KLFW 2026 debuts a government-backed batik showcase to slash import reliance and prove local heritage drives real economic growth.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian batik is taking centre stage at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026 as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) introduces the inaugural Fashion Forward Batik Malaysia showcase to promote locally made products under the Jom Malaysia campaign.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to encourage Malaysians to prioritise local products, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the competitiveness of domestic industries in international markets.
“The main objective of Jom Malaysia is to encourage Malaysians to prioritise local products, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the competitiveness of local industries and entrepreneurs, including in the international market,” he said when launching the Fashion Forward Batik Malaysia showcase at the Esplanade, KLCC, today.
Armizan said the collaboration comes as Malaysia’s cultural and creative industry continues to grow, contributing RM130.7 billion, or 6.8% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Statistics Department’s 2024 Culture and Creative Satellite Account Report.
“This achievement shows that creativity and cultural heritage are not only symbols of national identity but have also become one of the drivers of the country’s economic growth,” he said.
He added that KLFW has become an important platform for strengthening the branding and competitiveness of Malaysian products, noting that the 2025 edition generated media value of US$32 million (RM130.84 million).
He said the strategic collaboration is expected to expand the market reach of Malaysian batik both domestically and internationally.
Armizan said the initiative is aligned with the government’s agenda following the establishment of the Cabinet Committee on Strengthening the Use and Purchase of Local Products, which was approved by the Cabinet on July 15.
“The committee will streamline policies and strengthen coordination among ministries and government agencies to promote local products, increase domestic sales and exports, and reduce reliance on imports.
“Participation from stakeholders across various sectors is crucial. We welcome proposals and feedback through the relevant ministries and regulatory agencies to ensure efforts to strengthen the use and purchase of local products can be carried out more effectively,” he said.
He added that the ministry would continue strengthening cooperation with industry players, the private sector and strategic partners through the Jom Malaysia campaign to ensure Malaysian products remain sustainable and competitive in both domestic and international markets.
The showcase, introduced for the first time at KLFW, features 10 local fashion designers presenting 30 contemporary batik creations made using authentic batik textiles from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Held from Aug 3 to Aug 9, KLFW 2026 brings together more than 50 local designers and brands, showcasing about 800 fashion creations across 28 programme segments.
The event also includes brand exhibitions, business matching sessions, industry-sharing programmes and engagement activities involving local and international fashion industry players.
