Bunga Lado Batik Gains Ground As Negeri Sembilan's Signature Design

By Sarinah Mat Kasim

SEREMBAN, May 28 (Bernama) -- Who would have imagined that a woman with no prior drawing skills would go on to become a pioneer in producing ‘Bunga Lado’ (pepper flower)-patterned batik - a distinctive design now proudly representing Negeri Sembilan and steadily gaining popularity in the market.

Norhaslilee Ibrahim, 48, said she was inspired by her secondary school Art Education teacher, who patiently guided and encouraged her to explore the world of drawing, a passion that eventually led her to further her studies at the National Craft Institute.

The owner of d’NIYY Arts Batik Negeri Sembilan, Norhaslilee said she began painting batik at home, but what started as a small venture evolved into her main source of income by 2004. Her breakthrough came after receiving a grant from the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), along with support from the state government, which provided her with a factory to expand batik production.

“The batik I produce is more contemporary and abstract, including the Bunga Lado pattern, which carries its own character and philosophy, distinct from the more traditional styles found on the east coast,” she told Bernama recently.

“Each piece has its own story. If anyone asks, I’m happy to explain the meaning behind the patterns, as every design has its own uniqueness,” she added.

After nearly two decades producing batik, Norhaslilee has built a strong base of regular customers and loyal followers, many of whom can instantly recognise her distinctive touch and distinguish her hand-painted pieces from those of others.

“I have three workers who handle the colouring process, but I personally paint each piece to ensure the quality meets my standards and aligns with the customer’s expectations.

Operating her business in Senawang, Norhaslilee is also a supplier to batik entrepreneurs in the east coast, Sabah, and Sarawak.

The mother of three said her product range includes batik shirts, blouses, and her latest creation, the Bunga Lado batik ‘tengkolok’ (traditional Malay headdress), with prices ranging from RM80 to RM800, depending on the fabric and complexity of the design.

She added that most of her products are sold to local suppliers and wholesalers, who then act as agents to market and distribute her hand-painted batik clothing and fabrics.

“There are also boutique owners who place orders for my hand-painted batik fabrics and later sell them under their own brands. Alhamdulillah, we continue to receive new orders every year,” she said.

Meanwhile, Norhaslilee humbly acknowledged that her journey and success as a batik art entrepreneur would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her family and the early encouragement of her late teacher, Othman Buyong, the first person who truly believed in her talent and potential in the field.

“I still remember, I wasn’t good at drawing at all, but my teacher was truly committed to teaching me proper techniques. After seeing one of my early works, he told me I had talent that could be nurtured with the right guidance. That encouragement made me fall in love with the world of art,” she recalled.

Looking ahead to Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026, Norhaslilee expressed hope of collaborating with state Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole Tan and the Kraftangan Malaysia (state branch) to introduce Bunga Lado-patterned batik to a wider international audience.

-- BERNAMA