KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Malaysia’s batik industry requires further support for promotion from the government, experts said in response to the federal administration requiring civil servants to start wearing the material every Thursday.
Whereas in Indonesia, batik has a significant economic impact as it is a key export that provides employment, she said. Noor Arfa Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Mohd Ariffin inspects batik shirts to be sold to customers at the Noor Arfa Craft Complex, Chendering, Kuala Terengganu, August 24, 2023. — Bernama pic
Few Malaysian batik products are sold below RM100 per item, so those who cannot afford local offerings will turn to Indonesian alternatives which can be easily found at prices below RM50, she added. All public service officers are required to wear Malaysian batik clothing every Thursday, while the wearing of batik on other working days is encouraged. — Bernama pic