TRACES OF BATIK motifs can be found in most traditional Malaysian households and on most things we use. For example, taking a stroll down Penang Road or stepping into Chowrasta Market, one would discover numerous shops and stalls selling batik. These are either sold as sarongs and two-metre fabrics or included in items such as tissue holders, shoulder bags, foldable fans, hats and clothes.
There are three types of batik businesses in Penang today: traditional traders, artisanal proprietors and social media entrepreneurs. These batik proprietors differ from each other in how they value batik, their business model as well as the challenges they face from market demands today. Identifying these batik businesses helps to better appreciate the diversity of batik as well as the hard work of those who toil silently behind the scene.
