Tok bali: Kain Lima, one of the traditional Malay textiles once regarded as a symbol of luxury for royal family members, is becoming increasingly rare as the heritage textile weavers continue to dwindle. Galeri Rumah Tiang 12 caretaker Nik Mohd Murdani Nik Hassan said the production of Kain Lima in Kelantan has long ceased, with very few remaining weavers possessing the knowledge to produce the textile remain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this has made Kain Lima even more valuable, and efforts to preserve this heritage must be intensified to prevent it from disappearing over time. 'The uniqueness of Kain Lima lies in its weaving technique, which combines tied or tie-dye threads to produce finer motifs and a distinctive colour-reflection effect. This technique makes Kain Lima different from ordinary songket, as it does not merely feature gold or silver threads, but emphasises intricate weaving and unique patterns,' he told Bernama at Festival Kesenian Rakyat Kelantan (Kelantan Arts Festival) in Tok Bali here today.

Nik Mohd Murdani said those truly familiar with traditional textiles can distinguish Kain Lima from songket through its patterns, weaving structure, and the medium used. He said producing a single piece of Kain Lima requires high precision, as each motif must be carefully arranged using a combination of multiple coloured threads before weaving.

'This is why Kain Lima is far more valuable than ordinary fabrics. In today's market, a piece can be sold for between RM3,000 and over RM4,000 depending on its age, motif, condition, and the level of weaving finesse. In the past, Kain Lima symbolised luxury and was often worn by royalty as sarongs, shawls, and ceremonial attire,' he said.

Nik Mohd Murdani said Galeri Rumah Tiang 12, which he joined in 2020, now showcases a collection of Kain Lima belonging to private collectors as part of efforts to reintroduce Malay textile heritage to the public. He said the exhibition allows visitors to see firsthand the differences between Kain Lima, songket, and other traditional textiles that are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

Meanwhile, handicraft maker Nur Anira Akmal Che Abdul Aziz, 34, from Pasir Mas, said she visited the exhibition to gain knowledge about various types of heritage textiles and crafts. She said observing the forms, motifs, and production techniques of traditional textiles inspires her to create more innovative craft products with a distinct local identity. 'Each time I attend such exhibitions, I get new ideas to improve my craftwork, as well as a better understanding of the value of heritage that must be preserved,' she said.