M'sian Handicraft Told To Introduce Renewals To Take Batik Industry New Heights

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Handicraft has been urged to enhance creativity and innovation as well introduce renewals to take the batik industry to new heights. Information Communication and Culture Ministry secretary-general Kamaruddin Siaraf said the rapidly growing batik industry promised profitable income for entrepreneurs whose number increased from 504 in 2007 to 549 in 2009. He said the batik market rose by 136 per cent from RM58.9 million (US$1=RM3.16) in 2007 to RM138.8 million in 2009 and was set for further growth with increasing public acceptance of the Malaysian batik. New designs and products produced batik entrepreneurs will reinforce products and meet customers' expectations, he said at the Miss Tourism International 2011 with the theme "An Enchanting Evening Batik" at the Craft Complex here Thursday. With intensified promotion, product development, training and technical assistance meted out by Kraftangan Malaysia, Kamaruddin said batik were now being used as motifs for handbags, shoes and furnishings besides clothing. Fifty-four participants from throughout the country adorned outfits produced by 22 local fashion designers in collaboration with 16 batik designers. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) fashion student Mohammad Hafizi Radzi Woo (third from left) or affectionately known as Fizi Woo emerged the victor and walked away with the RM20,000 prize money. Malaysia Handicraft chairman Sohaimi Shahadan was present. -- BERNAMA