Rafidah aims to preserve Johor batik through designs and motifs that represent the state. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/ The Star
WITH less than a year to go before Visit Johor 2026, craftsmen at Johor Craft Complex are preparing for what may be their busiest year yet.
Anticipating a surge in visitors, artisans have already begun ramping up production at the centre in Larkin, Johor Baru, refining their skills and expanding product ranges to showcase the best of Johor’s traditional handicrafts.
Fourth-generation wayang kulit maker Alyasara Sapari, 22, said she had been focusing on producing A4-sized shadow puppet artwork, which has become a sought-after souvenir for visitors.
“People prefer something they can easily take home as a memento of their visit.
Johor Craft Complex anticipates a surge in visitors during Visit Johor 2026.
“A framed wayang kulit piece is the perfect handcrafted souvenir to take home from the craft village,” she said when met at her shop.
Alyasara, who learned the craft from her father Sapari Sukarjo, 57, said she had also started making wayang kulit bookmarks, which were especially popular among young people and book lovers.
“Each piece requires delicate craftsmanship and attention to detail, so it takes me about two weeks to complete a single item, depending on the size.
“That is why early preparation is crucial,” she said.
She also hopes that there will be greater exposure for the craft complex and its products.
“We should expand our promotions and marketing across all platforms so that more people are aware of our activities.
“This will not only boost sales but also help us share our skills with the public and attract those interested in learning the craft,” said Alyasara, who runs Safis Art Enterprise.
Mohd Iskandar folding a ‘tanjak’, a Malay heritage headgear, that he is making for Hari Raya sales.
Similar sentiments were shared by Wandarisnor Kompang Baldu co-owner Mohd Iskandar Abd Rahim, 49, who said promotional activity should be complemented with cultural performances.
“If we look at craft villages in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, they not only promote their crafts but also showcase the culture through performances.
“We need more engaging content to promote our crafts to both tourists and online audiences.
“This way, we can transform the craft complex into a one-stop centre where visitors can experience Johor’s cultural heritage.”
Mohd Iskandar, a third-generation kompang maker, said he was currently producing tanjak (traditional Malay headgear) for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“I have taken a break from kompang production. The ones we make are very durable, so customers usually come in for minor repairs instead of buying new ones.
Local artisans gearing up to showcase their products next year.
“For now, I am focusing on making tanjak and I can make about 10 a day, but demand can reach up to 20 per day, so business is good,” he said.
Ronna Creative owner Nurfutiha Salimen, 37, said rattan weaving had been her family’s main source of income for the past 14 years.
Her rattan products range from food covers (tudung saji) and clothing baskets to mini baskets, lamp shades and keychains, with prices ranging from RM5 to RM250.
“Demand for rattan products remains strong because people appreciate their durability and eco-friendly appeal as home decorations,” she said at her shop.
Nurfutiha purchases about 50kg of rattan each month costing RM1,000, with sizes ranging from 3mm to 25mm.
Alyasara with some souvenir shadow puppet artwork.
“I produce up to 10 food covers and baskets per week, which are the most popular items among customers, either for practical use or as decorative pieces,” she said, adding that most customers preferred natural colours.
Nurfutiha said she primarily used rotan sega and rotan pulur.
She had also participated in craft workshops where she taught visitors how to weave mini baskets and keychains.
Meanwhile, The Batik House founder Rafidah Ahmad, 50, aims to promote and preserve Johor batik through designs and motifs that represent the state.
A group of tourists from Taiwan trying their hand at colouring batik.
“Some of the Johor batik motifs include durian, gambier, black pepper, waves and gambus.
“Each motif represents the district it originates from – durian from Segamat, gambus from Batu Pahat, pineapple from Pontian, crabapple from Muar, and waves reflects the coastal district of Mersing,” she said.
She added that the black pepper and gambier motifs were official symbols of Johor.
Johor Craft Complex in Larkin, Johor Baru, showcases the best of the state’s traditional arts.
Having been involved in batik craftsmanship for more than 14 years, Rafidah, who can produce at least 10 batik shirts per week, has sold her designs internationally, to customers from Canada, Indonesia, Switzerland, Japan, the UAE, Taiwan, China, Russia, Poland and the US.
“One of my designs was even selected as one of the top 20 Asean craft products by Kraftangan Malaysia,” she said.
