Entrepreneur Turns To Batik To Create Bags With A Distinct Malaysian Touch

PETALING JAYA, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- After nearly eight years of making bags using canvas and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), entrepreneur Ng Yak Khiang never imagined that his exposure to batik fabric would open a new chapter in his business journey.

Ng, 60, developed an interest in batik after being captivated by the unique patterns and colours crafted by local artisans, inspiring him to use batik fabric as the main material in his bag designs.

“Previously, I mostly made PVC and canvas bags like many other brands. But about 12 years ago, when I attended the National Craft Day and saw the works of batik makers, it truly opened my eyes to the beauty of batik.

“I thought since we’re creating a Malaysian product, we should use Malaysian batik because it has its own identity and uniqueness that can attract foreign tourists,” he told Bernama when met at the ASEAN Arts & Crafts Bazaar held in conjunction with the 39th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting and the 34th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting here today.

Ng said under his brand Finders Keepers Collection, there are backpacks, sling bags, tote bags, and document bags, all designed and sewn by hand in his small workshop in Kota Damansara.

Each batik motif is created using wax block technique, a skill learned through YouTube tutorials and guidance from experienced individuals, which he managed to master in just a month.

“Each bag takes between five to six days to complete, depending on the complexity of the design, while prices range from RM100 to RM300 per piece,” he said, adding that each bag is lined with water-resistant fabric for durability and practicality in various conditions.

Ng, who markets his products online and at events organised by Kraftangan Malaysia, said his favourite motifs are rubber leaves, papaya leaves, and tropical patterns, which he adapts in both traditional and modern styles to cater to customers of diverse backgrounds.

Meanwhile, Indonesian craft entrepreneur Vita Sari, 42, said her participation in the ASEAN Arts & Crafts Bazaar was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the beauty of tenun rangrang from Lombok and strengthen regional artistic ties.

She said the uniqueness of tenun rangrang lies in its perforated patterns, symbolising openness and light in the lives of the Lombok people, while also blending Chinese cultural influences through the yin-yang motifs.

“This ‘mix culture’ motif (tenun rangrang) is a fusion of Chinese and Indonesian elements, making it distinct from other traditional weaves. It can also be turned into shawls, home décor, or clothing,” she said.

The ASEAN Arts & Crafts Bazaar features 12 Malaysian craft entrepreneurs in textiles, ceramics, and forest-based products, as well as eight participants from other ASEAN countries, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of regional handicrafts.

The event held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre concludes today and will continue at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex from Oct 10 to 20, from 10 am to 10 pm.

-- BERNAMA