George Town gazettes 35 heritage items, eyes Unesco recognition for Penang traditions

Penang’s government gazetted 35 intangible cultural heritage items this year, including seven arts traditions and 28 traditional foods, under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011. State executive councillor Wong Hon Wai announced the additions on May 11, noting that the Teong Guan Phor Thor celebration (Hungry Ghost Festival) is still under review for gazettement. He added that gazetted items may be recommended for national recognition under Malaysia’s National Heritage Act 2005 or UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among the newly gazetted items are the martial art Nillaikalakki Silambam and traditional foods like air batu campur, ais kepal, cendol, and roti canai. The state previously supported UNESCO nominations for the Chingay Procession (a joint submission with Singapore) and Lion Dance (with China), both filed in March 2025. Penang is actively promoting its heritage internationally, including showcasing kebaya fashion and Malaysian breakfast culture at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The Chingay Procession, held annually in George Town and Butterworth, also saw Penang teams invited to Singapore’s Chingay Parade in 2025 and 2026. The Penang State Museum Board is currently organizing the ‘Silat Siku 12 Exhibition’ at its Macalister Road branch. Wong emphasized the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting local intangible heritage at both domestic and international levels.