Price of batik, songket shouldn't equal to price of Proton Saga - Mohamaddin

BESUT, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Batik and songket entrepreneurs in the country are advised to be wiser in putting a more reasonable and competitive price on their products to enliven the industry and lure more batik and songket enthusiasts to own it.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister  Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said this was because there were complaints from batik and songket enthusiasts about the price of the fabric being too costly.

He said the situation had also caused the local enthusiasts to opt for cheaper and affordable, if not fake, batik and songket, from other countries.

“If the price of one piece of local batik or songket is equal to the price of a Proton Saga car, I would, of course, look for much cheaper ones.

“We have to remember that not all people can afford to purchase expensive batik or songket,” he told reporters after attending a meeting with approximately 100 Besut’s local craftsmen at Desa Ukiran Kayu here today.

Meanwhile, Mohammadin also called on more government departments and agencies to support the craft industry players by having some carving art on their new buildings.

“However, this does not mean all existing government buildings have to have carved doors or windows...it’s only for new buildings. Maybe we can start with the department buildings under my ministry,” he added.

-- BERNAMA