Challenges on preserving labu sayong knowledge

While researching and interviewing Cik Nor, the Adiguru Kraf, there are mainly 2 challenges that he addressed. Firstly, the lack of public awareness and publicity. The second is the younger generation is not aware of this indigenous knowledge.

Lack of public awareness and publicity. We know that labu sayong is used to store water on a daily basis by the older people in old times. However, in this globalization era, the number of users is decreasing because its functions have been taken over by modern solutions such as refrigerators which can keep any food and drink cool all the time, with the help of electricity. Also, the aesthetic value of traditional pottery now is less appreciated by the public thus resulting in less demand for this product.

Besides that, it is difficult to pass on this traditional knowledge to the younger generation as they are becoming more interested in Western culture. Labu sayong is considered outdated. Not only it considered as outdated, but the thought of its process where it requires high skills has also made youth show disinterest in the knowledge. The process is true, a tedious job. This could jeopardize its continued existence.