Our national heritage list has grown – here’s what’s been added

A bowl of mi kolok, a slice of kek lapis and a plate of uthappam may not look as though they belong in the same conversation as historic parliamentary maces or centuries-old manuscripts.

Yet all feature in Malaysia’s latest national heritage announcement, part of a 69-item list spanning food, traditions, objects and living cultural practitioners.

Also recognised are the Gawai Dayak and Tadau Kaamatan festivals, as well as Baba Nyonya wedding customs. They join Malaysian breakfast culture and traditional foods such as nasi kandar, kacang pool, apam Johol, kuih chang, char koay kak and pasembur.

The range extends further still, taking in the sompoton (Sabah mouth organ), traditional clogs, copper craft, heirloom jars, woven textiles, and legends such as those of Mahsuri and Puteri Santubong, as well as historic objects including the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara maces.

There is, however, an important distinction within the announcement. Of the 69 items recognised under National Heritage 2026, 39 had been formally declared at the time, while a further 30 were still due to be gazetted.

Under the National Heritage Act 2005, the minister may declare a heritage site, heritage object, underwater cultural heritage or living person as national heritage through an order published in the gazette.

The Act sets out a range of factors that may be considered, including historical importance, design or aesthetic qualities, scientific or technical achievement, social or cultural associations, educational value, rarity, and whether something represents a particular type of heritage.

National heritage is also distinct from Unesco recognition. The United Nations agency maintains separate international lists for cultural and natural heritage, as well as for intangible cultural heritage, which can include traditions, performing arts, rituals, festive events and traditional craftsmanship.

The framework for national heritage is, therefore, broad enough to encompass practices, traditions, objects and people whose significance lies in what they represent within Malaysian history and culture.

Deputy tourism, arts and culture minister Chiew Choon Man said the process involves screening, research and technical assessment by the heritage commissioner, while the final authority to make a declaration rests with the minister.

He also described the status as more than ceremonial recognition, saying national heritage items receive legal protection and are prioritised in preservation and conservation efforts.

This year’s list also recognises 11 living cultural practitioners, including Che Nasir Yusoff for Kelantan shadow puppetry, Salbiah Muhi for keringkam embroidery, and Siow Ho Phiew for lion dance performance and lion-head craftsmanship.

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