Kuala Lumpur: The Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri 2025, which runs for 10 days starting today at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, features works by local batik entrepreneurs and songket weavers, as well as handicraft items such as woven bags, dokoh (traditional necklace of three pendants or brooches), and handmade beads as attire to celebrate the festive season.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu Batik Entrepreneurs Association secretary Nurul Hamizah Deraman stated that the bazaar, involving 80 entrepreneurs, includes participants not only from Terengganu but also from Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, and Perlis. Nurul Hamizah, who is also a batik and silk entrepreneur, emphasized that the event involves entrepreneurs registered with Kraftangan Malaysia, ensuring that visitors purchase authentic local handicraft products.
“With this event, we want to market our products in Kuala Lumpur. based on the organisation of previous events, batik sales can reach RM40,000 to RM80,000 in sales value. We hope that with the organisation of this event, we can achieve such sales for one entrepreneur,” Nurul Hamizah said. She added that they do not set targets but strive for the best outcomes, seeking alternatives to market their products in Kuala Lumpur due to the postponement of the National Craft Day Expo 2025.
Nurul Hamizah also mentioned that the bazaar could help promote local handicrafts to the world, aligning with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Traditional Textile Lovers Association (CITRA) committee member and Terengganu songket entrepreneur Luqman Al-Hakim Ariffin Billah highlighted that the Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri aims to raise awareness and attract public interest in local textile heritage. He noted that the community can be educated on the value of fine craftsmanship in authentic songket weaving, fostering an appreciation of local handmade art since the marketed products are guaranteed to be authentic.
“We hope more visitors will come to support by buying the traders’ handicrafts,” Luqman stated. He also expressed hope that original woven songket would receive more attention amidst competition from machine-made songket. He emphasized the importance of honesty and ethics among songket sellers in stating whether their products are machine-made or authentic handwoven songket, while offering fair prices.