Threads of Tradition

Nabila Azlan | 8 April 2025

From the storied halls of the National Textile Museum to the bustling streets of Masjid India, where rows of shops brim with fabrics steeped in heritage, Kuala Lumpur’s enduring love affair with textiles is intricately woven into the city’s very identity.

During the festive Hari Raya season, the excitement spills into iconic departmental stores such as Jakel Mall and Haniffa Department Store, where families hunt for ready-to-wear pieces as well as the perfect fabrics to craft their festive attire.

There is no shortage of culture and heritage on display in the capital, particularly in moments leading up to festive seasons like Hari Raya and Deepavali (this said, imagine how epic Kuala Lumpur will turn out in preparation of joint seasons like DeepaRaya, Gong Xi Raya and the Hari Raya-Christmas hybrid! These joint celebrations surface once every 30 years or so).

“Tak kenal, maka tak cinta,” goes a well-known Malay proverb – if you're not familiar with something, how can you truly love it? This sentiment rings especially true during the Hari Raya season, as traditional outfits inspired by the legendary styles of yesteryear take centre stage once more.

Our journey to uncover the stories behind traditional outfits and fabrics took us to the National Textile Museum, tucked beside the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Who, what, wear at the National Textile Museum

A timeless cultural vault of two and a half storeys, the National Textile Museum comprises four permanent galleries with distinct yet intermingling themes. On the ground floor stands the Pohon Budi Gallery offering a crash course for Malaysian textile history, evolution and early manufacturing complete with a line-up of tools and tech required to bring each one to life. Without giving away too much, if you have yet to visit, you will be amazed at the intricacy of assembling specially handmade fabrics like the Tekat Benang Emas (Gold Thread Embroidery), Songket, Tenun Pahang Diraja (Royal Pahang Handwoven fabric), Pua Kumbu and more.

The Pelangi Gallery is as colourful as its name suggests. It is a curated display of notable fabrics from the Malay, Indian, Chinese and Bornean worlds spanning decades. It offers a visual immersion into the craftsmanship that defines life across cultures – showcasing what was once worn by brides and grooms, farmers, warriors, and leaders alike. Observe how the form and fashion of textiles for the baju kurung and kebaya from the Malay world and sarees and weaves from the Indian world have stood the test of time.

Head up to the second floor of the Museum and step into the Ratna Sari Gallery, where a dazzling display of jewels and adornments awaits. Here, master artisans have shaped gold, copper, silver, beads and even plants into intricate necklaces, buckles and crowns – each piece crafted to mark ethnic ceremonies and traditions. These ornate creations complement the woven threads of traditional attire, bringing each culture’s heritage to life.

The Teluk Berantai Gallery, adjacent to the Ratna Sari shows a symphony of fabrics borrowed from the classical Malay world. Intricate, defining motifs like Kelingkan, Limar and Telepuk shape an intimate picture of artistic heritage, further adding to the cultural richness and variety seen in Malaysia.

Why not craft your own cultural discovery? The National Textile Museum at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with admission fees ranging from RM2 to RM5. Note that ticket purchases are cash-only. Check out the Museum’s official website or Facebook page for updates.

Generations fashion tradition

No cultural festivity is complete without a trip to the one-stop traditional shopping street that is Masjid India.

On top of the seasonal decorations and banners in time for cultural celebrations like Hari Raya and Deepavali, you’ll find rows of shops selling cultural wear, festive staples and prayer essentials all come alive with the energy of welcoming another period of celebration and unity.

Malaysian textile stores have long been at the crossroads of evolving fashion trends and timeless styles – often echoing the cuts and fabrics displayed at the National Textile Museum. These businesses, many of which span generations, are trailblazers in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. In the heart of Masjid India, well-known family-run shops stand as pillars of this legacy, where parents, siblings and children work side by side to build on decades of success. Their shelves burst with vibrant brocade, cotton, songket and intricate embroideries – threads that have woven their way into countless local celebrations.

Kamdar
Location: 113, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Gujarat-born entrepreneur Harsukhlal Maganlal Kamdar (HM Kamdar) began his foray into entrepreneurship thanks to his father and brother circa 1941 in Malaysia. Kamdar was founded in the 1950s in Ipoh, Perak before expanding to Penang and later, Singapore.

Haniffa Department Store
Location: Wisma Haniffa, 149, Jalan Masjid India, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
OK Mohamed Haniffa was at the tender age of 12 when he accompanied his father to Singapore in 1952. Haniffa Textiles Pte Ltd was established in a rented store in Campbell Lane before it made its way to Malaysia in 1976.

Jakel Mall Kuala Lumpur
Location: Lot 159, Jakel Square Off, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Jakel’s humble beginnings thread to the year 1983 where Mohamad Jakel Ahmad founded the wholesale brand in Muar, Johor.

As you browse shop after shop, take a moment to admire Masjid India – the iconic mosque that lends its name to this vibrant district. Established in 1883 as a humble wooden structure and rebuilt with red bricks in 1963, the mosque blends Indian and Malay influences. Surrounded by generations of entrepreneurs, tailors, and artisans, it stands at the heart of Jalan Masjid India Market, where visitors flock not only for the history, but also for a rich and colourful shopping experience.

Omar Ali
Location: 13 & 19, Wisma Yakin, Jalan Masjid India, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Previously an apprentice to a Japanese designer specialising in ball gowns, Omar Ali was the labour of Hj Omar Ali established in 1935.

Madras
Location: 100, Jalan Masjid India, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Starting off as a jewellery business, Madras in Masjid India was established by MK Rajendran in the 1990s.

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