Perak’s Royal Waqf Legacy Revived Through Heritage Gallery in Kuala Kangsar
KUALA KANGSAR, April 30 — The rich history of Perak’s royal waqf institution is being brought back into focus through a dedicated gallery that chronicles more than a century of its legacy, as the state prepares for the 500th anniversary of the Perak Sultanate in 2028.
Situated in the heart of Kuala Kangsar, the gallery offers a compelling narrative of the evolution of Wakaf Diraja Sultan Idris Murshid-ul-Adzam Shah since its formal establishment under a special enactment in 1917.
Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, visited the gallery, which features a curated collection of archival materials, photographs and historical records highlighting the institution’s contributions to society.
Among the key beneficiaries showcased are Madrasah Idrisiah, Masjid Ridzwaniah and Makam Diraja Al-Ghufran.
The exhibition also illustrates how commercial assets under the waqf system have been strategically managed to generate sustainable funding for community development.
General manager Raja Hazwan Shah Raja Danil Akhsan said the gallery is open to the public free of charge, with the aim of making the history and relevance of waqf more accessible.
He noted that the gallery also introduces modern waqf concepts, such as cash waqf, which complement traditional forms of endowment like land and property.
Institutions such as Madrasah Idrisiah are highlighted for their role in producing prominent Islamic scholars, demonstrating the enduring impact of waqf on education.
The documentation and preservation of this legacy are supported by the Perak State Museum Board, ensuring that historical records are maintained for future generations.
Meanwhile, Tourism Perak Management Berhad has helped position the gallery as a heritage tourism destination, offering visitors deeper insight into Perak’s cultural and historical identity.
Ultimately, the gallery stands not only as a repository of history, but as a living testament to the continued relevance of waqf in modern society.
-wilayah.com.my
