Saving stories: The Hikayat Fandom Folklore book series is an example of how targeted funding can help revitalise cultural heritage. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
ONCE upon a time, there was a princess whose kingdom was under siege by a neighbouring army.
The attack was not just about conquest – it was personal. The invading king had once proposed marriage to the princess, but she turned him down. Humiliated, he sought revenge, vowing to take her away as compensation for his wounded pride.
Desperate to save his daughter, the king – well-versed in magic –turned to a forbidden spell. He cast a powerful enchantment, shrouding her in a veil of darkness so impenetrable that even moonlight could not reveal her. But such magic came at a terrible cost; the princess would remain hidden forever.
This legend, originating from Kedah, is one of many passed down through generations, woven into Malaysia’s cultural tapestry. But as the world modernises, how many of these stories risk being forgotten? And more importantly, what can we do to keep them alive?
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of keeping folklore alive, recognising it not only as a vital part of the nation’s identity but also as a valuable asset for our creative economy.
His remarks came after visiting Dream Forest Langkawi, where local legends are brought to life through storytelling and immersive experiences.
Experts believe that preserving folklore is more than just recounting old tales – it is about safeguarding a way of understanding the past, the values and the imagination of those who lived centuries ago.
Hang Tuah is among the common legends in the country. — Chainwit/Commons
Untold tales
When Malaysians think of folklore, stories like the cunning mousedeer Sang Kancil, the legendary Hang Tuah and the fanged king Raja Bersiong often come to mind.
However, lesser-known tales, such as the origins of Gua Musang in Kelantan or the martial prowess of Puteri Walinong Seri of old Pahang, remain largely unexplored and unpromoted.
Gua Musang, which is a popular stop for travellers on the Jungle Train. It is also popular with hikers and cave explorers. The name of the town which means ‘Fox Cave’ comes from a local folklore about a mythical fox luring a group of hunters into the limestone caves in the area. As one version goes, all of them but one vanished into thin air. — Wikimedia Commons
Any effort to unearth these hidden narratives contributes to the preservation of folklore and plays a crucial role in deepening the people’s understanding of Malaysia’s historical and cultural identity, say Universiti Malaysia Kelantan heritage experts Dr Suraya Sukri and Dr Nordiana Abdul Jabar.
Classified as an intangible heritage, folklore – encompassing myths, legends, oral traditions, and traditional customs – serves as a repository of collective memory, reflecting the values, beliefs and social structures of various communities across time, says Suraya.
“By safeguarding these narratives, we gain insights into the historical interactions, migration patterns and indigenous knowledge systems that have shaped Malaysia’s multicultural society.
“Folklore also strengthens national identity by highlighting shared cultural elements while celebrating the distinct heritage of different ethnic groups. Its preservation fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, bridging past and present generations in a rapidly modernising world.”
But is preserving this cultural treasure as simple as passing down stories? Not quite, says Nordiana.
Tangible issues
One of the biggest challenges in safeguarding folklore through policies is the lack of comprehensive documentation and formal recognition of oral traditions, says Nordiana.
“Many folklore narratives exist in the memories of elders and are at risk of being lost due to urbanisation and the decline of traditional knowledge transmission.
"Additionally, there is often inadequate funding and institutional support for folklore preservation initiatives, leading to gaps in research and public engagement.”
While Malaysia has policies such as the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), which provides a legal framework for conserving tangible and intangible heritage, Nordiana notes that further refinements are needed to ensure folklore receives adequate protection.
“The implementation of Unesco’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to which Malaysia is a signatory, also provides a foundation for safeguarding oral traditions.
“To address these challenges, governments and cultural institutions should strengthen policies that support systematic documentation, digitisation and integration of folklore into formal education.
“Community-driven approaches, including collaborations with indigenous groups and local custodians of folklore, are also essential to ensure authenticity and inclusivity in preservation efforts.”
Keeping it alive
One successful folklore preservation effort is by the Hikayat Fandom publishing house, set up by award-winning author and poet Ninot Aziz and her husband Mohd Rudi Daud.
Its Hikayat Fandom Folklore World books series is among the folklore-based projects supported by Malaysian government creative industries investment arm MyCreative Ventures Group.
The Hikayat Fandom book series is a collection of 10 illustrated books that retell these legends, tells MyCreative Ventures Group chief executive officer Zainariah Johari.
“Working with Silverfish Books and MyCreative Ventures, she has released four beautifully illustrated books from the series, namely: Lagenda Bidasari, Puteri Saadong, Seri Gumum, as well as Bentala Naga, which was inspired by the Mak Yong performance.”
This project exemplifies how targeted funding can help revitalise cultural heritage. At the same time, Zainariah highlights the importance of collaborating with storytellers, including cultural experts and community elders, to ensure accurate representation of folklore.
“Cultural preservation ensures traditional stories, languages, and craft are passed down. This can help revive dying art forms like wayang kulit and traditional storytelling.”
She adds that preserving folklore through storytelling also benefits tourism, with traditional performances like Mak Yong, wayang kulit and bangsawan attracting audiences through modern adaptations.
“There are also other setups, including guided storytelling walks in historical sites, caves, or forests. For example, a storytelling night walk in a rainforest featuring legends like Puteri Gunung Ledang.”
Hikayat Fandom at the KL Literature and Art Fair 2024. — Hikayat Fandom
Technology, too, has immense potential in the preservation and distribution of folklore, says Suraya.
“Digital archives, interactive websites, and mobile applications can serve as accessible venues for archiving and distributing folklore narratives, allowing them to reach a larger audience.
“Augmented reality and virtual reality can bring folklore to life through immersive storytelling experiences, allowing people to interact with cultural traditions in novel ways.
"Gamification and digital storytelling via social media can also interest younger generations, ensuring that folklore remains relevant in modern culture.”
Dream Forest Langkawi is an example of how technology can bring life to folk tales. — Photo courtesy of Enfiniti
Staying true to the roots
Nordiana stresses that intergenerational knowledge transfer is essential for folklore preservation, ensuring that traditional stories and cultural wisdom are passed down from elders to younger generations.
“This transmission strengthens cultural identity and encourages respect for heritage. However, in modern Malaysian culture, issues such as urbanisation, globalisation, and changing lifestyles have eroded traditional methods of knowledge transmission.”
She advocates for community- based activities such as storytelling festivals, mentorship programmes and history workshops.
“Folklore studies can also be integrated into school and university curricula to help students connect with their cultural heritage.
"Digital storytelling platforms can help facilitate this exchange by connecting historic oral traditions with current communication capabilities.”
