Preserving batik as cultural heritage

Numerous batik products were showcased at the event.

THE Batik Festival returned to Kuala Lumpur for its third year to showcase a variety of batik products.

Themed “Batik and Classic”, the three-day festival, featuring a total of 20 vendors at Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic), was open to the public for free.

Matic director Rudy Irwan Shukaime said the festival served as a platform for the public to develop deeper appreciation of the value of Malaysian batik. “We hope this event will provide the public, especially the younger generation, with greater exposure to the art of batik and help them cultivate interest in it,” he said.

Amalynne marketing director Luqman Alif Suzali, who sold baju kurung Kedah and batik pareo said there was a special promotion for the set. “The original price of the whole baju kurung Kedah and batik pareo set was RM220. Now we are selling it at only RM120. “In collaboration with Destar Lestari, we are also offering traditional Malay men’s wear such as kain pelikat (sarong) and tengkolok (headgear),” said Luqman.

At Maryam Bayam’s booth were a wide range of handmade batik accessories, including hair ties, scrunchies and hoop earrings, which came with different designs and colours. “Our products are made of high-quality fabrics with batik prints,” said Maryam Bayam founder Maryam Mutalib.

The launch of Batik Festival was also attended by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Ketari assemblyman Young Shefura Othman, Karyaneka Sdn Bhd general manager Norismah Mustaffa and Impiana KLCC Hotel general manager Andreas Korf.

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help the indigenous minorities in Malaysia, Batik Fest invited Gerai OA to sell various crafts and books, whereby all proceeds will go towards the artisans. There were happy-hour deals offered by the vendors during certain periods on each day.

In addition to batik products, visitors could immerse themselves in the many activities held during the festival such as the batik runway, cultural shows and busking.

-thestar online.