Batik: From ancient art to national symbol
To wear batik is to drape oneself in a piece of Malaysia’s soul. Its colours and patterns celebrate nature, culture and craftsmanship.

BATIK, the intricate and vibrant textile art, holds a cherished place in Malaysian culture. Its history and evolution weave a story that goes beyond fabric; it is a tale of tradition, innovation and identity.
With its kaleidoscope of colours and motifs, Malaysian batik is a visual representation of the nation’s diverse heritage and creativity.
THE ROOTS OF BATIK IN MALAYSIA
The origins of batik remain a mystery, yet this intricate art form has flourished in Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, where centuries of trade and cultural exchanges have shaped its distinctive regional styles.
Azrina Lasa, who owns and manages local batik-producing company Batik Tektura, said that the tradition likely began centuries ago, brought by merchants travelling between Java, specifically Pekalongan and the East Coast.
“However, the local production of batik sarongs in Malaysia began only in the 1910s, pioneered by Haji Che Su in Kelantan, and in the 1930s by Tuan Haji Ali in Terengganu, both of whom learned batik printing techniques from Java.
“Kelantan and Terengganu flourished as centres of traditional crafts in the 20th century, largely due to minimal British colonial interference.
“These East Coast states were relatively isolated from the trade and administrative hubs of the West Coast, which were not easily accessible by land,” she told Sinar Daily.
Historical records even hint at batik’s presence as far back as the 17th century, with tales like that of Laksamana Hang Nadim, who reportedly sought batik textiles for the Sultan of Melaka.

WHAT SETS MALAYSIAN BATIK APART
Malaysian batik stands out for its vibrant, light hues and larger, fluid patterns, often inspired by the beauty of nature.
Motifs such as leaves, flowers and butterflies are prominently featured, reflecting Malaysia’s rich biodiversity, while images of animals or humans are generally avoided in adherence to Islamic norms.
Comparing Malaysian batik to Indonesian batik, Azrina highlighted that historically, Indonesian batik relied on natural dyes sourced from the earth, such as deep blue from indigo leaves and browns and golds from various tree barks.
“These earthy tones remain a hallmark of Indonesian batik, although synthetic dyes have largely replaced natural ones in modern production.
“Malaysian batik, by contrast, drew early inspiration from the vibrant and floral designs of Pekalongan in Central Java.
“As a relatively younger art form, Malaysian batik enjoys greater freedom to experiment with abstract and contemporary styles, creating a distinct identity that sets it apart from its Indonesian counterpart,” she said.
THE ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA
Since independence in 1957, batik has played a significant role in shaping Malaysia's identity. It was embraced as the official national attire for formal occasions, symbolising unity in diversity.
Today, it continues to thrive, with local designers reinterpreting traditional motifs to appeal to modern tastes while staying rooted in heritage.
Government initiatives have also encouraged its adoption in daily life, with civil servants and teachers wearing batik on designated days, fostering a sense of national pride.
Azrina also encouraged Malaysians to experiment with incorporating batik into fashion trends, while urging both the government and businesses to collaborate with fashion designers to promote and raise awareness of batik within the country.
To wear batik is to drape oneself in a piece of Malaysia’s soul. Each stroke of wax, each splash of dye, tells a story of celebration of nature, culture and craftsmanship.
It is a beautiful reminder of how art, when deeply connected to its roots, can transcend time and trends to become the very fabric of a nation.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!