Kuala lumpur: Silat, a traditional Malay martial art, holds significant potential to be promoted as one of Malaysia’s tourism products, particularly as a unique cultural attraction for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), stated Museums Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim. He highlighted that this heritage art is not just a form of self-defense but also a reflection of the nation’s cultural identity and values, with the capability to boost the economy through the tourism and cultural sectors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JMM is prepared to establish strategic collaborations with the martial arts community nationwide to realize this vision and ensure that silat gains international recognition, despite not being officially included in the VM2026 agenda. Kamarul Baharin emphasized that the initiative will not only enhance cultural diplomacy but also provide a platform to introduce the artistic, scientific, and spiritual values inherent in the philosophy of silat to a global audience.
The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the International Malay Silat Convention 2025 (KOSSMA25) at the National Museum. In attendance were Senator Datuk Seri Prof Emeritus Dr Awang Sariyan and Persatuan Dunia Seni Silat Melayu Malaysia (DSSM) president Roslim Abu. A Bernama check revealed that the convention attracted over 500 registered silat practitioners from local and international groups, with participants wearing traditional Malay warrior attire that highlighted the richness and uniqueness of the country’s cultural heritage.
The event was further enriched by exhibitions of handicrafts, traditional textiles, and demonstrations of various silat styles, showcasing the diversity within Malay martial arts. Under the theme ‘Matra Silat: Art, Science and Spirituality,’ the convention also featured an International Malay Silat Arts Seminar, which included seven presenters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Singapore. All seminar papers will be available in both print and digital formats.