Fahmi Pays Tribute To National Songket Weaving Icon Zainab Mamat

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The passing of renowned Terengganu songket weaving master Zainab @ Ngah Mamat is a significant loss to Malaysia’s craft heritage, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today.

In a Facebook post, Fahmi described the woman as a highly respected figure whose contributions to preserving, elevating and promoting the art of songket weaving would always be remembered.

He said her dedication played an important role in ensuring that the nation’s cultural treasures continue to thrive and be appreciated by future generations.

“My deepest condolences to the family of the late Hajah Zainab binti Mamat, the highly respected Terengganu songket weaving master.

“May Allah SWT shower His blessings upon her soul, forgive her sins and place her among the believers. Al-Fatihah,” he said.

Earlier, news of the passing of the 86-year-old National Craft Figure was shared by the Kuala Lumpur Craft Museum through a Facebook post.

According to the post, Zainab was an influential figure and expert whose contributions greatly enriched the country’s craft industry, particularly in the field of traditional songket weaving.

“Allahyarhamah was not only a distinguished craft figure but also someone deeply connected to the industry. Her ideas, expertise and contributions will continue to be remembered as those of an irreplaceable legend,” the post stated.

Zainab was widely recognised for producing high-quality songket textiles that earned admiration from royal households, including commissions for royal wedding attire in Brunei.

In addition to traditional men's songket samping, she also produced a wide range of woven products for women, including sarongs, shawls, dresses and bridal wear.

In recognition of her outstanding service and contribution to preserving the art of songket weaving, Kraftangan Malaysia named her a National Craft Figure in 2002.

Her legacy is expected to continue inspiring future generations of artisans and ensuring the enduring appreciation of Malaysia’s rich textile heritage.

Meanwhile, in KUALA TERENGGANU, Zainab's grandson said his grandmother passed away early this morning at the age of 86 due to old age.

Mohd Asbullah A. Wahab, 41, said Zainab breathed her last at her residence in Kampung Bukit Depu here.

He said her remains were laid to rest at the Kampung Bukit Depu Islamic Cemetery after the Asar prayers today.

Born in Kampung Gelung Gajah, Kuala Terengganu, Zainab is survived by six children, comprising five daughters and a son.

Zainab began learning the art of songket weaving at a young age and went on to become one of the country’s most respected master weavers.

Her intricately crafted songket textiles gained recognition among royal households both in Malaysia and abroad, and were frequently selected for social functions, royal ceremonies and wedding celebrations.

Throughout her distinguished career, she produced a wide range of traditional woven products, including samping, sarongs, shawls, bridal ensembles, tablecloths, wall hangings, handbags and headpieces.

Widely regarded as a custodian of Malaysia’s traditional textile heritage, Zainab’s contributions played a significant role in preserving and promoting the art of Terengganu songket weaving for future generations.

-- BERNAMA