The History of Labu Sayong in Kuala Kangsar

According to local folklore in Kuala Kangsar, it is believed that the labu was originally brought to Sayong by Tuk Kaluk, who arrived from Minangkabau during the reign of Sultan Iskandar. Tuk Kaluk was known to have had a close relationship with the palace at that time.

Tuk Kaluk was granted land by the Sultan in Kampung Kepala Bendang in recognition of his craftsmanship in creating items such as swords, machetes, keris, and pottery, which greatly benefited the local residents and the state at that time.

Since then, Tuk Kaluk continued to teach the local residents how to make the labu. Over time, the villagers became skilled at crafting the pottery themselves, a tradition that continues to this day. The use of the labu or pottery in daily life is indeed widespread.

Labu Sayong was not only used by the common people but also by the royal court, as recorded by Raja Chulan in the Misa Melayu. It notes that when Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain traveled downriver from Istana Pulau Cempaka Sari, he brought along this earthenware, which was used as a drinking water container and for bathing.