Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village Opens A New Chapter For Pulau Keladi

PEKAN, Aug 4 (Bernama) — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, described the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village as a new chapter for Pulau Keladi, which would attract craft enthusiasts and preserve the state's weaving heritage.

His Royal Highness stated that the project, which was inspired by his beloved consort, the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, serves as an excellent platform for the people of Pahang to take pride in the authentic weaving techniques of Pekan.

"Through Tengku Ampuan’s initiative, inmates from Penor and Bentong have been allowed to learn weaving, helping them reintegrate into society after their release from prison,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah during the craft village’s launch in Pulau Keladi today, which was also attended by Tunku Azizah and the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.

Al-Sultan Abdullah proclaimed that the Royal Craft Village would serve as an "eye-opener" for the area, transforming it into a tourism destination, and hoped that its facilities would be well-managed by the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the state executive councillor for Investment, Industry, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Environment, Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib, highlighted in his speech that Pulau Keladi is a historic village, particularly in preserving the weaving heritage known as Tenun Pahang Diraja.

“The arrival of Tok Tuan Keraing Aji in Pekan in 1722 enriched the art of weaving in Pulau Keladi. However, under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Besar Tunku Meriam and subsequently, Tunku Azizah, the legacy of Tenun Pahang Diraja has been successfully preserved and recognised locally and abroad,” he said.

The development of the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village, a rebranding of the Pulau Keladi Cultural Complex which was established in 1985 by the Pahang State Museum through federal and state funding, is a significant effort to elevate and preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

The craft village houses the birthplace of Tun Razak, the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre, the Karyaneka Centre, recreational areas, and traditional game zones. 

It also features the Tengku Ampuan Besar Royal Pahang Weaving Skills Institute, established in 2009, which aims to train and develop a new generation of creative and competitive young weavers.

The rebranding of the cultural complex to the Royal Craft Village has expanded to include various craft heritage arts such as songket, batik, wood carving, and Orang Asli crafts.

— BERNAMA