Penang: The Penang state government has approved a State Declaration Gazette designating 10 traditional dishes and six intangible cultural heritage items as state heritage. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated the approval was granted by the State Executive Council on Dec 10, 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation process by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Sociocultural) Expert Committee, and subsequent endorsement by the State Heritage Council.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow highlighted Penang's rich history and cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the state's unique identity formed by its multiracial society. He announced the gazettement of these heritage elements, which include traditional food, festivals, customs, and sociocultural practices, during a press conference at Komtar. The designated traditional dishes are nasi kandar, pasembor, char kue kak, oh chien, kerabu bihun, Hokkien mee, mee udang, mee sotong, mee Jawa, and roti benggali.
Moreover, the six intangible cultural heritage items recognized include the nasi kandar culture, kopitiam culture, the Thaipusam procession, Chingay procession, St Anne's Feast in Bukit Mertajam, and the Tanjong Penang Malay dialect. Chow noted that these items hold significant historical and cultural value, having been part of Penang's cultural fabric since the 19th century and continuing to be relevant today.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the gazettement aims not only to preserve and conserve the state's cultural heritage but also to promote Penang's uniqueness to both local and international audiences, aligning with the Penang2030 aspirations and the Malaysia MADANI framework. He described it as a strategic initiative to protect heritage practices from being eroded by rapid development.
Chow detailed that the gazettement process was meticulously executed through the Penang State Heritage Commissioner's Office, responsible for identifying, documenting, and nominating state heritage for official recognition. All 16 items will be formally declared during the upcoming Kenduri Warisan programme, part of the State Heritage Declaration.
Looking forward, Chow expressed hope that more of Penang's cultural heritage assets will be recognized as state heritage, ensuring the preservation of the state's distinctive identity for future generations.