Exquisitely crafted pewter items include mugs, goblets, ashtrays, vases, figurines, clocks, letter-openers and plaques. Leading names are Royal Selangor and Tumasek. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre (03 4145 6000) is where visitors will be able to see fascinating displays of antique pewter through interactive exhibits while learning how tin (the main composition of pewter) was mined and created into objects of desire. The retail store at the centre offers a wide range of pewter home

Silk from Terengganu is of international quality and makes a good buy.  Best bought at a handicraft centre or a specialty shop.

Batik combines wax brushing, dyeing, drying and boiling the material which may be silk, cotton, rayon or satin. Batik items include hats, scarves, ties, handkerchiefs, purses, kaftans, shirts, wrap-around skirts, sun dresses, tablecloths, handbags, purses and paintings. The quality of batik varies greatly. Good quality batik are sold at large handicraft centres and comes from Terengganu.

Songket is Malaysian brocade that is intricately hand-woven with silver or gold threads. Rich and heavily embroidered, the cloth makes superb evening gowns. Buy the material untailored and have it made to measure, or buy songket items such as handbags.  The finest Songket quality is from Terengganu.

Sarawak pottery is ochre-coloured with bold geometric designs. Sayong pottery, from Perak, has the characteristic glossy black colour. There is even pottery from Johor, which uses batik and gold thread for a distinctive look. Handicraft centres offer the best variety.

Gold is of high quality here, often 22K. Items of traditional designs or avant garde are available. Jewelers are located at shopping complexes, hotels and duty-free shops within the City centre

Brassware items generally come from the cottage industries in Terengganu. Items include candle stands, vases, ashtrays and plaques. Best bought at handicraft centres.

Silverwork, especially those from Terengganu, is exquisite. Items to buy are rose bowls, napkin holders, plaques and filigree jewellery. Handicraft centres are again the best place to buy silverware.

Woodcarving, again, those from Kelantan or Terengganu, are of excellent workmanship. Wood figurines of the Orang Asli (aborigines) also make good buys. As these are bulky items, you can make arrangement with the stores to have them sent home. Shopping complexes stock a good range of such products.

Mengkuang leaves (screw pine) woven into table mats, hats, bags and bedroom slippers make attractive and functional items. They are also inexpensive. Mengkuang products can be found at handicraft centres and the finest quality are made from Terengganu.

Check out the supermarkets, grocery stores or Pasar Malam for locally-produced items such as tea, pepper, prawn crackers and instant food preparations.