KPDN teams up with KLFW 2026 to promote Malaysian brands through a strategic fashion platform featuring batik and local designers.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has forged a strategic partnership with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026 to strengthen the promotion of local products through a prominent fashion platform.
Its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the first-of-its-kind initiative was implemented following the launch of the “Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA)” movement on June 27, which represents a strategic transformation of the Buy Malaysian-Made Campaign that has been in place since 1984.
He said the KPDN-KLFW 2026 collaboration formed part of the new strategy under JOM MALAYSIA, which was not merely a rebranding exercise but reflected a comprehensive shift built on four key pillars, namely a national movement, a whole-of-nation approach, the inclusion of local products and market expansion.
“This collaboration serves as a strategic platform to elevate local products and brands through world-class fashion events that attract industry players, fashion enthusiasts, tourists, as well as local and international media.
“KPDN views the strategic collaboration with KLFW 2026 as an initiative that aligns with the four key pillars outlined,” he said in a statement after attending the KLFW 2026 Official Media Conference here today.
Armizan said KLFW not only served as a platform to showcase the creativity and innovation of the country’s fashion industry, but also as a strategic avenue to expand business opportunities, attract investments and open up access to new markets for Malaysian products and brands.
“As one of the main highlights of KLFW 2026, a special segment, ‘Fashion Forward Batik Malaysia’, will be introduced, featuring 30 exclusive designs by 10 local fashion designers.
“This collection showcases original local batik textiles from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia through contemporary designs, demonstrating that local heritage can meet the tastes of premium and international markets,” he said.
KLFW 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 3 to 9 at the Esplanade, KLCC, featuring various programmes that reflect the growth of the local fashion industry, including fashion shows, brand exhibitions, business matching sessions, industry partnerships and engagement activities with fashion and lifestyle players.
This edition will involve the participation of about 60 local brands, 35 fashion designers and more than 20 strategic industry partners, contributing to the continued growth of the Malaysian fashion ecosystem.
