Malaysia is a premier shopping destination in South East Asia. Shops, bazaars and shopping centres throughout the country offer a staggering variety of goods and products. From the traditional handicrafts to the modern electronic equipment, the constantly changing product range can fulfill shoppers' heterogeneous needs. In addition, the exemption of duty on a range of items and the favourable exchange rate ensures that Malaysia is truly a shopping paradise.     Shopping Mall Handicraft Centre Daytime Bazaar Night Time Market   Batik Simply the best in the world, Malaysian Batik is blocked-printed, drawn free-style, silk-screened or tie-dyed. Blocked-print and free-style drawing are the most popular methods, though. Usually made of cotton and silk materials, batik is made into sarongs, clothes, handkerchiefs, scarves and hats. Though Batik can be found throughout the country, those from Kelantan and Terengganu are regarded as more artistic in designs.   Pewter Ware Well-crafted pewter ware looks elegant and Malaysia's pewter craftsmanship is renowned all over the world. The country has the world's largest pewter factory. The most valuable pewter product is an alloy of 97 percent tin and a little copper and antimony to strengthen the finished object. Each piece of pewter is painstakingly handcrafted through the various stages of production. Fine pewter ware embellished with patterns and stained and buffed that gives a beautiful finish.   Woodcarvings Woodcarvings, again, those from Kelantan or Terengganu, are of excellent workmanship. Wood figurines of the Orang Asli (aborigines) also make good buys. As these are bulky items, you can make arrangement with the stores to have them sent directly to your home.   Pottery Sarawak pottery is ochre-coloured with bold geometric designs. Sayong pottery, from Perak, has the characteristic glossy black colour. There is even pottery from Johor, which uses batik and gold thread for a distinctive look. Handicraft centres offer the best variety.   Songket Songket is Malaysian brocade that is intricately handwoven with silver or gold threads. Rich and heavily-embroidered, the cloth makes superb evening gowns. Buy the material untailored and have it made to measure, or buy songket items such as handbags.   Basketry Mengkuang leaves (screw pine) woven into table mats, hats, bags and bedroom slippers make attractive and functional items, which are generally inexpensive. Mengkuang products can be found usually at handicraft centres.