Preserving the Songkok Heritage in a Modern Era

Tun Hizami Hashim | 20 March 2026

At Patimah & Anak-Anak, every stitch tells a story – Zulfadli Rusdi carries forward a songkok-making legacy three generations strong, where tradition is worn with pride.

EVERY festive season – especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri – men are often seen dressed in full baju Melayu with a songkok. While it is part of traditional attire, this headgear is more than just an accessory – it symbolises identity, customs and traditions that have long been embedded in the lives of Nusantara communities.

Today, as Kuala Lumpur continues to evolve, efforts such as Warisan KL highlight the importance of ensuring that these traditions remain part of everyday life – not just as symbols of the past, but as living practices sustained by communities and craftspeople.

The history of the songkok can be traced back to as early as the 19th century and is believed to have been influenced by the Ottoman Turkish tarbus, introduced by Indian Muslim and Arab traders. The term “songkok” itself is thought to originate from the Bugis traditional headwear, Songko’ Recca, made from palm fibre or husk.

Over time, the songkok evolved into a cultural symbol worn not only during festive occasions, but also at royal ceremonies and religious events in mosques.

Legacy of Patimah & Anak-Anak

In Malaysia, Patimah & Anak-Anak, located at Wisma Yakin along Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, is among the establishments that continue to play an important role in preserving this tradition – reflecting the kind of living heritage that Warisan KL seeks to support.

According to its manager, Zulfadli Rusdi, the shop has been a family business since 1971 and is now managed by the third generation.

At Patimah & Anak-Anak in Wisma Yakin along Jalan Masjid India, tradition is more than preserved – it is lived daily, a quiet yet enduring reflection of the heritage that Warisan KL continues to champion.

“Patimah is my grandmother’s name. Our shop has always operated here. During my grandmother’s time, this area was still a squatter settlement. After my father took over in 1976, Kuala Lumpur City Hall developed the area,” he said, reflecting on the business’ early history.

Zulfadli, who holds a qualification in printing technology, began managing the shop in 2013 after leaving his career as a graphic designer in the private sector.

Tradition and Innovation

The uniqueness of Patimah & Anak-Anak’s songkok lies in its traditional craftsmanship – from standard to premium versions, priced between RM19 and RM100.

“The main difference between standard and premium songkok is the type of fabric and the internal structure. Premium songkok are made with greater precision using high-quality velvet,” said Zulfadli.

The shop also accepts custom orders, allowing customers to tailor the shape, height and size according to their preferences.

“Customers who place custom orders tend to focus on design. Some prefer a flat top, others emphasise a certain height, and some choose specific fabrics. With each order, we are able to maintain high quality while preserving traditional craftsmanship,” he explained.

In many ways, this balance between tradition and adaptation reflects a broader shift within the city – where heritage is not static, but continues to evolve alongside contemporary tastes while retaining its cultural essence.

Currently, production is handled by his uncle at factories in Kampung Pandan and Gombak, with a small workforce of about five people.

Loyal clientele

Most of the shop’s customers are regulars, including those who have been coming for generations – a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional crafts when they remain rooted in community.

“Some used to come with their fathers as children, and now they return with their own children. That gives us great satisfaction because we are able to maintain long-term relationships,” he said.

The shop also receives orders through tenders from corporate clients and government agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police.

“For government agencies, songkok are usually ordered for official ceremonies, protocol events or corporate functions. This presents a challenge, as each design must meet both aesthetic preferences and strict specifications,” he added.

The shop has also served high-profile customers, including politician Khairy Jamaluddin, further strengthening its reputation as a maker of high-quality songkok with strong artisanal value.

Interestingly, the variety of designs has also attracted customers from different communities, including Indian and Chinese clients, particularly for weddings and special occasions – underscoring how heritage objects can transcend cultural boundaries in a modern, diverse city.

“I am happy to assist non-Malay customers in choosing the right songkok. Sometimes they are unsure of the difference between a kopiah and a songkok. That is where we play a role – offering guidance so they can make the right choice,” he said.

Shifting preferences

Like many traditional trades, the songkok business faces the challenge of shifting preferences, particularly among younger generations who are more inclined towards modern fashion.

To address this, Zulfadli and his team have taken a strategic approach by keeping up with current trends through catalogues and social media.

“Our observations show that Gen Z prefers songkok with a flat top rather than the traditional domed design. So we adapt certain elements without compromising the identity of the songkok. This approach has had a positive impact over the past two years,” he explained.

Such efforts echo a wider emphasis within Warisan KL – recognising that for heritage to endure, it must remain relevant, accessible and responsive to changing lifestyles.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also became a turning point, prompting the business to adapt by expanding into online sales.

“We recognise that customers are now more inclined to shop digitally, and we use social media to promote our designs. Even so, many still prefer to visit the shop to try on and purchase in person,” he added.

As is the case every year, the shop sees a surge in customers during the festive season – a reminder that traditional attire continues to hold a meaningful place in contemporary celebrations.

According to Zulfadli, while some customers feel that prices have increased, this is due to rising costs of raw materials and labour.

“The festive season is the most important time for our business. Usually, the two weeks leading up to Hari Raya are the busiest. In the past, songkok were sold for around RM10, but prices have had to increase. That said, we still maintain the tradition of bargaining with customers – it adds to the lively atmosphere,” he said.

Heritage for the Future

Looking ahead, Zulfadli hopes to expand the business beyond songkok to include other traditional attire such as baju Melayu and baju kurung.

He has also begun introducing his children to the business, guiding them through each stage of the songkok-making process to ensure the continuity of the family legacy.

In many ways, businesses like Patimah & Anak-Anak illustrate what Warisan KL ultimately seeks to sustain – not only the preservation of cultural forms, but the livelihoods, skills and communities that give them meaning.

This approach ensures that heritage is not confined to memory, but continues to be lived, worn and passed on – shaping the identity of Kuala Lumpur for generations to come.