Kuala Lumpur - The batik is just a cheap product and can be worn daily or for any occasions and batik is one of the splendid and exclusive form of Malay handicraft work and thus expensive and not meant for the masses.
These two false notions have divided the nation`s batik industry - one group wishes to retain its traditions, while the other prefers to commercialise it apart from making it more contemporary.
The bottom line is, batik is not merely fashion wear but also the manifestation of lifestyle. Batik is a lifestyle culture of Malaysians.
Apart from its use as daily wear, batik sarong can also be utilised as a frock and head cover. In the rural areas where the bathroom is outdoors, it can be used as a `towel to cover the body` apart from being used as a hammock for little children to sleep in.
Batik was introduced in the country by the Nyonya clan. However it has taken deep roots in the Malay culture. Old ideas with a blend of innovative, stylish and trendy touches would not only breathe new life to this industry, but also prove that Malaysian batik can venture much further.
If batik is to be made a lifestyle product, then it should have the Malaysian identity. Other countries like Indonesia, China, Japan and Thailand have their own batik too, but the irony is that Indonesian batik is more recognised internationally.
In contrast to Malaysia, only few batik producers took the effort to incorporate the Malaysian identity and culture in their products.
Source: www.bharattextile.com (6 November 2007)
