Visitors to the carnival can look forward to demonstrations by artisans from China, Uzbekistan, India and Thailand, as well as visit the many retail and exhibition booths featuring locally produced craft.

Speaking during the official opening of HKK 2024 last Saturday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he wants the local handicraft industry to continue driving the economic growth of the country’s tourism.

“The handicraft industry is related to tourism as it can attract visitors not only from China and India but also from Europe and the United States. Therefore, this sector plays an important role in boosting our economic growth,” he said in his speech.

This year’s carnival involves some 640 artisans who work with textiles, metal and wood, among other mediums.

Themed “Kraf Identiti Malaysia”, the event will be held until March 4 at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex. It features a variety of household items, gifts, souvenirs, fashion and accessory items, all innovatively crafted using local products.

Besides retail booths, there are many exhibitions worth checking out, such as Tokoh Kraf Negara 2024, Standard Kraftangan Malaysia, Kraf Komuniti Ku, Pavilion Institut Kraf Negara (IKN), Produk Kraf Baharu, and Adiguru Kraf.

In addition, visitors can enjoy onsite demonstrations on activities such as weaving and carving, as well as observe IKN students making their handicraft.

Coming with the kids? They’ll love the various child-friendly interactive programmes such as batik colouring, sculpting, and ceramic painting.

The carnival further features seminars, business matching sessions, and guided group tours for those seeking entrepreneurial opportunities in the handicraft industry.

Now in its 21st year, HKK 2024 is organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia).

Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
5, Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur