GEORGE TOWN, May 12 — The Penang State Government has strengthened efforts to preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage with 35 heritage items officially gazetted under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 in 2026.
State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the recognitions include seven cultural heritage items and 28 traditional food items.
While the Teong Guan Phor Thor Festival remains under the gazettement process. He added that gazetted state heritage items.
May later be proposed for national recognition and UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Penang has also supported UNESCO nomination efforts for the Chingay Procession and Lion Dance through joint submissions involving Malaysia, Singapore and China.
The state continues promoting heritage through international festivals, Penang Week at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, and local cultural events including George Town Festival and Butterworth Fringe Festival.
Gazetted Intangible Cultural Heritage Items in Penang 2026:
- Traditional foods including Char Kuey Teow, Asam Laksa, Cendol, Roti Canai and Teh Tarik.
- Nasi Kandar Culture
- Kopitiam Culture
- Chingay Procession
- Thaipusam Celebration
- St Anne Festival
- Penang Tanjong Dialect
- Nillai Kalakki Silambam Martial Art
