Batik Linut expands the market through a craft hub in Miri

MIRI, 10 Oct: The opening of the concept shop at Batik Linut Gallery, Lutong will strengthen Batik Linut's position as Sarawak's innovative textile product, in addition to being a craft workshop hub for the northern region.

Sarawak Kraf Council's Director of Affairs, Diana Rose said that the opening of the space marks a strategic shift from introducing Linut Batik to the market at large towards a more targeted marketing approach, including expanding customer experience through products, heritage and creative activities.

According to him, MYY Mall Lutong was chosen as a strategic location because the concept of the community shopping center is in line with efforts to promote handcraft and recreational activities involving young people.

"Here, we will not only showcase the best Batik Linut products, from fashion to textiles, but also highlight Malaysian batik and Melanau's heritage products.

"We will also make this location a hub for the Northern Territory's Linut Batik workshop, with craft production activities planned to be carried out here", he said when interviewed on the Chill and Chat program at the Linut Batik Gallery, here today.

Diana added that efforts to expand the market are now also focusing on marketing strategies, increasing production and distribution to ensure the product continues to grow in an increasingly competitive craft industry.

In fact, the emergence of competitors is seen as an indication that Linut Batik is beginning to gain market attention and has increasingly gained commercial value.

"For me, when competitors start to appear, it shows that the products we produce have market value. It also means that we've already made a fundamental effort to introduce this product to the community.

"Now, we need to be more specific in marketing strategies and see how production can be strengthened to take this product to the next level", he said.

In an effort to build a more inclusive craft ecosystem, Diana said, the Linut Batik workshop is also a platform for sharing skills with the community, with about 200 participants expected to have been trained in the basics of producing Linut Batik after the next workshop in Kuching this month.

He believes that the opportunities in the industry are not only focused on craft production, but also cover marketing, distribution and business development areas that young people can explore.

In terms of market expansion, Batik Linut's products are now also on display in Singapore and Brunei, while digital marketing and distribution is among the focuses to expand customer reach without relying entirely on physical stores.

"This is an innovation product. Although the resources used are traditionally based, the entire production process is an innovation.

"We are not bound by tradition simply because there is still room to explore", he said.

Linut batik was Sarawak's first alternative batik produced using sagu kanji as a primary material in the textile manufacturing process, unlike conventional batik methods.

The innovation raised linut, a traditional sagu-based meal of the Melanau people, as an inspiration for creative textile production that combines local heritage with modern design. - TVS