Kota bharu: A total of 213 dishes have been recognized as National Heritage so far, including those from Kelantan such as ‘Nasi Kerabu’, ‘Kuih Jala Emas’, ‘budu’, ‘akok’, and ‘solok lada’. Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot announced the ministry’s dedication to promoting, preserving, and sustaining the nation’s arts, culture, and heritage through financial assistance to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporates via the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) and the Tourism Sector Support Grant (GSSP).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Citarasa Warisan @ Pantai Timur Festival is one of MOTAC’s initiatives aimed at promoting, preserving, and sustaining heritage food, especially those recognized as National Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645). The festival also highlights heritage dishes that are nearly extinct, such as ‘Itik Solor’, ‘Kerabu Beko’, ‘Nasi 100’, ‘Ros Lidah’, and ‘Apam Bakar’, as stated by Shaharuddin during the opening ceremony of the festival held at the compound of the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium.

The ceremony was officiated by the Sultanah of Kelantan, Sultanah Nur Diana Petra. Shaharuddin further elaborated that the festival not only delighted visitors but also positively impacted the local economy by boosting traders’ income and supporting the heritage food industry. The event showcases over 150 heritage dishes from 10 districts in Kelantan, with the cooperation of the Kelantan Women’s Association and the Malaysian Craft Council.

Shaharuddin emphasized that programs like these introduce Kelantan’s heritage dishes to the grassroots while providing income returns to the Kelantan community. The festival serves as a platform to showcase the rich culinary heritage of Kelantan, thereby contributing to the preservation and celebration of traditional Malaysian cuisine.