KOTA BHARU, The East Coast Malay Batik Association is calling on the government to provide funds for the rehabilitation of dilapidated batik factories in Kelantan through Budget 2025, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will table on Oct 18.
Its president Kamarul Zaman Mohd Salleh said the issue of dilapidated workshops or factories has been ongoing for a long time, causing losses to its operators.
‘We estimate the repair work will cost RM500,000, given that we have 100 active registered members from a total of 350 members.
‘Most batik entrepreneurs are affected, as their workshops, made of wood, easily rot when flooded, roofs are often ripped off during storms and some had to close down their businesses when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country,’ he told Bernama recently.
According to him, the allocation was vital as the demand for batik was high following the government’s policy requiring civil servants to wear it every Thursday from Aug 21 last year.
Meanwhile, in MACHANG, , the Kelantan ch
apter of the Malaysian Veteran Commandos Club (KVKM) is seeking government funding to organise activities thus generating income for the club and its members.
Its chairman Warrant Officer II (R) Radin Kaimin Tukol said the club’s unstable financial position made it difficult to implement programmes, particularly those aimed at assisting ailing members.
‘The club collects funding through fees from some 250 members. We request that the government channel aid, especially in recognition of the sacrifices we have made for the country’s peace.
‘Members rely heavily on a small pension, and most of them have to do side jobs, such as working as security guards to supplement their income,’ he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Kelantan KVKM vice president Sergeant (R) Bustaman Rasdi said the funding provided would be used to assist disabled members in purchasing wheelchairs, disposable diapers, and beds for those who are bedridden.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency