Penang: The Teong Guan Phor Thor Festival, commonly known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, has been formally recognized as a Penang State Heritage, effective June 25, marking a significant cultural milestone as it becomes the first festival to receive such recognition in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that this recognition is part of a broader effort by the state government to preserve Penang's rich traditions and cultural diversity. The nomination for the festival was approved on April 8, following a detailed screening and expert review process. Chow highlighted that this recognition not only aims to preserve the traditional practice but also seeks to celebrate the diverse festivals that form an integral part of Penang's identity, with over 200 groups celebrating the festival during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

Additionally, the state government has designated six sites as heritage sites under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011, also approved on April 8. These sites include the Upper and Lower Stations and Funicular Railway Track of Penang Hill, Makam Dato Koyah, Thai Pak Koong Temple, Fooi Chew Association Building, Loo Pun Hong Temple, and Kwangtung and Tengchow No. 1 Cemetery. The Hungry Ghost Festival and these heritage sites will be officially declared and designated at the State Heritage Proclamation and Heritage Site Designation Ceremony on October 10.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai noted that the seven new recognitions bring the total number of state heritage sites to 57 this year, comprising 15 heritage sites, 28 food heritage items, and seven intangible cultural heritage elements, including the newly announced sites and festival.