The ODOI concept can be illustrated by the approaches undertaken in the production of craft products. The first approach known as the “craft heritage village” is adopted if many entrepreneurs in a particular district are actively engaged in the same craft based on local expertise and wisdom. The other key requirements for this approach are the availability of sustainable supply of natural resources, a lead entrepreneur to commercialize production, infrastructure and basic amenities to support the area as a tourist destination and the readiness of the local community to get involved in development programmes. The second approach known as “ala factory” caters for enterprises which are already in the business of handicraft production. Those enterprises absorbed into the ODOI programme undergo expansion in production to the extent of being able to offer fulltime or part-time job opportunities to the local population. Priority is given to enterprises having their own workshops and those ready to upgrade their production status to SME status.
The One District One Industry (ODOI) programme is indeed a strategic approach that can improve the wellbeing of the rural population in Malaysia. By revitalizing