The Selangor government, in efforts to safeguard the state’s rich textile heritage, plans to establish its textile museum soon.
State Housing and Culture Committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah said the museum - Selangor Textile Museum - will showcase a variety of traditional textiles from Selangor, including telepuk, kelingkan, songket, and Selangor batik.
"We are currently looking for a suitable location for the museum, and it needs to be established as soon as possible, as the state government has approved the necessary funding,” he said.
"The museum will feature a weaving house, and offer a range of activities including those related to batik-making,” he told reporters, after visiting the Yaring Batik Factory and Barahom Bazaar in Pattani, Thailand, in conjunction with the Selangor and Thailand 2024 Cross-Cultural programme.
This annual event, which began last year, involves official visits to select Asean countries, to promote and celebrate Selangor's art and culture on the international stage.
This year, the programme is being held in Thailand, particularly in Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces, to strengthen the cooperation through the promotion of culture, art and heritage.
Borhan said that the committee is also planning to hold a competition, focused on Selangor batik designs, open to participants of all ages. This initiative aims to introduce and widely promote Selangor batik.
Selangor batik features a nine-petalled bunga tanjung (Spanish cherry) motif, representing the state’s nine districts, and serving as a symbol of the state's identity.
"We hope that such events will inspire greater interest in batik making, ultimately cultivating skilled batik makers in Selangor,” he said.
He added that the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) has been actively involved in conducting workshops and seminars for batik enthusiasts and entrepreneurs across the state.
"Our goal is for Selangor batik to become a source of pride for the state," he said, adding that discussions are underway with a local airline, to further promote Selangor batik. - Bernama
