KUALA TERENGGANU: Silk batik producer and distributor Noor Arfa Holdings Sdn Bhd targets sales of RM20 million this year, more than a threefold increase from RM6 million last year.

Managing director Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Mohd Ariffin said the company was confident of achieving the target as the company recorded sales of RM4 million in the first quarter of this year.

"The reopening of the economic and social sectors in the country following the relaxation of COVID-19 curbs have also helped stimulate the sale of batik and silk.

"The recovery was more significant during Ramadan and Aidilfitri recently as the company's sales jumped almost four times from last year.

"The company will continue to emphasise on marketing aspects, more modern new and up-to-date designs, and product quality improvement so that this year's sales target can be achieved," he told Bernama at the Noor Arfa Stylist 2022 award ceremony and dinner here last night.

Although the company's sales had been severely affected since the pandemic hit the country in 2020, Wan Mohd Hafiz was grateful for the government's assistance such as the Wage Subsidy Programme in navigating the challenges during the difficult times.

He said the company rewarded vehicles to three employees as a mark of appreciation for their services, contributions and hard work throughout the pandemic.

"This is one of the initiatives taken by Noor Arfa so that staff continue to be motivated to help the company continue to achieve its vision and mission to become a leading brand in the international fashion industry," he said.

The company has 200 employees who have expertise in batik stamp technique of production, design, painting and combination of colour schemes.

On the dumping of artificial batik in the market, Wan Mohd Hafiz said Noor Arfa was not intimidated by the challenge posed as it has its own market segment that was loyal to the company's products.

"Strategies have been arranged so that our products have various varieties in terms of design, price and quality to meet customer demand regardless of their economic status.

"We are always sensitive to current changes and are actively producing various new products for batik and silk that meet the tastes of customers," he said.

Set up in 1980, Noor Arfa's main sales centre is housed at the Noor Arfa Craft Complex in Chendering, while its three branches are located at Dataran Shahbandar, Kuala Terengganu; Sultan Mahmud Shah Airport in Kuala Nerus; and Busana MARA in Kuala Lumpur.

Apart from producing batik sarung, silk batik for baju kurung, blouses, skirts, kaftans, shirts and kebayas, Noor Arfa also offers a songket collection with exclusive designs.

On the company's vision for the next five years, he said Noor Arfa would continue to strengthen its entrepreneurship programme, with a target of getting 5,000 entrepreneurs under the dropshipping concept by 2027.

"We want to help produce as many entrepreneurs as possible among housewives, students, single mothers and individuals who are interested to earn extra income and venture into the business," he said.

-- BERNAMA