The Dying Art of Kebaya Making in Malaysia: A Concern for Cultural Heritage

The tradition of making Nyonya kebayas, a traditional women’s clothing in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, is declining rapidly. According to industry insiders, many elderly embroiderers have retired, and kebayas today are mostly stitched by Indonesians due to the low cost of production. Authentic kebaya makers in Malaysia are now a rarity, and there is an urgent need to train young embroiderers to preserve the cultural heritage. Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is taking steps to nominate “Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices” for the UNESCO list alongside Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. However, experts are concerned about the high cost of authentic Nyonya kebayas, which can cost up to RM4,000 per piece. Despite this, the demand for kebayas for weddings, events, and dance groups remains high. It is essential to maintain the tradition of making Nyonya kebayas to preserve the cultural heritage of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.