Environmental Awareness of Batik Entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia – An Early Insight

In reality small businesses significantly responsible to environmental degradations because they pay no or little attention towards environment issues as they are preoccupied with matters pertaining to daily business operation as well their limitations in various resources. In Malaysia, batik industry is classified under handicraft product that contributes significantly to the economy of Malays, but the industry has poor environmental record. Yet until recently, issues pertaining to environmental awareness of small business entrepreneurs are under research. In order to fill this academic gap this research aim to investigate awareness of entrepreneurs on environmental issues exacerbated by their businesses. This study utilized in-depth interviews with three entrepreneurs in the industry in Kelantan. Overall, the results of the study found that Batik entrepreneurs had some awareness on environmental issues pertaining to natural environment, but depend on individual. The finding of this research is informative, warrants further efforts from various stakeholders to increase awareness of Batik entrepreneurs on environmental issues because it is considered a perquisite for environmentally friendly practices in the industry.