Penor prison inmates have made history once again by winning top honours in the tunku azizah cup - royal pahang weave competition 2026:Royal Pahang Weave Competition 2026, held in conjunction with the Pahang Heritage Festival here. Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah said the art of weaving not only produced beautiful works, but also possessed therapeutic value that helped prison inmates build new lives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the achievement demonstrates the talent and skills of inmates at the rehabilitation facility, while highlighting the effectiveness of traditional arts as a medium for rehabilitation and personal development. The first-place winners of the Tunku Azizah Cup received RM30,000 cash along with a trophy and certificate of appreciation, while the second- and third-place winners received RM20,000 and RM10,000 respectively.

The prizes were presented by Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah during the Royal Banquet and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Tunku Azizah Cup - Royal Pahang Weave Competition 2026 yesterday. In addition, six winners in the Queen's Choice category, featuring woven pieces selected by the Tengku Ampuan Pahang, received RM5,000 in cash each.

Tunku Azizah also selected the first-placed winners as one of the Queen's Choice winners, who took home a total cash prize of RM35,000. According to the post, the Tengku Puteri Jihan Cup, designated for student participants, was won by a student from Institut Kraf Negara, who took home RM10,000.

This year's competition attracted 107 participants from across Malaysia, including professional weavers and students, who created traditional items such as sampin, tanjak and bengkung. The Royal Pahang Weave Competition 2026 served as a main highlight of the Pahang Heritage Festival 2026, aimed at elevating Royal Pahang Weave and ensuring the traditional craft is preserved for future generations.