By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 9: Malaysia’s batik industry is embracing innovation to shape a new future, with pineapple fibre-based batik emerging as a promising creative product that could strengthen the country’s foothold in international markets.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said batik has significant potential as a creative industry product capable of gaining global recognition.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Tiong said MOTAC, through the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), would continue to support batik entrepreneurs by enhancing skills development, encouraging product innovation, and expanding promotional and marketing efforts.
“Batik is not merely a cultural heritage but also carries substantial economic value. It has the potential to become one of Malaysia’s creative products capable of penetrating global markets,” he said in a post shared on his social media.
He added that various financing schemes would be made available to help batik entrepreneurs boost production capacity, improve product quality and strengthen their competitiveness.
Tiong also welcomed strategic partnerships with the private sector to transform craft centres into modern, interactive and competitive hubs that could better showcase Malaysian craftsmanship.
Highlighting pineapple fibre-based batik as an example of innovation within the industry, he said the unique product has strong potential to be promoted on the international stage.
“With the strength of heritage, creativity and innovation, I am confident that the local batik industry can generate greater economic opportunities, expand export markets and continue elevating Malaysia’s name globally,” he said. — DayakDaily
