KOTA BARU: The high demand for batik block printing in Kelantan in the 1970s triggered a rush among local cottage industry players to open small factories to produce the finely designed batik motifs which genuinely reflected the skills and passion of the craftmasters.
There were once at least 30 batik block printing factories in the state but the numbers have dropped in recent years due to the economic slowdown and difficulties in maintaining their businesses.
One of the few surviving batik block printing factories is owned by Mohd Azmi Mat, 66, who manages Alias Batik in Kampung Puteh, here.
Mohd Azmi said the factory was set up in 1976 and had gone through a lot of challenges, but is today, one of the biggest operators in Kelantan, with 25 workers.
“Praised be to God. Demand for batik block printing materials from our factory is still strong despite the challenges which had forced some operators to cease operations.
“Competition is stiff in this industry, especially from those involved in batik canting. We are one of the few batik block printing operators still around,” said Mohd Azmi when met at the factory today.
“We use specially made blocks made by experts in Terengganu and Kelantan. Although the designs on the blocks are simple, but they look elegant when stamped on fabric. We also use high-quality colour and liquid wax on different blocks.
“Our workers can make 80 pieces of batik a day, which translate to about 2,000 pieces a month,” he added.
Mohd Azmi said each piece of batik would be sold at RM80 (for four metres) mostly to customers from Kelantan and Terengganu.
“Many women like to buy block printed batik because the colours last longer. The quality is good and the prices are reasonable,” he added.
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