COMMUNITY-based organisations have been urged to continue preserving their cultural heritage and traditions by involving more young people in their activities.
Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman P. Pannir Selvam said cultural celebrations such as Onam provided an important platform for different communities to showcase their traditions while strengthening unity among Johoreans.
“The state government is committed to providing space for various communities to promote their cultural activities so that they will be preserved for future generations,” he said in his speech during the Onaghosham (Onam festival celebration) organised by Johor Baru Malayalee Association (JBMA) at Taman Johor Jaya Multipurpose Hall.
Also present at the event was Johor Baru city councillor G. Jayasilan.
Pannir Selvam, who is also the Perling assemblyman, said Onam was traditionally celebrated as a harvest festival and an occasion for the Malayalee community to express gratitude for the bounty of the land.
He said the celebration also featured traditional vegetarian dishes and other cultural practices that had been passed down through generations.
“Onam is a meaningful celebration for the Malayalee community and reflects the importance of appreciating agriculture, tradition and the contributions of those who work the land.”
He added that JBMA had also been proactive in supporting state government programmes, including the annual “Muafakat Deepavali” celebrations, where the association had showcased traditional Malayalee cuisine.
Pannir Selvam said his committee was prepared to consider incorporating suitable cultural and sporting activities organised by different ethnic communities into the state’s unity and tourism calendars.
Meanwhile, JBMA president K. Arumugan said the association had about 1,000 members and was working towards expanding its reach beyond Johor Baru to include Malayalee communities in other districts in the state.
