Batik Boutique Sews over 12,000 pieces of PPE Gear for Medical Frontliners

The global coronavirus pandemic has left the world searching for a new norm while. One of the main group of people we want to support during this time are medical staff on frontlines of Covid-19. They risk their own health and work around the clock.

At the same time, there is a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) including in Malaysia, that are essential for wearing to protect one's exposure to the virus while treating patients.

Many designers and local brands collaborated to use their sewing skills to make PPE gears for hospitals including Batik Boutique. Batik Boutique, along other social enterprises like Tanoti, Earth Heir, Sew x Dignity, and Me.Reka have partnered to create a group called #SocialTextiles for the sake of providing PPE equipment in a faster and larger distribution. 

 “We knew we wanted to be part of the solution when we heard medical personnel didn’t have enough PPE gear. As our boutiques were forced to close during this time, we pivoted to helping support the frontliners,”says Amy Blair, Founder and CEO of Batik Boutique.

At the peak of the crisis, Hospital KL alone reported they required 1,600 pieces a day.

“We use industrial cutting machines that allow us to cut through stacks of fabric at a time. Our seamstresses are skilled in sewing product and apparels, making us equipped to help support in this time of need.

Working in partnership with corporate and individuals, all donations go towards buying the fabric to make the hospital gears, workmanship sanitation, and logistics for deliveries. 

As of today, Batik Boutique has sewn over 12,000 pieces of PPE gear and delivered to hospitals in and around Kuala Lumpur. 

Additionally, Batik Boutique makes Reusable Batik Face Mask for adults and kids in response to the face mask demand globally. This face mask comes in a set of 2 and it is made of 2 layers of hand-painted 100% cotton fabric with an envelope slit at the bottom should you want to add an extra filter. It is machine washable and comes with an elastic strap that ties around the head for ultimate comfort. So now you can mask in style while supporting sustainable fashion. 

Batik Boutique is giving back by donating 2,000 fabric face masks to low- income housing areas and refugees in Malaysia. This effort provides a safer option for people who need to leave their homes. 

Batik Boutique is hoping to not only help the front-liners but also continue to support local artisans sustain their livelihoods by giving job opportunities through the making of these PPE gears and face masks. We thank you for your continuous support towards Batik Boutique as any contribution or product purchase directly helps marginalized communities. 

Let’s all do our part to help flatten the curve, #StayWell and #KitaJagaKita.

For more information on PPEs contribution or reusable face mask customization for bulk or corporate orders, contact Batik Boutique at info@thebatikboutique.com.