MALAYSIA’s rich cultural mosaic takes centre stage with the official recognition of 69 new heritage items under National Heritage Declaration 2026.
The list includes uthappam, mi kolok and kek lapis, reflecting Malaysia’s vibrant food diversity.
Marking the sixth National Heritage Declaration, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said in a statement that 39 items had been declared to date, while a further 30 would be gazetted later.
“The total includes tangible and intangible items recognised as part of efforts to preserve and protect the nation’s heritage, as well as recipients of the Living National Heritage Award (Wakoh).
“A total of 11 figures were also recognised and will receive National Heritage certificates, RM20,000 in cash and incentives from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
Those honoured include Che Mohd Nasir Yusoff for his efforts in Kelantan shadow puppetry, Salbiah Muhi for keringkam (traditional Malay gold and silver thread embroidery of Sarawak) and Siow Ho Phiew for lion dance performances and lion head craftsmanship.
Sixteen heritage objects were also accorded National Heritage status, including the Dewan Rakyat mace from 1952, the Dewan Negara mace from 1966 and the table used for the nation’s inaugural Cabinet meeting chaired by first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
“The remaining 30 items will be gazetted in due course.
“They include the Gawai Dayak Festival, Adat Berkadim (clan adoption ritual in Negri Sembilan) and the pending (Malay ornamental belt buckle).
“The list also features traditional Malaysian dishes such as kacang pool, nasi kandar, apam Johol, kuih chang, char kue kak and pasembur,” Chiew said.
Other items include Baba Nyonya wedding customs aside from Tadau Kaamatan (annual harvest festival), tajau (heirloom jar) and sompoton (mouth organ) from Sabah and Sarawak.
Traditional textiles run from kain punca potong and the rare kain limar tenggarung to baju sikap (royal outer coat); legends being protected include that of Puteri Saadong, Mahsuri and Puteri Santubong; while honours are also due for the 19th-century Malay historical chronicle Tuhfat Al-Nafis.
Chiew said the declaration of National Heritage was an important legal process under National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) which entrusts the Heritage Commissioner with screening, research and technical assessments.
“However, the final authority to declare an item a National Heritage rests with the minister.
“This mandate carries great significance.
“The declaration is not merely about conferring a name or title, but represents the highest form of recognition by the Federal Government,” he said, noting that all designated items would enjoy legal protection, be prioritised in preservation efforts and receive government support for conservation.
Chiew also said heritage-based tourism centres could generate income for artist and local communities, but cautioned: “Efforts to develop this potential must go hand in hand with preserving the authenticity and value of our heritage.”
A ‘wayang kulit’ performance by Che Mohd Nasir and his shadow puppet troupe. — Photos: Filepic
Chiew says 39 items declared as national heritage to date, while a further 30 to be gazetted later.
Visitors admiring the Dewan Negara mace during Parliament open day in Kuala Lumpur.
Salbiah (left) and sister Zainap stitching ‘keringkam’ during a heritage festival in Kuching, Sarawak.
The colourful and intricately layered kek lapis.
Ngajat dance associated with the Iban community’s Gawai Dayak celebrations.
A Baba Nyonya wedding showcase as part of a carnival in Taiping, Perak.
