Summary
- Toh Ai Hwa becomes Penang’s first female National Living Heritage honouree.
- Traditional Teochew iron-rod puppetry receives national recognition.
- Penang proposes stronger heritage protection under amended state legislation.
GEORGE TOWN, November 5 — Teochew iron-rod puppetry practitioner Toh Ai Hwa has become Penang’s first woman recognised as a National Living Heritage Figure by the National Heritage Department.
State tourism executive councillor Wong Hon Wai said Toh received the honour in Putrajaya on Thursday, becoming Penang’s fourth recipient.
Her recognition highlights efforts to preserve traditional Teochew puppetry, a cultural art form still practised in Penang.
Separately, Wong presented proposed amendments to Penang’s heritage legislation, including stronger protection for historical objects and a dedicated heritage trust fund.
The state also gazetted 63 heritage items in 2026.
