Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has forged a strategic partnership with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026 to strengthen the promotion of local products through a prominent fashion platform.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the initiative was implemented following the launch of the 'Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA)' movement on June 27, which represents a strategic transformation of the Buy Malaysian-Made Campaign that has been in place since 1984. The KPDN-KLFW 2026 collaboration is part of the new strategy under JOM MALAYSIA, which is not merely a rebranding exercise but a comprehensive shift built on four key pillars: a national movement, a whole-of-nation approach, the inclusion of local products, and market expansion.

The collaboration aims to elevate local products and brands through world-class fashion events attracting industry players, fashion enthusiasts, tourists, as well as local and international media. KPDN sees this strategic collaboration with KLFW 2026 as aligning with the four key pillars outlined.

KLFW serves as a platform to showcase the creativity and innovation of the country's fashion industry, providing a strategic avenue to expand business opportunities, attract investments, and open up access to new markets for Malaysian products and brands.

As a highlight of KLFW 2026, a special segment, 'Fashion Forward Batik Malaysia', will be introduced, featuring 30 exclusive designs by 10 local fashion designers. This collection will showcase original local batik textiles from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia through contemporary designs, demonstrating that local heritage can meet the tastes of premium and international markets.

KLFW 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 3 to 9 at the Esplanade, KLCC, featuring various programmes that reflect the growth of the local fashion industry. These include fashion shows, brand exhibitions, business matching sessions, industry partnerships, and engagement activities with fashion and lifestyle players. The edition will involve the participation of about 60 local brands, 35 fashion designers, and more than 20 strategic industry partners, contributing to the continued growth of the Malaysian fashion ecosystem.