Penang Declares Seven More Intangible Cultural Heritage Items, Six Heritage Sites

GEORGE TOWN, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Penang state government on Friday declared seven new intangible cultural heritage items and six physical heritage sites, a move designed to legally protect the state’s diverse cultural identity under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced the specific items included in this latest batch of declarations. The seven intangible heritage items are the Teong Guan Phor Thor Festival, Boria, Ghazal Parti, Penang Bangsawan, Silat Pelaga: Siku 12, Penang Dondang Sayang, and the Penang Hokkien dialect.

These additions reflect the multi-ethnic fabric of Penang, covering Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultural expressions, as well as specific martial arts traditions and local dialects that are integral to the state’s social history.

In addition to the intangible assets, the state government designated six physical locations as Heritage Sites following a rigorous assessment process. These sites include the Loo Pun Hong Temple; the Upper Station, Lower Station, and railway tracks of the Penang Hill Funicular Railway; the Dato Koyah Mausoleum; the Thai Pak Koong Temple (Ng Suk) on King Street; the Fooi Chew Association Building; and the Kwangtung and Tengchow No 1 Cemetery.

The inclusion of the Penang Hill Funicular Railway components highlights the state’s focus on preserving not just religious and community structures, but also historical infrastructure that has shaped the island’s development.

Wong Hon Wai provided context on the scale of Penang’s heritage conservation efforts, noting that as of September last year, 35 intangible cultural heritage items had already been declared State Heritage. This existing portfolio comprises 28 types of heritage food, one literary language, three cultural customs, two beliefs, and one martial art. Furthermore, 15 sites had previously been designated as Heritage Sites under the enactment.

The new declarations significantly expand this inventory, reinforcing the legal framework that protects these assets from neglect or inappropriate development.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the second State Heritage Declaration Ceremony for 2026, emphasized the broader implications of these designations. He described Penang as a unique “living museum” that showcases a blend of architecture, traditional villages, religious sites, and cultural landscapes. According to Chow, this environment is further defined by the languages, food, performing arts, and customs that collectively shape the state’s character and identity.

Chow stressed that the recognition of intangible heritage is as critical as the protection of physical structures. He stated that heritage conservation efforts must not be limited to historic buildings and sites but must also encompass the intangible elements that form the soul of the community. This perspective aligns with global trends in cultural preservation, where the living practices of communities are recognized as vital components of cultural identity.

The state government is actively seeking to add value to this heritage through various initiatives. Chow outlined plans to utilize festivals, heritage walks, gastronomy, digitalisation, and creative economy activities to enhance the tourist experience. He noted that these efforts are designed to create opportunities for young people, arts practitioners, and local entrepreneurs, thereby linking cultural preservation directly to economic empowerment and job creation.

The economic rationale behind these cultural investments is supported by recent tourism data. Chow cited figures showing that Penang’s tourism sector continues to show positive momentum, with the state recording 967,742 international hotel guests in the first quarter of this year. This steady influx of visitors underscores the demand for authentic cultural experiences, which the newly declared heritage items are poised to provide.

Air traffic data further corroborates the growth in international interest. Penang International Airport recorded 2.65 million international passenger movements from January to July, representing an increase of 11.1 per cent compared with the same period last year. This growth in passenger numbers suggests a robust pipeline of potential visitors who may be drawn to the state’s rich cultural offerings, including the newly protected festivals and dialects.

Beyond general tourism, the state is also capitalizing on its reputation in the health tourism sector. Chow reported that Penang recorded 285,400 medical tourists in the first half of 2026, generating RM601.8 million in revenue. He argued that this performance demonstrates the state’s strength as an international destination, driven by a combination of medical services, heritage, culture, gastronomy, and community experiences.

The integration of health and cultural tourism suggests a holistic approach to destination marketing, where visitors are attracted by both the quality of healthcare and the depth of cultural immersion.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Mohamad Muda Bahadin, the director-general of the National Heritage Department, who also serves as the Heritage Commissioner. His presence highlighted the alignment between state-level heritage initiatives and national heritage policies. The Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 serves as the legal backbone for these declarations, providing the mechanisms for assessment, designation, and protection of both tangible and intangible heritage.

The inclusion of the Penang Hokkien dialect in the list of intangible heritage items is particularly notable, as it addresses the preservation of linguistic diversity. Language is a key carrier of cultural knowledge and identity, and its formal recognition aims to counteract the erosion of local dialects in the face of globalization and the dominance of standard Malay and English.

Similarly, the protection of specific martial arts like Silat Pelaga: Siku 12 ensures that traditional physical practices are documented and passed down through institutional support.

