermarket,
grocery stores or pasar malam for locally-produced items such as tea,
pepper, prawn crackers and instant food preparations. |
 Batik
Batik combines wax brushing, dyeing, drying and boiling the material
which may be silk, cotton, rayon or satin. Batik items include hats,
scarves, ties, handkerchiefs, purses, kaftans, shirts, wrap-around
skirts, sun dresses, tablecloths, handbags, purses and paintings. The
quality of batik varies greatly. Good quality batik are sold at large
handicraft centers.
 Pottery
Sarawak pottery is ochre-coloured with bold geometric designs. Sayong
pottery, from Perak, Has the characteristic glossy black colour. There
is even pottery, from Johor, which uses batik and gold thread for a
distinctive look. Handicraft centers offer the best variety.
 Silk
Silk from Cendering, Terengganu is of international quality and makes a
good buy. Best bought at a handicraft centre or a specialty shop.
 Silverwork
Silverwork, especially those from Kelantan, is exquisite. Items to buy
are rose bowls, napkin holders, plaques and filigree jewellery.
Handicraft centers are again the best choices to buy silverwork.
 Basketry
Mengkuang leaves (screw pine) woven into table mats, hats, bags and
bedroom slippers make attractive and functional items. They are also
inexpensive. mengkuang products can be found at handicraft centers. |
