Can the National Cultural Policy 2021 help protect vulnerable heritage communities?

The nomadic Bajau Laut people live on small wooden sailing vessels while some who are semi-nomadic live in stilt huts such as these built in shallow waters. The UNHCR has determined that the Bajau Laut are a 'population of concern' in Sabah. They need protection to ensure their cultural heritage doesn't disappear. — Filepic/The Star

MALAYSIA's National Cultural Policy 2021 is scheduled to be launched today (Oct 26, 2021) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. According to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the policy "will drive the nation's arts and culture industry".

The National Cultural Policy 2021 will focus on (1) the future implementation of the arts, (2) culture and heritage strategies that will include high value culture, (3) community harmony, (4) preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, (5) cultural development and expansion, (6) cultural empowerment, and (7) generation of a cultural economy and cultural excellence.