The designation of the Penang Hill Funicular Railway stations and tracks as heritage sites also carries historical weight. The railway, a colonial-era infrastructure, is a landmark of the island’s development and a major tourist attraction. By protecting its stations and tracks, the state ensures that the physical infrastructure that supports this iconic attraction is maintained in a manner consistent with its historical significance.

The Fooi Chew Association Building and the Kwangtung and Tengchow No 1 Cemetery represent the community and religious heritage of the Chinese diaspora in Penang. These sites are not only places of worship or remembrance but also centers of community activity and historical memory. Their protection under the enactment ensures that they remain accessible and preserved for future generations, serving as tangible links to the past.

The Thai Pak Koong Temple (Ng Suk) on King Street adds another dimension to the religious heritage landscape, reflecting the presence of Thai communities in the state. The Loo Pun Hong Temple and the Dato Koyah Mausoleum further diversify the religious and commemorative sites under state protection. Together, these six sites form a network of physical heritage that complements the intangible practices declared in the same ceremony.

Wong Hon Wai’s remarks underscored the systematic nature of the state’s heritage management. The assessment process for designating heritage sites is rigorous, ensuring that only those with significant historical, cultural, or architectural value are granted protection. This approach helps to prioritize resources and ensure that the heritage registry remains credible and comprehensive.

The economic data presented by Chow Kon Yeow provides a clear link between cultural preservation and economic performance. The growth in international hotel guests and airport passenger movements indicates that Penang is successfully attracting a global audience. The revenue generated by medical tourism, in particular, highlights the state’s ability to monetize its reputation for quality services and cultural richness.

The state’s strategy of using heritage to drive the creative economy is a forward-looking approach. By involving young people and local entrepreneurs in heritage-related activities, the government aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where cultural preservation is not just a state responsibility but a community-driven enterprise. This model encourages innovation in how heritage is presented and experienced, potentially leading to new forms of cultural tourism and creative industries.

The declaration of these seven intangible items and six sites brings the total number of protected heritage assets in Penang to new heights. With 35 intangible items and 15 sites previously declared, the addition of these new entries significantly strengthens the state’s heritage portfolio. This expansion is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the state government and heritage agencies to document and protect the diverse cultural assets of Penang.

The presence of the National Heritage Department’s director-general at the ceremony signals a collaborative effort between state and federal authorities. This partnership is crucial for ensuring that state-level heritage initiatives are aligned with national standards and objectives. It also facilitates the potential for Penang’s heritage to be recognized at a national or even international level, further boosting its profile as a cultural destination.

The focus on intangible heritage, such as the Penang Hokkien dialect and specific festivals, reflects a deeper understanding of what constitutes cultural identity. While buildings and monuments are visible markers of heritage, the practices, languages, and beliefs of the people are the living essence of a culture. By protecting these intangible elements, Penang is safeguarding the core of its identity against the homogenizing forces of modernization.

The economic benefits of this cultural strategy are already evident in the tourism statistics. The 11.1 per cent increase in international passenger movements and the substantial revenue from medical tourism indicate that Penang’s cultural and service offerings are resonating with international visitors. This success is likely to encourage further investment in heritage conservation and cultural programming, creating a virtuous cycle of preservation and economic growth.

The state’s emphasis on digitalisation as a tool for adding value to heritage is also noteworthy. In an increasingly digital world, making heritage accessible through digital platforms can reach a wider audience and engage younger demographics. This approach ensures that heritage is not just preserved in physical form but also in digital archives and interactive experiences, enhancing its relevance and appeal.

The declaration ceremony serves as a public affirmation of the state’s commitment to its cultural legacy. By formally recognizing these items and sites, the government is sending a clear message to the community and the world that Penang values its diverse heritage and is taking concrete steps to protect it. This commitment is essential for maintaining the state’s unique character and for ensuring that future generations can appreciate and benefit from this cultural wealth.

The integration of heritage conservation with economic development strategies represents a holistic approach to state planning. By linking cultural preservation to tourism and the creative economy, the state is creating a sustainable model that balances heritage protection with economic growth. This model is likely to serve as a reference for other states in Malaysia and the region that are seeking to leverage their cultural assets for development.

The specific mention of gastronomy in the state’s heritage strategy highlights the importance of food as a cultural marker. Penang is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and the protection of heritage food items ensures that traditional recipes and cooking methods are preserved. This not only supports the local food industry but also enhances the tourist experience, as food is a key component of cultural tourism.

The protection of martial arts like Silat Pelaga: Siku 12 also has implications for physical education and community health. By recognizing these practices as heritage, the state encourages their continued practice and transmission, contributing to the physical and cultural well-being of the community. This aspect of heritage conservation is often overlooked but is vital for maintaining the holistic health of a society.

Related: Chow Kon Yeow · George Town