Selangor’s own kebaya

TO promote the traditional kebaya and ensure its survival, the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (Padat) organised a Kebaya Selangor Sewing Workshop recently.

Selangor Malay customs, youth and sports committee chairman Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who launched the programme, said it was an important part in efforts to preserve the iconic traditional garment.

“We hope this programme will encourage more people to appreciate Kebaya Selangor and make it part of Selangor’s cultural identity.

“The participants are expected to share what they have been taught with the public to ensure increased popularity of Kebaya Selangor among Malaysians,” he said.

Some 15 tailors from the state were chosen to participate in the two-day workshop on April 25 and 26.

The tailors learnt about the garment’s history, cut types and sewing techniques from start to finish.

Cultural activist Zubaidah Sual is the principal of the workshop that was held at the Shah Alam Community College in Shah Alam.

Kebaya Selangor shares the same general characteristics of a kebaya but has a lower hemline that usually reaches below the knees.The blouse is also looser at the waistline than the ordinary kebaya.

It also commonly paired with a sarong made from songket or batik and has four pesak (pleats) in front.