Summary
- Penang has announced 57 heritage recognitions so far in 2026.
- The latest additions comprise six heritage sites and the Teong Guan Phor Thor, or Hungry Ghost Festival.
- The festival was gazetted as state intangible cultural heritage effective June 25.
- The State Heritage Commissioner’s Office hopes to reach at least 70 recognised heritage items in 2027.
GEORGE TOWN, September 7 — Penang aims to increase its heritage recognitions to at least 70 by 2027, as the state prepares to mark Malaysia’s 70th year of independence.
The state has announced 57 heritage items this year, including 15 sites, 28 heritage foods and seven intangible cultural heritage items announced earlier.
Seven more recognitions were unveiled Thursday, comprising six heritage sites and the Teong Guan Phor Thor, or Hungry Ghost Festival.
The six sites include the Penang Hill funicular railway and stations, Dato Koyah’s tomb and several historic temples, buildings and a cemetery.
Officials said further heritage sites and traditions are being considered for recognition.
