Azmi (centre) looking at ‘sampin’ made from Kain Benang Johor being displayed at Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Collection showcases Kain Benang Johor to rekindle legacy
IN the heart of Johor’s rich cultural tapestry lies Kain Benang Johor, a plaid-patterned woven fabric that speaks of the state’s history, craftsmanship and identity.
Once a staple in Malay attire, this intricate textile risked fading into obscurity, until efforts by Yayasan Warisan Johor (YWJ) breathed new life into it.
More than just preserving an artform, YWJ is on a mission to reintroduce Kain Benang Johor to a new generation, ensuring that this treasured legacy continues to thrive.
State unity, culture and heritage committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said Johor government through YWJ had launched the “Kain Benang Johor Qalbu Collection” to promote the wearing of this traditional textile.
“This initiative is a continuous effort by YWJ to preserve and uphold the state’s textile heritage while ensuring that the uniqueness of Kain Benang Johor will be enjoyed by everyone.”
Raven Kumar said this when met during the official launch of the textile collection at Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, Johor Baru.
'By wearing Kain Benang Johor, we are publicly displaying our state's rich heritage.' - K. Raven Kumar
For the collection, YWJ had created 17 designs, two of which had been reserved by two state government agencies even before the launch.
“We want to encourage Johoreans to wear Kain Benang Johor.
“In fact, the state government has encouraged its civil servants to wear it every Friday.
“By wearing Kain Benang Johor, we are publicly displaying our state’s rich heritage which we Johoreans should be proud of,” said Raven Kumar.
People can purchase Kain Benang Johor at Galeri Tenun Johor within the heritage complex, while the main sales agent is The Johor Collection.
The event was launched by Johor State Secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani, who announced a discounted price for Kain Benang Johor at RM262 per piece throughout the months of Ramadan and Syawal.
The textile is known for its intricate patterns and fine craftsmanship.
Kain Benang Johor is often used to make traditional attire such as baju kurung and sampin.
The weaving technique and motifs are influenced by Johor’s cultural heritage, incorporating elements from Malay, Javanese and Bugis traditions.
