Almost two decades ago, Sharifah Naemah Khalidza, or Poya as she was known to family and friends, realized that there was a gap in the traditional Malay outfits scene. One could purchase high-quality, unique modern designs for exorbitant prices, or one could purchase cheaper, mass made outfits from commercial suppliers – but there were no lasting designs in a variety of traditional forms, original
pieces that presented both the classic end of traditional Malay wear, and the contemporary side. From this spark, Poya was born, opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2000 with a store in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Other stores followed, providing more locations where customers could come and find themselves tailor-made traditional Malay attire, made from material chosen by Poya herself from her trips around the region. We at Poya pride ourselves on warm, welcoming service to all. Outfits range from those for the little ones up to those who prefer time-honoured designs, sizes XS to 3XL, and not just womenswear, but men’s silk and cotton batik shirts as well. Our friendly shop assistants are happy to provide style suggestions, and advice on what to wear for traditional Malay ceremonies. A visit to Poya isn’t just about buying a set of clothes, it’s about bringing home a piece of traditional Malay heritage.
