A mother of three, Maimunah* (not her real name) was at a loss when her husband lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With schoolgoing children and bills to pay, the 36-year-old Selangor-based homemaker had to find ways to help earn some income.
Luckily, she found out about Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), a social enterprise which helps single women, single mothers, the OKU group and stay-at-home mums earn a sustainable income through sewing.
The organisation seeks orders for handmade corporate gifts, fashion items and souvenirs from the corporate sector, government bodies and other organisations.
Maimunah is currently one of around 50 tailors from all over the Klang Valley working with KTJ. She is able to earn RM200-RM300 a week, enabling her to pay for food and groceries.
Generally, all the tailors at KTJ have basic sewing skills. However, to be able to sew corporate gifts, they require upskill training – something provided by KTJ – as the items involve more complicated materials and precision.
KTJ secures orders for its handsewn products from corporate companies, government bodies and other organisations.
Established in November 2018, KTJ was founded by Yap Sue Yii, who was then running her first fashion start-up (Royale Demure).
Yap, 28, realised the need to find small-time tailors to help fulfill small bulk clothing orders, as factories were not able to do so.
“Through the outsourcing of sewing jobs to neighbourhood tailors, word slowly got around and soon, there was a group of women from the community who wanted more work. However, there weren't enough clothing orders to go around, ” she recalled.
Yap felt that she had to do something to help the women and that was how KTJ came about.
“By designing and creating bespoke, handmade corporate gifts, KTJ would be able to help these home-based tailors earn a side income, ” she said.
Before the MCO, corporate gifts such as tote bags, recyclable bags and PU (polyurethane) pouches were among the best-selling items.
Tengku Zatashah, sporting a face mask made by KTJ, has been very supportive of the social enterprise's work. Photo: Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah
“We focus a lot on customisation and quality. But what really sets us apart is that all these sewing jobs actually put food on the table for our tailors and their families. We hope that more corporate clients see the added-value in purchasing products with impact, ” she said, adding that Selangor Princess Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is a strong supporter of KTJ.
When the pandemic set in, the social enterprise ventured into sewing face masks – using mainly batik material – which come with pockets for filters.
“The team kept on improving the masks at every level – functionality, fit, design, fabric and durability. We are currently on our sixth version and we haven't stopped improving!”
Since the start of the movement control order, KTJ has produced over 10,000 pieces.
“Corporations and SMEs purchase our masks for their staff and as corporate gifts. We are extremely appreciative and grateful to receive good feedback from our clients and many returning customers.