ECOPRINT BATIK BY SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS SHOWSTOPPERS AT JOHOR CRAFT FESTIVAL

By Mohamad Syazwan Mustafa

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The creative batik printworks (ecoprint) created by special education students, under the guidance of a special education teacher, caught the attention of visitors at the Johor Craft Festival 2025 (FKJ 2025) as each piece of fabric showcased the unique creativity and personal touch of its maker.

Pertubuhan Seni Orang Kurang Upaya Pengerang (PSOKUP) chairman Hadi Salleh, 54, or more affectionately known as Cikgu Hadi, said that ecoprint batik art opens up a wide space for special education students to create freely without complex or risky technical constraints.

Cikgu Hadi, who retired voluntarily in September this year as a Special Education Integration Programme  (PPKI) teacher at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Mas, said that under his guidance, a total of 30 special education and autistic students, aged between 13 and 19, were actively involved in producing the printworks.

According to him, the ecoprint batik produced differs from traditional hand-drawn batik because it uses natural resources such as local leaves and flowers, thus preserving the authenticity of floral-patterned art with natural designs.

“The process is easy and safe. The fabric is soaked overnight in vinegar, alum, and ferrous sulfate before being squeezed, arranged with leaves according to the design, tied, and steamed for two hours to produce natural colours and patterns.

"Each result cannot be repeated, which is why ecoprint batik is unique and special," he said when met by Bernama at his booth at the festival held at Padang Akasia, Angsana Mall today.

Cikgu Hadi said the simple method allows students under his guidance to independently carry out the batik-making process according to their individual creativity and taste, thereby boosting their confidence and skills.

The father of three from Pontian said his interest in ecoprint batik began after attending a Private Workshop Eco Print course in July 2024 at a cost of RM700, before gradually introducing the technique to special education students.

The students' creations were then utilised with various craft products such as handbags, hats and clothing, which were sold at prices ranging from RM15 to RM350, thus opening up opportunities for income generation and providing early exposure to entrepreneurial values.

He said PSOKUP also received a fund support of RM50,000 for the MADANI Craft Project from Pengerang Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which was a catalyst for expanding art activities and exhibitions of special education students' artwork.

“Platforms like this festival are also important so that the public can see the true abilities of children with special needs. They are not just learning, but able to create and be self-reliant through their own handiwork," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Syaqir Abdullah, 15, who is one of Cikgu Hadi's students, shared his excitement about creating ecoprint batik because the process is easy and fun.

“I've been with the teacher since last year. It's (ecoprint batik) easy to do, fun, and the results are beautiful," he said, while skillfully performing the process of tying and arranging leaves to create a batik pattern.

The FKJ 2025 is taking place until Dec 29.

-- BERNAMA