KOTA TINGGI - Often associated with the East Coast states, batik production is also gaining a foothold in Johor, where artisans are drawing on local heritage and natural elements to create designs with a distinct state identity.
Featuring motifs inspired by black pepper, gambir, mangrove forests, coral reefs and tiger-stripe patterns, Johor Batik reflects the state's history, environment and cultural heritage through textile art.
Among those helping to develop and preserve the craft is Johor Batik pioneer Maimunah Yaacob, 58, who has spent 31 years promoting the art form in the state.
Maimunah said she received basic hand-drawn (canting) batik training in Terengganu in 1993 before undergoing further training at Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, for two years.
"After completing the programme, I started the business with an initial capital of RM2,000 from my kitchen.
"At that time, not many people appreciated batik, but I was determined to pursue the business by focusing on designs that were different from those already available in the market," she said.
She said Johor Batik is distinguished by motifs inspired by the state's natural environment, history and cultural heritage.
"For example, Muar and Pontian are represented by motifs such as the berembang tree and pineapple. For Kota Tinggi and Sedili, we incorporate elements of mangrove forests and coral reefs as both areas are closely linked to the sea.
"We also adapt symbols associated with Johor's heritage, such as black pepper, gambir and tiger-stripe patterns, into our designs," said Maimunah, who operates Ranorm Batik Creation in Kampung Singapura, Tanjung Sedili, here.
Despite growing competition from machine-printed products, Maimunah said she remains committed to traditional batik-making techniques using hot wax and canting tools.
She said authentic hand-drawn batik can be distinguished by the way colours penetrate evenly through both sides of the fabric, a characteristic that sets it apart from printed textiles.
Maimunah said Johor Batik has received encouraging response through events such as the National Craft Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur and the Johor Craft Festival, while also attracting buyers from Singapore.
"The products range from RM35 for a headscarf to several hundred ringgit for a silk attire set. We are also introducing more contemporary and casual designs to appeal to younger consumers," she said.
Maimunah expressed hope that more programmes and training courses related to Johor Batik production would be introduced to help preserve the craft and encourage greater participation among the younger generation. - BERNAMA