JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Batik-making techniques are often associated with a complex and meticulous process, involving either the canting or block printing methods to produce a range of captivating patterns.
However, in line with current fashion trends, batik production is evolving, with changes in techniques and patterns that do not compromise its traditional value and originality.
For Norida Dahlan, 60, a local batik entrepreneur, ‘natural batik’ is central to her work. She incorporates a range of leaves including fern, teak, beka, and eucalyptus, along with castor oil, to craft distinctive patterns and dyes for her batik products.
“This technique may be less popular at the moment due to its complex and time-consuming production process. However, the final product is unique and exclusive, often drawing requests from overseas, including Singapore, Japan, and Germany,” she told Bernama here today.
Norida is among the 96 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in the three-day 2024 Southern Zone MADANI Rakyat Programme, which began at Dataran UTM, Skudai, yesterday.
Explaining the natural batik production process, Norida said that the first step involves soaking the white cloth in water boiled with leaves, tree bark, and roots to produce a natural colour before different leaves are used to create patterns.
“The cloth is then rolled and tied before being steamed for two hours. Next, the ecoprint technique is applied to maintain the leaf pattern on the fabric before it is made into the final product.
“Normally, it takes five days to produce items such as scarves, cardigans, handbags, and baju kurung,” said the Southeast Johor Development Authority (Kejora) entrepreneur.
According to Norida, her batik products are available at prices ranging from RM10 to RM250 and she usually markets them by joining roadshows arranged by various ministries around the country.
She said that participating in these roadshows gives her the chance to meet customers face-to-face and explain the uniqueness of her batik technique.
Norida also hopes that, one day, natural batik products will be able to compete with commercial canting batik products from the East Coast.
-- BERNAMA
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