Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared Dec 3 as the annual Malaysia Batik Day.
In a special address broadcast via RTM’s TV1 and social media last night, he said the government hoped the declaration would encourage all citizens including the private sector and the multiracial community to wear the Malaysian batik.
Ismail Sabri said the move is in line with the Keluarga Malaysia concept, whereby the people of all races unite in donning the uniqueness and beauty of the local batik.
“I believe that the declaration of the Malaysia Batik Day can also be the catalyst to strengthen the local batik craft industry and the country’s batik production chain,” he added.
He explained that the selection of the date, which had been agreed upon by the cabinet on Nov 26, was a sign of appreciation for the contribution, support and interest in batik craft shown by Endon Mahmood, the late wife of the fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Ismail Sabri said on Dec 3, 2003, the late Endon had initiated the Malaysian Batik-Crafted for the World movement to bring the local batik to the international stage.
The prime minister also congratulated the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for its hard work in realising the historic day.
“I am delighted to witness the ministry's effort through Kraftangan Malaysia in developing the country’s batik craft industry to remain sustainable and competitive in facing the global economic challenges,” he said.
Ismail Sabri added that the government had also set Thursday as wearing Malaysian batik day for all civil servants and the entire Keluarga Malaysia, including in Parliament.
- Bernama
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