21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
M Daud Kilau's iconic attire preserved in Perak Music Archive
IPOH: The iconic stage costumes of the late legendary 'Raja Gelek' singer, Datuk M. Daud Kilau, will be preserved in the Perak Music Archive in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the music industry.
State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah said several of the singer's outfits were among more than 2,000 items currently being digitised through an initiative led by People of Remarkable Talent (Port).
He explained that the archive, which was established in 2022, is aimed at ensuring the state's rich musical heritage was preserved and made accessible to future generations, particularly cultural researchers and students of the arts.
"The Perak Music Archive was set up through Port in 2022, and the digitisation of some 2,000 artefacts — including several of the late Datuk M. Daud Kilau's iconic costumes — is actively ongoing.
"The launch of the archive's website is expected in July this year, and it is hoped that it will serve as a vital resource for researchers, students, and the general public," he added.
Khairudin said this during his winding-up speech on the Royal Address debate at the Perak State Legislative Assembly today.
Born in Bagan Datuk, M. Daud Kilau died at Teluk Intan Hospital on Dec 18, 2023, at the age of 85.
Meanwhile, Khairudin said that the state government was currently in negotiations regarding the development of the Port Creative Centre, with several key agencies involved, including the Management Services Division, Public Works Department, and the Land and Mines Office.
He also highlighted Ipoh's designation as a Unesco Creative City in the field of music in late 2023, attributing the achievement to Port's continuous efforts to enhance the local music ecosystem.
"Port has been instrumental in promoting Perak's musical talent on the international stage, with recent showcases at the Ambonia Music Fest in Indonesia and the Suphanburi Cultural Festival in Thailand," he said.
