The passing of renowned Terengganu songket weaving master Zainab @ Ngah Mamat is a significant loss to Malaysia’s craft heritage, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today.
In a Facebook post, Fahmi described the craftswoman as a highly respected figure whose contributions to preserving, elevating and promoting the art of songket weaving would always be remembered.
He said her dedication played an important role in ensuring that the nation’s cultural treasures continue to thrive and be appreciated by future generations.
"My deepest condolences to the family of the late Hajah Zainab binti Mamat, the highly respected Terengganu songket weaving master," wrote Fahmi.
Earlier, the news of the passing of the 86-year-old National Craft Figure (Tokoh Kraf Negara) today (June 3) was shared by the Kuala Lumpur Craft Museum through a Facebook post.
According to the post, Zainab was an influential figure and expert whose contributions greatly enriched the country’s craft industry, particularly in the field of traditional songket weaving.
"She was not only a distinguished figure but also very close to members of the industry, particularly in songket weaving. Her ideas and contributions will continue to be remembered, as she was an irreplaceable legend," read the statement.
Zainab was widely recognised for producing high-quality songket textiles that earned admiration from royal households, including commissions for royal wedding attire in Brunei.
In addition to traditional men's songket samping, she also produced a wide range of woven products for women, including sarongs, shawls, dresses and bridal wear.
In recognition of her outstanding service and contribution to preserving the art of songket weaving, Kraftangan Malaysia named her a National Craft Figure in 2002.
Her legacy is expected to continue inspiring future generations of artisans and ensuring the enduring appreciation of Malaysia’s rich textile heritage. - Bernama
