23/06/2025
Activity Update – Visit to Kuala Perlis: Interview with Puan Latifah binti Omar
On 29 June 2025, our group began the journey to Kuala Perlis at 3.00 p.m. to conduct an interview session with Puan Latifah binti Omar, a traditional craftswoman who specialises in rattan weaving. We travelled using a rental car that had been booked earlier specifically for this community project.
The journey to Kuala Perlis took approximately one hour, and we arrived at around 4.30 p.m. However, upon arrival, we encountered some confusion regarding the exact location, as the initial information we received led us to the wrong place. This situation prompted us to contact Puan Latifah to confirm the correct location of her workshop. She then provided the updated address, and we had to drive for another 15 minutes to reach the actual location.
Along the way to the workshop, we faced another challenge: the access road was narrow and not properly paved. The route could only accommodate one vehicle at a time, with paddy fields lining both sides of the road. This required us to drive with extra caution and full attention, especially when passing vehicles from the opposite direction.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Puan Latifah and the interview session began smoothly. The session lasted about 30 minutes and provided us with valuable insights into the challenges of digital marketing, the uniqueness of locally made rattan products, and her hopes for greater youth involvement in preserving traditional crafts.
After the interview, we realised that the rental car booking period was about to end, and the time left to return to UniCiti, UniMAP was very limited. With only around 15 minutes left, we quickly contacted the car owner to negotiate an extension. The discussion went well, and we were granted additional time. We safely arrived back at UniCiti at around 6.30 p.m.
Reflection and Lessons Learned:
From this visit, we gained many valuable experiences. First, the importance of early planning, especially in confirming the location in advance, was clear. Even a small mistake can affect the entire schedule. Second, physical challenges such as rural road conditions need to be considered carefully, particularly for community projects involving remote areas. Third, communication skills and the ability to handle unexpected situations professionally are essential for a successful field visit.
Overall, this visit not only provided important information for developing a digital marketing strategy for the local entrepreneur, but also taught us about patience, adaptability, and sensitivity to the realities faced by rural communities we aim to support.
