KUALA LUMPUR: The gambir and black pepper motif, which is synonymous with Johor, was used for the first time to decorate the King’s headdress, known as “tengkolok” or “destar”.

The tradition continues to this day. Another item is the royal headdress known as the Tengkolok Diraja, which is made of black songket and embroidered with gold thread. For centuries, the Malay ...