KUALA LUMPUR: Don’t be surprised if you see thousands of people dressed all in batik walking some of the streets of the federal capital on Oct 8.
Some 3,000 people are expected to take part in the Batik Fun Walk by Yayasan Budi Penyayang and National Art Gallery in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry, whose minister Khairy Jamaluddin is expected to flag off the event.
For the 3.8km walk, which kicks on at the gallery itself, participants will be given batik to wear so as to raise awareness on the importance of the traditional technique and the culture behind it.
However, in years past, many participants chose to come in their own batik creations.
Today, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Art Gallery and Yayasan Budi Penyayang which will see the two organisations hold the walk for the next five years to help promote the traditional dyeing technique.
Representing the gallery was its director-general Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa, while Yayasan Budi Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Leela Mohd Ali signed on behalf of the foundation.
Youth and Sports Ministry deputy director-general (sports development) Mohd Azhari Mohd witnessed the signing of the MoU.
Najib said the National Art Gallery had been exhibiting works with batik influence by local artists.
“We have Chuah Thean Teng’s ‘Fruits Season’, dubbed the longest batik art work, as well as ‘Malaysian Life’, ‘Pulau Pinang Celebrations’ and ‘Kampung Nelayan’.
“Batik is not something foreign to us and we would like to show that batik is not just for formal wear but you can integrate it into your everyday wear. Batik was recognised by Unesco (in its list of) Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009, proving how valuable batik is to the world.”
The Batik Fun Walk was first held in 2003 by Yayasan Budi Penyayang to promote the art form as well as to keep family ties closer, seeing as how the technique is generally passed down from generation to generation.
Leela said it was also to nurture an appreciation of batik among the younger generation as the technique displayed “a united element that mirrors the racial diversity in Malaysia”.
“We proudly present batik as a form of our heritage and Batik Fun Walk has been attracting the diverse population of the nation to come together and bond. Every year, we have the opportunity to see people attending the event with their own design of batik wear.
“During the event, participants are expected to come and give their creative interpretation of batik wear and the best creation will be given a prize.”
Leela said that having the event at the National Art Gallery will allow the participants, particularly city folk, to not only focus on a fitness lifestyle but would also give them a chance to appreciate the works of batik art on display there.
She added that activities such as a lucky draw, fitness challenge, music performances and quizzes will be held for those who do not participate in the walk.
Those who register for the event, which requires a RM25 fee, will receive a goody bag and batik sarong. Children under 12 can participate for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
All proceeds for the event will go towards the Penyayang Cancer Patient fund.
For more information on the event, the public can check the Batik Fun Walk 2017 Facebook page or its Instagram profile, @batikfunwalk.