Unesco bid for M’sian wayang kulit
PETALING JAYA: In a move to preserve Malaysia’s cultural heritage, the National Heritage Department has officially submitted to Unesco that Kelantan’s wayang kulit be included in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This came about due to much concern for the continuity of “Wayang Kulit Kelantan” as it is now the sole surviving form of shadow puppetry in Malaysia.

Other variants, such as Wayang Kulit Gedek, Wayang Kulit Melayu and Wayang Kulit Purwo, are extinct.

The outcome of the submission, which was sent on March 27, is expected to be known next year.

According to the Heritage Department, the bid for Unesco’s recognition was to safeguard the future of this traditional performing art, which is unique to Kelantan.

“Despite its cultural significance, the art form faces challenges threatening its survival,” the department said in a statement to The Star.

It described Wayang Kulit Kelantan as a form of shadow puppetry that has captivated audiences with its intricate puppets and performances, combining theatrical storytelling with musical accompaniment.

As such, the Heritage Department hopes that the nomination would lead to more engagement with the community and foster an environment where traditional arts are both treasured and nurtured.

The plan submitted to Unesco involved detailing methods for cataloguing Wayang Kulit Kelantan, conducting research, undertaking conservation activities and seeking ways to enhance the tradition.

It incorporates educational efforts, both in classrooms and through community programmes, to transmit the techniques of the art and knowledge to future generations to prevent the decline of the tradition.

Besides the wayang kulit, the department’s next target is the street parade known as chingay. It is now preparing a joint nomination with Singapore, slated for next year.

Another tentative bid next year is for a nomination, together with China, for the lion dance to be included in the list.

The Heritage Department has also set its sights on the nomination of wau, the traditional kite-flying art form. It is gathering collaborators from Brunei, Thailand, China, Indonesia, India, and Korea for a multi-national nomination in 2026.

Additionally, the 24 Festive Drums, a performance that combines rhythm and choreography, is also slated for nomination in 2026.

Malaysia has seven elements inscribed on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list - Mek Mulung, songket, the wangkang festival, pantun, silat, Dondang Sayang and Mak Yong.

Mek Mulung was the latest to be included. Last year, Unesco listed it as “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding”.

It is a traditional performance involving acting, singing and dancing.

“The main characters in a Mek Mulung performance are the king and princess, both of whom wear traditional dress,” said its Unesco inscription read, adding that it was initially performed to mark a good harvest,

The criteria for nominating an element under the 2003 Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage stated that it must represent one or more of the domains such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge of nature, or traditional craftsmanship.

It must also be acknowledged by the community as part of their heritage and be culturally diverse, reflecting human creativity.

The nomination must include effective safeguarding measures in place or a detailed plan for future protection.

Unesco’s nomination and evaluation process spans two years. There are three phases: preparation and submission by March 31 of Year 1, processing and completeness checks by a secretariat up to June 30 of Year 1, with any necessary follow-up for completion by Sept 30 of Year 1.

The evaluation phase occurs between December of Year 1 and May of Year 2, including a final meeting by an evaluation body.

A committee examines the nominations and makes the decisions during its session in November or December of Year 2.

Malaysia has also submitted its nomination in March last year for popular food such as nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik.

A check with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry indicated that the outcome would be known during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which takes place from Dec 2 to 7 in Paraguay.
Unesco,Wayang Kulit Kelantan,Nasi Lemak,Teh Tarik,Wau,National Haritage Department,Motac
PETALING JAYA: In a move to preserve Malaysia’s cultural heritage, the National Heritage Department has officially submitted to Unesco that Kelantan’s wayang kulit be included in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.