Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, launched the Merdeka Textile Museum (MTM) at Menara Merdeka Maybank in Kuala Lumpur.
Her Majesty said that every country has a heritage that should be appreciated, preserved and passed down to future generations, adding that cultural traditions reflect the identity and values that shape Malaysian society.
“I hope the Merdeka Textile Museum will become an important centre for learning and the exploration of knowledge for all, while serving as a source of inspiration for Malaysian women today and for generations to come.
“I also hope that the younger generation will appreciate our country’s heritage and culture so that it will not fade away,” Her Majesty said.
The museum was established by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), with the aim of preserving and celebrating the textile heritage of the Malay world through in-depth storytelling and interactive cultural experiences, PNB said in a media statement.
The personal collection of the late Sharifah Azah Syed Mohammed Alsagoff (Azah Aziz), wife of the late Royal Prof Ungku Abdul Aziz Abdul Hamid and mother of former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Ungku Zeti Akhtar Aziz, forms the museum’s core.
Azah Aziz, a renowned cultural icon, devoted her life’s work to the education and preservation of Malaysia’s textile traditions and artistic heritage.
Donated by her family to PNB, the collection comprises 240 garments and 69 pieces of traditional jewellery, including sarong songket, Baju Kurung Limar and Tekat Emas.
The museum also draws inspiration from Azah Aziz’s seminal publication, Rupa & Gaya: Busana Melayu, which explores Malay textiles as living expressions of identity, history, culture and society.
Designed around eight thematic galleries inspired by the “Bunga Pecah Lapan” motif, the museum explores the evolution of Malay World textiles through material culture, craftsmanship, symbolism, spirituality, politics, literature and the future of textile traditions, combining authentic artefacts with innovative experiential technology and multi-sensory experiences.
It is also equipped with a study centre that includes a conservation laboratory, fabric library and textile knowledge centre.
Also present at the launch were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and PNB group chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda.
Raja Arshad said, “Merdeka 118 was always envisioned as more than an architectural landmark.
“It reflects PNB’s belief that nation-building is not only about economic progress, but also about preserving the heritage, stories and shared identity that enrich the lives of Malaysians across generations.
“We are deeply honoured to be entrusted with the late Puan Azah Aziz’s extraordinary collection.
“Through the Merdeka Textile Museum, we hope to share the beauty and craftsmanship of Malay World textiles while ensuring that this remarkable legacy continues to inspire future generations,” he said.
During this initial phase, the museum is catering to scheduled groups only and is not open for walk-in visits.
Visitors are encouraged to book their slots to ensure a seamless experience.
For more information, visit merdekatextile.com or follow @MerdekaTextileMuseum on social media.
