MALAYSIA`S BATIK INDUSTRY GROWING, SAYS MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The growth in the batik industry which
recorded sales of RM89 million (US$1=RM3.13) last year compared with RM47
million in 2004 proves that the industry is expanding and being accepted within
and outside the country, said Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr
Rais Yatim.

"Batik is part of our lifestyle, we wear them frequently to show the
identity of our community. The growth in the batik market shows that it is now
at a level that we can be proud of and the growth has been rapid," he said.

He said this in his speech at the event, "A Batik Evening Featuring Miss
Tourism International 2010" at Kompleks Kraf, here Wednesday night.

Rais said the number of batik entrepreneurs had also increased from 246 in
2004 to 604 entrepreneurs last year.

"This shows that the industry is capable of providing a career that can
ensure a lucrative income. In addition, batik sales at the National Craft Day
was also the highest with an average increase of 11 per cent for the past three
years, he said.

-- BERNAMA