BATIK GOES BACK TO BASICS
Floral, abstract designs the trendiest, says trader
HANDMADE batik fabric with floral or abstract motifs is the trendiest design for this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Although handmade batik fabric is not cheap, its exclusive designs command a good market among shoppers.
Despite the price hike in fabric, dye and labour costs, batik fabric traders at Pasar Payang here absorbed the costs and maintained the price of their merchandise as per last year.
Sharifah Haslinda Syed Nor, 31, a trader at the iconic market, said a mix of floral and abstract designs was the latest trend this Hari Raya.
She said the batik fabric came in striking and darker tones to cater to the different needs of shoppers.
“Most have already bought batik fabric before Ramadan as they have to send it to tailors. Last-minute shoppers will hunt for ready-made baju kurung on the last week of Ramadan.”
Floral and leafy motifs of pink, orange, light green and turquoise against a background of either soft or dark tones are the must-get designs this season.
The price of a pair of ready-made baju kurung starts at RM150, while a piece of handmade batik fabric costs about RM230.
Sharifah is one of dozens of batik fabric traders operating at the market, which opens from 9am to 4pm daily during Ramadan. Her customers came from different states, some from as far as Singapore, and would usually visit during school holidays and weekends.
“Nearing Hari Raya, most customers are locals. Although most shoppers have tightened their belts, we can still make a profit from the celebration,” Sharifah said.
Batik fabrics are mostly made of crepe (a type of synthetic fibre) or cotton.