A Batik Fun Walk was organised in Kuala Lumpur last month, in which 2,700 people of all ages took part in the walk.
The yearly event, organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) is to create more interest in batik and take the industry to greater heights in the domestic as well as global markets, The Star reported.
Efforts to revive interest in batik have resulted in the number of its producers rising by a steep 400 per cent and there are 800 batik producers currently as against only 200 in 2012.
Penyayang chairperson Nori Tun Abdullah said at one time, the batik industry was almost forgotten, but now batik was available in fabric form as well as bags, shoes, gift wrappers, decorative items and fashion accessories.
Nori said she was proud to see the batik industry’s growth as it is no longer seen as mere traditional wear in Malaysia, but has gone international in the fashion world.
Youth and sports minister, Khairy Jamaluddin who flagged off the event said that the event received encouraging response, a positive sign that local batik should remain a Malaysian identity.
One participant, Aleiya Looi was seen wearing a long princess gown made from batik, batik sports shoes and carried a batik umbrella, all of which were made by her mother. (AR)
