George Town: The Malaysian Prisons Department is set to expand its marketing efforts by promoting fabric products made by inmates, such as batik, songket, and woven textiles, to international markets, including Europe.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative was announced by Prisons commissioner-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak. He highlighted that these heritage products, crafted by prisoners, have previously garnered demand overseas through exhibitions. Abdul Aziz emphasized the quality of these fabric products, stating that they have been well-received both locally and internationally.

He further elaborated on plans to enhance marketing strategies, aiming to introduce these prison-made products to a global audience. Discussions are underway with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to identify suitable opportunities and platforms for promoting these textiles internationally.

During a high tea session with Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, wife of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, the fabric products were introduced, accompanied by a fashion show featuring the heritage textiles. Abdul Aziz noted that products like Songket Dua Wajah, known for its dual design surfaces, are particularly in demand.