Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Miri Launches Inaugural Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration

The event was meant to promote traditional handicrafts while providing a platform for veterans and their families to showcase their creativity and strengthen community bonds.

PVATM Miri members and guests mingle during the Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration at PVATM Miri yesterday.

MIRI (May 4): The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Miri launched its inaugural Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration yesterday, marking a significant event for the association.

The exhibition, held at PVATM Miri, aimed to promote traditional handicrafts and provide a platform for veterans and their families to showcase their creativity.

The ceremony was officiated by Councillor Dato Victor Lau, who represented Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Lau expressed his appreciation for PVATM Miri’s successful organisation of the event, highlighting the creativity and financial effort evident in the handicrafts.

He also urged attendees to support the veterans by purchasing their handmade products, as this would directly contribute to the association’s welfare.

“These events not only strengthen the association but also offer an opportunity for the wider community to better understand and support our veterans,” Lau said.

In his speech, Lau outlined five key goals for the event and association.

These included uniting veterans, encouraging more to register with the association and raising funds to support its operations.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits they are entitled to from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

“There is also a need to expand activities that can benefit veterans and foster stronger ties between retired and active military personnel and the state government.

“I hope PVATM Miri will continue to receive strong community support and thrive in the years ahead,” he said.

Following the officiating ceremony, guests had the chance to tour the exhibition area, engage with vendors and admire the array of handmade crafts on display.

Among those present were PVATM Miri head Nelus Nyelak; PVATM Sri Kandi head Juliana Esah Kakok; Councillor Lisa Yu, who represented Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; and Councillor Sean Huang, who represented Miri mayor Adam Yii.