The batik industry in Sarawak which has huge potential still largely remains untapped. There was a need to give the batik sector a boost, especially in Miri which borders with Brunei, said Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

Miri does not have big centres to showcase their batik and turn it into a major tourism sector. Although, there is huge potential for batik blouses, shirts and textiles because Bruneian women from across the border have a keen interest in buying these fine clothing materials.

This is something they will want to look into since it is a potential lucrative sector, he added.

An exhibition and warehouse sale of batik textiles and clothing from all over the country was held at the Miri Civic Centre over the past three days and it drew big crowds of people from Brunei.

The event was organised by various batik entrepreneurs from the peninsula states and their counterparts here. However, Lee was surprised that the organisers of the event did not inform his ministry nor had a launch ceremony. It could have been a big tourism draw if promoted widely.

The batik on display were made by entrepreneurs from Sarawak, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Penang and the east coast states.

The event venue had a steady stream of buyers and visitors, many of whom are from Brunei as Malaysian batik is of high quality and 50% cheaper than the ones in Brunei.