SERDANG, Oct 29 — The gazettement of Telepuk Selangor as the official state textile art heritage is expected to be finalised next year, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The state government is currently in the final phase of preparing the necessary documents and studies to ensure the traditional art form is officially recognised and preserved.
“It is in progress; we are taking the time needed, as it involves documentation and a detailed study. Kelingkan (metallic embroidery) has also not yet been gazetted. Both require thorough research and strong documentation.
“Before submission for gazettement, we must have proper justification and clear details of the elements involved. Hopefully, we will be able to finalise it next year,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to the press after delivering his keynote address at the International Heritage Communication Symposium, themed 'Heritage Treasures: A Reflection of Civilisation', at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) today.
He added that elements of this traditional textile art were also showcased during the Royal Wedding of Their Highnesses the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz.
“At the same time, we have already started to incorporate it gradually. For example, in the royal wedding of the Raja Muda, His Highness’s attire featured kelingkan and telepuk elements made with gold threads, which are part of the Selangor palace’s long-standing tradition,” Amirudin said.
Previously, state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said that a focus group discussion in September on gazetting Telepuk Selangor as a state textile heritage served as an important platform in outlining the direction for the recognition process.
According to the Royal Selangor Office Facebook page, telepuk is a decorative technique that adorns fabric using gold powder or gold leaf to create shimmering motifs with distinctive beauty.
The chosen motif for Tengku Amir and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini's wedding was tampuk manggis — a design inspired by the mangosteen fruit.
In royal and cultural symbolism, the mangosteen represents purity, inner beauty, and calm strength, noble qualities befitting the dignity and sincerity of a royal union.
It was favoured by His Highness' great-grandmother, the late Tengku Ampuan Jemaah, consort of Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Alhaj. Her Royal Highness is remembered as a devoted patron of heritage arts and a strong advocate for preserving traditional Malay crafts, including telepuk, which Tengku Ampuan Jemaah personally practised.
