Visitors wowed by local artisanal creations

Andreas trying on a batik shirt at one of the booths at Johor Craft Festival while Alma looks on. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star

IF German couple Andreas and Alma Grundtvig had only one mission during their trip to Johor Baru, it was to buy clothing made from Malaysian batik.

Andreas, 52, said he and his wife Alma, 58, visited Singapore before coming to Johor Baru for three days to explore local attractions and get their hands on some batik items to take home.

Coincidentally, the Johor Craft Festival was going on so the couple could not resist paying the event a visit.

“I was surprised to see so many types of different batik prints on display.

“It was there that I learned about the difference between the Malaysian and Indonesian batik.

“Each Malaysian state has its own unique pattern and we enjoyed speaking to the local batik producers to learn more about the features while admiring their work.

“Of course, I bought some batik shirts and also learned how to care for the fabric to maintain its colour and shape,” said Andreas.

The couple said they would be making their way to Kedah next as part of their South-East Asian trip.

Another visitor, Japanese expatriate Sayuri Kanda, brought her 13-year-old daughter Sae Kanda to the festival to admire local crafts on display.

Sayuri and her daughter Sae Kanda looking on as a local craftsman weaves them handmade bracelets on the spot.

“My daughter enjoys doing arts and crafts at home, so I thought it would be good to learn more about Malaysian crafts.

“Because Malaysia is a multi-racial country, there are many cross-cultural influences.

“This is also translated into the beautiful arts and crafts,” said the 43-year-old.

Sayuri added that they got a pair of matching bracelets that were woven on the spot by one of the exhibitors.

University student Adlina Norhisham, 23, encouraged youths to continue appreciating local crafts as a way of ensuring their longevity.

“I find that more young people are willing to wear local craft products such as batik clothing and accessories these days.

“This is a good start and hopefully, the other forms of local crafts will get appreciated too.

“I noticed that the artisans have made the effort to modernise some of their products while retaining the traditional elements to appeal to the younger crowd,” she said.

Adlina added that she visited the festival with her sister Najwa, 19, to support local artisans.

Freelance designer Nina Yang, 30, said local artisans deserved more attention as Malaysians changed their buying habits.

She said many around her had switched to local brands and this had inspired her to do so as well.

“I took the opportunity to purchase a tie-dyed handbag and some batik textiles.

“I have always loved batik prints and decided that I want to turn the cloth into festive outfits for this year’s Chinese New Year celebration.

“This way I can look unique and also promote our homegrown products,” she added. — By YEE XIANG YUN