In a special address broadcast via RTM’s TV1 and social media tonight, he said the government hoped the declaration would encourage all citizens, including the private sector and the multiracial community, to wear Malaysian batik.

He said the move was in line with the “Keluarga Malaysia” (Malaysian Family) concept, where the people of all races unite by “donning local batik”.

“I believe that the declaration of the Malaysia Batik Day can also be the catalyst to strengthen the local batik craft industry and the batik production chain,” he said.

He said the selection of the date, which was agreed upon by the Cabinet on Nov 26, was a sign of appreciation for the contribution, support and interest in batik craft shown by Endon Mahmood, the late wife of the fifth prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said on Dec 3, 2003, Endon had initiated the Malaysian Batik-Crafted for the World movement to bring local batik to the international stage.

Ismail said the government had also set Thursday as a day for all civil servants and those in Parliament to wear Malaysian batik.

Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had earlier said that MPs would be allowed to wear batik to Parliament from Oct 11, but it was not mandatory.

In the meantime, the prime minister congratulated the tourism, arts and culture ministry for its hard work in realising the historic day.

“I am delighted to witness the ministry’s effort through Kraftangan Malaysia in developing the country’s batik craft industry to remain sustainable and competitive in facing the global economic challenges,” Ismail said.