Terengganu Batik entrepreneurs step up after National Craft Expo postponement

 

visual: Persatuan Pengusaha-pengusaha Batik Terengganu

KUALA LUMPUR: The Terengganu Batik Entrepreneurs Association has stepped up to organise a 10-day bazaar following the postponement of the National Craft Day Expo 2025. 

Its president, Shafei Ghazali, said the initiative was taken as many members had already invested time and resources in preparing crafts for the expo. 

In January, Kraftangan Malaysia, an agency under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, announced the postponement of the expo, originally scheduled for Feb 14 to 28, citing unforeseen circumstances. A new date has yet to be announced. 

In a statement today, Shafei said the association's event, Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri 2025, will be held from March 18 to 27 at Kompleks Kraf Jalan Conlay in Kuala Lumpur.

"We thank Kraftangan Malaysia for offering us the venue at a good rate, and we are happy that many entrepreneurs from other states are joining us," he said. 

The bazaar will feature 80 booths offering batik, songket, silver jewellery, rattan products, and accessories such as handbags, songkok, tarbus, bags, and cookies for Hari Raya.

The largest group of exhibitors is from Terengganu, with others from Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang, Perlis, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak. 

Various activities, including lucky draws, are planned throughout the 10-day event. 

Association of Traditional Textiles Lovers and Enthusiasts founder and vice-president, Fatimah Ismail, said the event would provide a much-needed platform for artisans to showcase their products and generate sales ahead of Hari Raya. 

The Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri will be open from 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday) and 10am to 9pm (Friday to Sunday).

-nst online.