KOTA BHARU - Batik attire is a wardrobe staple, suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions, including festive seasons.
Zulfazrin Mohd Nasir, aged 30, owner of Kartika Kiara Batik, shared that he observed a significant surge in daily sales of batik fabric at his boutique since early February, reaching 400 pairs a day compared to the previous average of around 50 pairs.
"I consider batik fabric to be timeless, making it a fitting choice for all occasions and enhancing the wearer’s elegance.
"Customers are now opting for cotton-type batik due to its affordability, ranging from RM100 to RM150 per pair, compared to crepe batik, which is priced between RM350 and RM400 each,” he told Bernama.
The Universiti Malaysia Perlis graduate said that among the best-selling fabric patterns are those featuring a combination of floral and abstract designs, as well as single patterns showcasing either flowers or abstract motifs.
Che Mohd Shahmiza Che Mi Hamzah, 36, a sales assistant at Asni Boutique House, said that ready-made batik clothes, like traditional kurung and modern kurung, have been selling well since late January and are now preferred choices for the upcoming Syawal celebration.
"Usually, our batik clothing, priced at RM600 each, would sell about 10 pairs a day, but since last January, sales of our ready-to-wear collection have surged, reaching up to 30 pairs a day, including online orders,” he said.
Noorsofea Qistina Abdul Rahman, 33, a customer at Asni Boutique House, said that she opted for batik as her attire of choice to adorn during Syawal, as it is the perfect fusion of tradition and style that effortlessly elevates her festive look.
Meanwhile, more consumers are turning to online platforms for their baju raya purchases, drawn by the cost-effectiveness, convenience, and time-saving benefits it offers compared to visiting physical stores.
Nor Farhana Mohd Asri, 32, the sales manager at a Kota Bharu supermarket, said that she shifted to online shopping in 2020 during the enforcement of the Movement Control Order.
"For this year’s Hari Raya, I bought baju kebaya for myself and my children for less than RM60 each, and my husband's baju melayu for under RM100 per pair, all with very satisfactory quality,” she said.
Entrepreneur Nor Halawani Mohd Naba said that online purchases for baju melayu and women's clothing for Aidilfitri this year have surged by nearly 50 per cent.
"My customers are mostly young people and women from all over the country,” said the 58-year-old, who has been in the business for over 15 years and owns three boutique branches in Selising, Pasir Puteh; Jelawat, Bachok; and Jertih, Terengganu. - BERNAMA