Copyright dayakdaily
By DayakDaily Team KUCHING, Nov 1: Her Royal Highness, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, has suggested for the establishment of a Sarawak Songket Institute to preserve and promote the State’s traditional weaving arts. In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Her Royal Highness said the recent increase in Sarawak songket producers reflects positive progress in elevating local cultural heritage, especially with the participation of youth and women. Her Royal Highness emphasised the need to develop an official learning syllabus to ensure the craft is passed down to future generations. “This is a cottage industry we want to encourage so that young people can start a new business. It also ensures that weaving arts will not vanish, as it is a valuable heritage of Sarawak,” Her Royal Highness said. This was said in conjunction with Her Royal Highness’ visit to Seri Gedong Songket in Kampung Kanchong Baru, Gedong, today, accompanied by His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. Tunku Azizah also noted that traditional weaving represents a symbol of regional identity and shared heritage across Southeast Asian nations. “The designs may differ, but the threads bind us together across the Malay Nusantara region,” Her Royal Highness said. The royal couple spent nearly an hour at Seri Gedong Songket observing the production process, including craft items such as woven bags and beaded looms. Their arrival at 11.10am was welcomed by Pahang Chief Minister Dato’ Sri Diraja Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail; Sarawak Premier’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and other dignitaries. After the Seri Gedong Songket visit, the royal couple also attended the Royal Banquet at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali. — DayakDaily
