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The Star

Sustainable Labuan batik takes centre stage

Intricate patterns: Mastura showcasing one of her Batik Linut Craft designs at her workshop in Galeri Lawa Labuan. — Bernama LABUAN: With distinctive artistry and innovative techniques, Labuan batik is gaining momentum as one of the Federal Terri­tory's most promising cultural exports. The craft is set to step onto Malaysia's fashion stage before making its mark internationally, celebrated for its vibrant colours, floral and marine-inspired motifs and deep connection to the island's cultural heritage. The newly established Labuan Warisan (Lawa) Craft Gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malay­sia, on July 27, has quickly become a must-visit destination for both local and international visitors. Within just weeks of its opening, the gallery has become a cultural hub, offering a first-hand look at the creative process behind batik-making and serving as a showcase of Labuan's distinctive artistry. Visitors can watch artisans at work, learn about the painstaking stages of batik production and pur­chase pieces carrying the island's identity, Bernama reported. Labuan batik stands out for its innovative use of sago, a starch extracted from the pith of the sago palm, as the primary resist material in place of conventional candle wax. Applied with a canting or brush, sago creates intricate patterns while being environmentally friendly and abundant in Labuan. This eco-conscious choice not only strengthens the island's sustainability credentials but also sets Labuan batik apart as an art form that reflects its unique natural resources. At the forefront of this movement is Mastura Abd Razak, 44, a Labuan-born Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur on the island. Trained by the Sabah branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Deve­lop­ment Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), Mastura operates the business with her husband Abd Rahmad Abd Malik, 45, who is from Sarawak. Their enterprise enjoys full support from the Federal Territories Department, which backing has enabled the expansion of batik promotion initiatives and the participation of Labuan batik in local and regional exhibitions. Mastura believes such support is crucial to raising the profile of Labuan batik nationally and internationally. 'With continuous government backing, Labuan batik can stand shoul­der-to-shoulder with Tereng­­ganu batik internationally. 'Within the next five years, I envision Labuan batik being worn by well-known models at fashion shows in Malaysia and abroad. 'It will be our island's gift to the world, a keepsake for visitors and a statement piece for global markets,' she said.