2026 Pesona Destar Programme Strengthens Cultural Heritage, Fosters Unity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Pesona Destar 2026 programme held at Dataran Muzium Negara today showcased the diversity of destar (traditional Malay headgear) and traditional head adornments from various ethnic communities as part of efforts to preserve the country's cultural heritage and strengthen community unity.
Organised by the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) through the Malay World Ethnology Museum, the programme is a collaboration with Pertubuhan Penggiat Seni Alam Melayu (PERNILAM), Malaysia Borneo Cultural and Heritage Association (MANTRA), Malay Custom and Heritage Arts Association (SWAM) and Universiti Malaya Academy of Malay Studies.
The programme, officiated by Ministry of National Unity deputy secretary-general (Policy and Strategic Planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud, also attracted local and foreign tourists, who had the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the uniqueness of destar and traditional headgear from Malaysia's various ethnic groups.
Visitors also took the opportunity to watch the destar-folding demonstrations, learn about the history and symbolism behind each tying style, and experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage that forms part of Malaysia's national identity.
The country’s unique traditional attire was also highlighted through a traditional costume competition featuring ethnic and state attire, including traditional attire from Sabah and Sarawak as well as Malay costumes such as the Puteri Perak, reflecting the diverse cultural identities that make up Malaysian society.
The one-day programme also featured a “Sembang Santai Destar” session, a Malay destar-folding competition, cultural performances, heritage product sales, and exhibition booths by government agencies and entrepreneurs, offering visitors a closer look at local arts and culture.
Mohamad Sobri said cultural heritage such as destar, also known as tanjak and tengkolok, is not merely a symbol of Malay identity but also a medium to instil patriotism and strengthen unity in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
"Efforts to preserve the heritage also encompass the traditional headgear of people of Sabah, Sarawak, the Orang Asli and various other ethnic communities, reflecting Malaysia's rich cultural diversity.
"Strong unity is built not only through policies, but also through mutual understanding and respect and appreciation of one another's cultures among people of different backgrounds,” he said when officiating the programme.
Each destar fold has its own name, shape and philosophy, based on the wearer's role and status in the past, and this heritage needs to be preserved so that it does not fade away.
"We don't want a situation where, 50 years from now, nobody wears it anymore.
"We want people not only to wear the destar, but also to learn how to tie it and understand the philosophy behind each fold because it is an invaluable cultural heritage,” he said.
The inclusive approach of the 2026 Pesona Destar Programme, which also highlighted traditional headgear from various ethnic communities, aligns with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations and the Ministry of National Unity's efforts to strengthen unity through appreciation of the nation's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said museums are not merely places to store artefacts, but also serve as institutions for education, research and the empowerment of the nation's cultural identity.
"The tanjak and tengkolok are not merely head ornaments, but instead symbolise the identity, status and creativity of the community, with each fold having its own name and meaning that should be appreciated by the younger generation,” he said.
The one-day programme features 10 collections of destar and traditional headgear from the Malay community as well as the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, alongside various activities, including cultural performances, destar-folding and traditional costume competitions, demonstrations, knowledge-sharing sessions and the sale of heritage products.
-- BERNAMA
Latest News
- Ramanan, Sim Among Leaders Backing Six PH Candidates At Wisma MBS
- US Strike On Water Desalination Plant Left About 10,000 Without Water: Iranian Official
- Tesla Leads Early Uptake Of Germany's New EV Subsidies
- N9 Polls: Three-cornered Contests On The Rise, Two Seats Witness Five-way Fights
- Trump Blames Canada For Wildfire Smoke, Threatens Tariff Hike