68YO Kelantanese batik crafter named Malaysia's Master Crafter 2026

Ibrahim is dedicated to preserving Kelantan’s batik heritage through traditional craftsmanship. Photos: Facebook/Kraftangan Malaysia

Kelantanese batik craftsman Ibrahim Deraman, 68, has chalked a career milestone after being named Anugerah Tokoh Kraf Negara (National Craft Master) 2026 by Kraftangan Malaysia.

Fondly known as Pok Him, Ibrahim has dedicated more than five decades to batik-making, preserving traditional techniques and creating intricate designs that reflect Kelantan's rich batik heritage.

A post on Kraftangan Malaysia's Facebook page said the craftsman from Kuala Besar received the prestigious award from Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man at the Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 26.

Ibrahim (right) showing Chiew (left) a batik block during the craft fair.

Pok Him's artistry is seen in the intricate batik designs he creates using traditional techniques such as layering, seribu retak (thousand cracks) as well as the discharge technique, which creates contrasting patterns by removing colour from the fabric.

Beyond creating patterns, Ibrahim – who is based in Tumpat – is also highly skilled in preparing the wax mixture used in the batik-making process.

In 2019, Ibrahim was appointed a Master Craftsman in Stamp/Block Batik by Kraftangan Malaysia in recognition of his contributions to the traditional craft.

As the recipient of the National Craft Master, he received an award certificate and medal, RM60,000 in cash, as well as a traditional outfit complete with songket.

Batik is a cherished part of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

Two other craft entrepreneurs were also honoured at the ceremony.

Bamboo weaving crafter Emily Jeneble from Keningau, Sabah received the Craft Entrepreneur Award 2026, while blacksmith Muhamad Khairi Adham Abdul Muin from Kuala Lipis, Pahang received the Young Craft Entrepreneur Award 2026.

Both awards recognise the entrepreneurs' achievements and active involvement in the development of the craft industry. Each recipient received a certificate, plaque and RM5,000 worth of raw material incentives.

MICF 2026 brings together 400 craft entrepreneurs, comprising 300 local participants from across the country and 100 international participants.

The international participants include crafters from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkiye and Colombia.

Themed "Crafting Heritage, Inspiring Tomorrow", this year's fair highlights how traditional crafts can continue to evolve through design, creativity and access to new markets.

MICF 2026 runs till Oct 5 (10am to 10pm daily) at Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, Jalan Conlay in KL.