Desaru: A woman craft entrepreneur from Tangkak dreams of making Johor Batik, which features motifs representing the state's identity such as black pepper, pineapple, and gambier, recognized on the global stage. D Warisan Berzaman owner, Azizah Yusof, 51, said she has been in the business for 11 years, producing a variety of Johor Batik products, including shirts, baju kurung, kebaya, cardigans, T-shirts, headscarves, sarong batik, and textile.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azizah shared that her customers are not only from Malaysia but also from abroad, including Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. Most of the foreign customers purchase products at events and programmes organized by state government agencies, such as Tourism Johor, like the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). She noted positive feedback, with many praising the uniqueness of Johor Batik for its distinctive charm and comfort.

Azizah is among Johor entrepreneurs participating in the exhibition held in conjunction with the ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat. She expressed satisfaction with the attention her products received from delegations of the ASEAN community, describing the response as encouraging.

Azizah explained that the business was set up to create job opportunities and train single mothers and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to generate income. Together with her husband, she offers free training to these groups, enabling them to produce various products using remnants of batik fabric.

The AEM Retreat, which runs until February 28, is part of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship events.