Johor’s civil service encouraged to sport traditional outfits weekly starting next year

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor civil servants are encouraged to don baju kurung or baju Melayu teluk belanga with kain benang Johor every Friday, starting 2025.

Johor state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said this is part of an effort to promote kain benang Johor, a handcrafted product of the state, to domestic and international tourists.

“Starting next year, civil servants will wear baju kurung and baju Melayu teluk belanga paired with kain benang Johor as their official attire every Friday.

“This initiative will help highlight Johor’s craftsmanship while promoting it to local and international visitors,” he said during the state assembly here on Wednesday (Nov 27).

Raven Kumar said this in response to Gan Peck Cheng’s question about efforts to promote Johor’s handicrafts.

He added that Yayasan Warisan Johor (YSJ) is also actively organising exhibitions to promote the hand-woven kain benang Johor, also known as kain tenun.

“In conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026, YSJ is also planning to organise a fashion show featuring the kain benang Johor products.

“The show, which will be in collaboration with famous fashion designers, will not be limited to clothes but will also include products, including accessories for men and women,” he said.