Malaysia’s Ministry of Information Communications and Culture has directed the Malaysian Handicraft Corporation to undertake research and development (R&D) to develop the country’s textile industry.
The Ministry will allocate additional sums for carrying out the research on fashion trends of the young and middle generation and also to create awareness among people regarding the country’s textiles, Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister of Information Communications and Culture, said.
The Minister said the investment is being made in research as Malaysia’s domestic textile industry is less competitive resulting in dumping of textiles and clothing items from other countries.
He added that Malaysians prefer garments imported from other countries over locally made apparels, and hence there is a need to develop the country’s textile and garment industry so it can produce clothing items of superior quality at competitive prices.
He informed that China accounts for around 30 percent of world textile production and similarly Malaysia too can improve its share in textile and garment production.
The value of annual world textile trade comes to about US$ 400 billion (RM 1.2 trillion) and Malaysia can increase its share in this trade by broadening its appeal to the outside world, he added.
The Ministry will encourage Malaysians to wear locally-made clothing items like batik to work.
It also plans to develop the textile museum and hold exhibitions showcasing the country’s textiles to attract entrepreneurs.