Artisans in Kelantan have issued a plea for government assistance as the traditional kite making (Wau) and batik industries face a critical shortage of raw materials. The price of specialized bamboo for Wau frames and high quality wax for batik has surged by 40% due to supply chain disruptions and climate related harvest failures. Many small scale family businesses fear that if costs continue to rise, these centuries old crafts may become economically unviable.

The Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation is currently looking into subsidies and alternative sourcing routes to help these heritage businesses survive. There are also efforts to encourage younger generations to take up the craft, as many veteran artisans are reaching retirement age without clear successors. Local tourism boards worry that a decline in these crafts will diminish the cultural appeal of the East Coast for international visitors.

Community workshops are being organized in Kota Bharu to discuss sustainable harvesting methods for bamboo and the potential for synthetic alternatives that do not compromise the quality of the final product. Preservationists argue that these crafts are not just products but symbols of Malaysian identity that require urgent protection. The state government is considering a "Cultural Heritage Grant" to support the purchase of materials for the remainder of the year.