KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic) has declared Dec 3 as the annual Malaysia Batik Day.

       In a special address broadcast via RTM’s TV1 and social media on Wednesday (Dec 1) night, Ismail Sabri said the government hoped the declaration would encourage all citizens, including the private sector and the multiracial community, to wear Malaysian batik.

       He said the move was in line with the "Malaysian Family" concept, where the people of all races could unite in enjoying the uniqueness and beauty of local batik.

       "I believe that the declaration of the Malaysia Batik Day can also be a catalyst to strengthen the local batik craft industry and the country’s local batik production chain,” he said.

       He explained that the selection of the date, which had been agreed upon by the Cabinet on Nov 26, was a sign of appreciation for the contribution, support and interest in batik craft shown by Tun Endon Mahmood, the late wife of the fifth prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

       Ismail Sabri said on Dec 3, 2003, the late Tun Endon had initiated the Malaysian Batik-Crafted for the World movement to bring local batik to the international stage.

       In the meantime, the prime minister also congratulated the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for their hard work in realising the historic day.

       "I am delighted to witness the Ministry's efforts through Kraftangan Malaysia in developing the country’s batik craft industry to remain sustainable and competitive in facing the global economic challenges,” he said.

       Ismail Sabri said the government had also set Thursday as the day to wear Malaysian batik for all civil servants and the entire Malaysian Family, including in Parliament. - Bernama