Sultan Abdullah (second from right) and Tunku Azizah (third from right) looking at materials and yarns used to make tenun fabric displayed in the exhibition hall at Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village in Pulau Keladi, Pekan. With them is Mohamad Nizar (right).
THE Pulau Keladi Cultural Complex near Pekan is now known as Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village, following a major upgrade and rebranding aimed at uplifting and preserving Pahang’s cultural heritage.
The village comprises the Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam Royal Pahang Weaving Skills Institute, Rumah Serambi Pahang (a variation of the oldest Malay house that still exists in the state), the birthplace of the country’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tengku Ampuan Exhibition Hall and Tenun Pahang Square.
Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who officially launched the cultural complex, described it as a new chapter for Pulau Keladi as a destination for artisans and craft enthusiasts.
Also present were Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
In his speech, Sultan Abdullah said the development project was inspired by Tunku Azizah.
“Tengku Ampuan Pahang has been actively working and promoting traditional weaving works and creating awareness about it, and we should be proud that we have our own handicraft originating from the town of Pekan itself.
“What makes it more interesting is that among those involved in the weaving industry, are inmates from Penor and Bentong prisons.
“It is an initiative mooted by Tengku Ampuan that gives them the opportunity to rebuild their lives when they are released from prison,” said the Sultan of Pahang.
Tunku Azizah (in maroon attire) checking out a traditional loom used to weave ‘tenun’ fabric.
He said the craft village would also become a tourism destination, and expressed hope that the facilities would be well managed by the relevant parties.
Pahang investment, industries, science, technology and innovation committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, in his speech, said the role of Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village had now been expanded to focus not only on developing and preserving traditional weaving but also that of songket, batik, wood carving, Orang Asli handicraft, and traditional foods.
“All these craftwork and delicacies are our common heritage and something that is undeniably important and reflects one’s identity,” said Mohamad Nizar, who is also Peramu Jaya assemblyman.
He added that under the patronage of Pahang royalty, especially Tunku Azizah, the legacy of Pahang tenun would continue to progress and be cultivated, having also received national and international recognition.
The complex, established in 1985 by Pahang State Museum, initially showcased the birthplace of the late Abdul Razak in Pulau Keladi.
But 10 years later, it had grown to include an exhibition hall, art centre, silk weaving centre, recreational and traditional game area, canteen and various public amenities.
A training centre was built in 2007 to groom creative and young weavers.
The joint project between Pahang State Museum and Kraftangan Malaysia was named Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam Pahang Royal Weaving Skills Institute.
In 2022, the museum received RM10mil in federal allocation, paving the way for the complex to be upgraded into a major craft hub – the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village.
