Friends of Positive Image won ‘The Most Creatively Dressed’ (Group).
BREAST cancer survivors stole the spotlight once again at the Batik Fun Walk 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
The event included prizes for standout participants and 11 women won The Most Creatively Dressed (Group) award for the second year in a row.
Calling themselves Friends of Positive Image, their chief, Haliza Abdul Halim, 63, from Bukit Jalil, said their outfit was inspired by their roles as mothers and grandmothers cooking for their families.
Khairy (standing on a box) officially starts the Batik Fun Walk 2025 with Leela (right).
“We made aprons and headscarves out of pink batik, symbolising our battle against breast cancer and our household role.
“This is our third time participating.
“We first took part in 2023 dressed as peacocks, and last year our wau-inspired attire earned us our first win,” Haliza said.
There was a large turnout despite the change of venue from the Malaysia Tourism Centre, which had hosted previous editions, to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
Azaril Ameer came out on top for his striking outfit. — Photos: LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
Organiser, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali said 1,058 participants joined the 20th fun walk, reflecting the enthusiasm for the annual celebration of Malaysian batik.
Public perception of batik has evolved significantly, noted Leela.
“While many once assumed that batik was primarily worn by makciks and older women, younger Malaysians are increasingly adopting it as part of their wardrobe.
“Many of our activities are focused on promoting batik to the younger generation.
“Batik can certainly be used for casual fashion, not just formal occasions.
“Today, appreciation for batik cuts across generations.”
She said the most rewarding part of Penyayang’s journey has been witnessing the growth in interest, driven by genuine enthusiasm.
“My joy is the response from the public.
“Over the years, we’ve been impressed by how people turn up, especially in the ‘Best Dressed’ categories and at events that promote batik.”
Also present at the event were Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah and husband, Khairy Jamaluddin, who was the special guest.
He also flagged off the fun run.
Besides their race bib, participants also received a batik sarong and many got creative with it to try to win the Most Creatively Dressed prize.
After his fourth attempt, producer, Azaril Ameer Yahaya, 44, clinched the title.
“I’m thrilled that I finally won!”
His outfit, inspired by the Langkawi eagle, was indeed striking.
