15/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 15, 2025

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Bold steps needed to future-proof batik industry: Perlis Raja Muda BANDUNG (INDONESIA): The Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail has called for strategic measures to safeguard and advance the batik industry, warning that without innovation and stronger support, the heritage craft risks losing ground. “The batik value chain must be strengthened. From small artisans to large-scale players, all must receive support through incubation programmes, e-commerce platforms, quality certification and copyright protection to ensure that authentic products thrive.

industry must be enhanced. The university should partner with institutions in Malaysia and Indonesia on research into natural dyes, green textile technology and sustainable batik design. “TVET must also be strengthened through student and lecturer exchanges, cross-border apprenticeships and modern batik -making modules that meet today’s needs.” He reminded youth to view batik not merely as clothing but as “a language of identity, a root of history and a symbol of national pride”.

cuisine to attract tourists.” He was speaking after visiting Batik Komar here in conjunction with Universiti Malaysia Perlis International Leadership Mobility event. Also present was the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, who is the varsity’s pro-chancellor, Bernama reported. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said batik in Malaysia has grown into a symbol of national identity, with Perlis equally committed to elevating it. “Collaboration between universities and

“Creative tourism can also be developed through initiatives such as the ‘Batik Trails Nusantara’, linking heritage towns and cities in Malaysia and Indonesia. This can integrate workshops, galleries, homestays and local

He said the sector is grappling with multiple challenges – from environmental sustainability and product counterfeiting to waning interest among younger generations and stiff global competition.

Malaysia Day brings double joy for Sabahan

Cultural diversity

highlight of celebration in Penang BUTTERWORTH: This year’s Malaysia Day celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena tomorrow will open with a performance that captures Penang’s unique cultural diversity. Titled “Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara”, it combines three of the state’s iconic traditional art forms – Joget Joghee , Penang Chinese Opera and Boria . National Culture and Arts Department production and artistic development division assistant director Aishah Bee Arudin said the five-minute presentation was specially created for the celebration this year. It will be performed by dancers from the department’s cultural troupe, Adikarma Performing Arts Group of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Guru Shri Arul Manikam Indian dance group, Penang Teow Chew Opera and Budayasar Boria, “It begins with the Joget Joghee, which reflects the spirit of social interaction, followed by the melodious tunes of the Penang Chinese Opera showcasing colourful Peranakan heritage. The finale will be Penang Boria , featuring humorous singing and dancing as a symbol of openness and harmony.” Aishah said the fusion reflects the multicultural identity and artistic richness of Penang. The celebration this year will also feature a 30-minute segment themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, blending music and dance to highlight national unity. The segment will be delivered by local artistes representing Malaysia’s five major communities – Ella (Malay), Suki Low (Chinese), Roshini Balachandran (Indian), Rezza Shah (Sarawakian) and Dabra Sia (Sabahan) – accompanied live by the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra from Istana Budaya. “The performances will feature patriotic works as well as popular songs to elicit engagement.” The department has assembled over 200 dancers and crew members. Preparations began last month, with groups selected for their ability to deliver professional-level performances. “Malaysia Day has always highlighted participation from all the five main races. “What brings a fresh dimension this year is the repertoire, presentation methods, storyline and visual displays.” – Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: For lawyer Yannik Mohd Anuar ( pic ) Sept 16 is more than just his birthday. It is also Malaysia Day and a date that reminds him of his grandfather, the late Tan Sri Ghani Gilong, one of the leaders who fought to bring Sabah into the Federation of Malaysia. To Yannik, the day carries both personal and national significance. It is a chance to celebrate while reflecting on the struggles of Sabah’s founding leaders in the formation of the nation. “I feel proud to share my birthday with Malaysia Day and to be the grandson of a leader proudly recounting struggles of late grandfather to bring state into Federation of Malaysia o Occasion sees lawyer celebrating birthday while “After my first venture failed, I refused to give up. I discovered the water pH level in Perlis was unsuitable for Arowana breeding. Here in Bukit Merah, the granite rocks and neutral pH of six to seven is similar to the natural habitat of the fish.” Arowana, or Scleropages aureus , is prized for its majestic appearance and can fetch high prices. Adzmi said the optimal water conditions in Bukit Merah have allowed him to produce premium species such as the Albino Super Red, valued at up to RM80,000 each. “Before the market downturn in 2016, I exported about 30,000 arowana annually to China, Japan and Europe. The Chinese market was the biggest, as they see the fish as a symbol of luck and wealth. However, prices have fluctuated. “At one time, even the ordinary species could fetch RM600 each. Now, they are only RM60 to RM150. Albino Gold still brings RM12,000 to RM15,000 each. The market is no longer as vibrant due to growing competition.” Among the species he breeds are Golden Albino, Banjared Albino, Super Red, Golden, Highback, Silver Albino and Banjared. Adzmi also highlighted the unique role of the male Arowana in reproduction. “The male keeps the eggs and young in its

1963, some provisions have yet to be fully realised, Bernama reported. “My grandfather often said his struggle was not over. He hoped to see Sabah enjoy the development promised during that 1962 visit.” Still, Yannik is grateful that Malaysia today remains peaceful and harmonious.

who worked hard to convince Sabahans of the need to join the federation. “I often joke with friends that my birthday is so special it’s a public holiday for all Malaysians.” Yannik said he was most inspired by his grandfather’s determination, recounting how Ghani would trek for days through jungles to reach remote villages and persuade people to support the federation. By the time he was 10, Yannik began to grasp the weight of those struggles carried out alongside the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun and Tun Fuad Stephens through the Cobbold Commission.

“I believe the future, especially for Sabah, is bright under the current Madani government and state policies which focus on prosperity, sustainability and development.” He also welcomed the government’s effort to rotate Malaysia Day celebrations between the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak, as a fitting way to honour the nation’s founding. A graduate of Northumbria University, England, Yannik said he holds fast to his grandfather’s principles of perseverance, faith and family, values that continue to guide him in his career as a civil lawyer.

“One story my grandfather shared was how local leaders were taken to see Felda settlements in Malaya before the formation of Malaysia, to show the benefits of joining.” He said although Sabah and Sarawak were given powers under the Malaysia Agreement

Arowana breeder turns setback into success KERIAN: What began as a failed attempt to breed Arowana fish in Perlis more than two decades ago has turned into a thriving success story for 70-year-old Adzmi Saad, who now owns Bintong Arowana Farm Sdn Bhd, with some 300 ponds spread over 13ha in Bukit Merah, near Gunung Semanggol in Perak.

Adzmi showing one of the Arowana species bred at his farm. – BERNAMAPIC

Super League between 2000 and 2007, Adzmi is now preparing to hand over the business to his children, with his youngest son already helping him at the farm. “I believe that as long as Bukit Merah exists, the Arowana industry will thrive because this is the best habitat in the world for such a beautiful fish.” – Bernama

mouth for up to two months without eating. It’s like a hen incubating eggs. But in this case, the male does the fasting.” He said when hunger sets in, the male sometimes releases the fry temporarily while the female guards the area. A former manager of the Perlis football team that lifted the Malaysia Cup twice and won the