FOR many, Kedah is better known as the nation’s rice bowl. However, with its ever-growing popularity, Batik Merbok has become synonymous with the state.
The brand has successfully made its mark in the state for the past 12 years. The idea for Batik Merbok, which got its name from the district, originated from former information minister, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin, when he was the Merbok member of parliament.
The cultural product was produced by researchers and academicians of Kedah Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to boost the economy of the local Merbok community. More than 10 years later, Batik Merbok has grown by leaps and bounds, having “travelled” not just around the country, but also to neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.
It is one step closer to getting the Malaysia Good Design mark, the highest design recognition from the government through Majlis Rekabentuk Malaysia (MRM), which endorses quality products in design manufacturing.
Kedah UiTM rector Associate Professor Dr Shaiful Annuar Khalid said the university was lucky to have a group of lecturers skilled in designing Batik Merbok.
They have now produced a wide range of high-quality batik merchandise, including scarves, handkerchiefs, pillow cases, clocks, plates and photo frames.
The six motifs, inspired by natural elements, are bamboo, mangrove, padi, Sintok (a plant), artefacts and the Merbok bird.
Shaiful Anwar hoped Batik Merbok would make a turnaround this year, following the upgrading of the Batik Merbok gallery, as well as plans for in-house production.
“Another important move is to get the Malaysia Good Design Mark. We believe that the award will strenghten the position of Batik Merbok and help us market our products to high-end customers,” he told the New Straits Times.
The NST team was taken on a tour of the Batik Merbok gallery, accompanied by Batik Merbok coordinator Zaidi Yusoff and Academy of Language Studies senior lecturer and Students Leadership Unit coordinator Mohd Nasir Ibrahim.
On why it took them 12 years to aim for the Malaysia Good Design Mark, Shaiful said the brand started producing high-end products only in the last few years.
Based on discussions with MRM representatives, “we are ready to go to the next level”.
On why Kedah UiTM gave importance to Batik Merbok, Shaiful said over the past two decades, it had aimed to have a niche.
“Besides academic programmes, we view Batik Merbok as our niche. So these past few years, we have been improving and promoting our batik.”
He said he would visit Thepsatri Rajabhat University in Lopburi, Thailand, next month, where models donning Batik Merbok designs would walk down the runway in a fashion show as part of an international programme.
He said a group of students from China would join Kedah UiTM’s summer camp this year, which will be a platform to promote Batik Merbok.
He said discussions were ongoing with representatives from Thailand and Indonesia to produce a “Friendship Batik” design, incorporating elements from the three countries.
On future plans for Batik Merbok, Shaiful said the university would set up its first outlet outside campus, either in Langkawi or Kuala Lumpur, to sell its merchandise.
“Our batik team will embark on a nationwide roadshow to boost the brand. On our part, we have designed Batik Merbok for our staff, both academic and non-academic. Once they are ready, they will wear them during formal events.”
Meanwhile, Nasir said the batik industry had potential to grow and promote the state to the outside world.
“Kedah is synonymous with padi. Our lecturers designed a padi motif that can promote the state as a rice bowl. Merbok is also famous for its lush green surroundings, which explain the mangrove motif incorporated into our batik.”
On globalising batik, Nasir said Indonesia and Thailand were well versed in this aspect. As UiTM Kedah have exchange programmes with many universities there, they would be able to promote the brand further.
Nasir said Batik Merbok would be on many people’s lips in three to four years’ time.
“Malaysian designer Zang Toi, who is based in New York, in one of his walks down the runway was wearing batik print in his outfits. Even fashion designer Prabal Gurung and former United States First Lady Michelle Obama donned batik motifs in the past.
“I am sure our Batik Merbok, which is owned by Kedah and Perlis royalty, will go places as well.”