Tourism Ministry’s ‘Road to Unesco’ showcases Malaysia’s breakfast culture, kebaya to over 4,500 visitors

Tourism Malaysia Published 2 months ago on 7 October 2024 | Author TIN Media
MALAYSIA:

On October 6, Subang Jaya Through the Road to Unesco initiative, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the National Heritage Department (JWN) have successfully garnered over 4,500 visitors from all around the country, exceeding their target participation.

 
The goal of the two-day event, according to JWN director-general Mohamad Muda Bahadin, was to raise awareness of Malaysian breakfast culture and the kebaya, one of the country's traditional garments, in light of their nomination for inclusion on the 2023 List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco). The event was expected to draw about 2,000 attendees.
 
"At the announcement, which will take place in December in Paraguay, we will learn about the news of the Malaysian breakfast and our kebaya. Since our kebaya is the outcome of our candidacy for cooperation with our neighbouring nations, such as Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand, we therefore expect that our candidacy will be successful in the future.
 
"Our objective is to advocate for the recognition of our nation's heritage by Unesco, both through current and future recognition." After presiding over the Road to Unesco: Celebrating Our Heritage event here today, he said to Bernama, "We want to share the heritage with all communities in case there are still some who don't know it." 

At the event, Mohammed, speaking on behalf of MOTAC Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, emphasized the need for Unesco's recognition to protect the nation's rich cultural legacy and encourage travel. He also mentioned that traditional dances like chingay and the lion dance will be nominated the following year.
 
 
Through cultural events and exhibitions, the program brought together a broad group of individuals and encouraged harmony between residents and visitors.
 
Christine Ting, 66, a local who attended the event with her friends and was dressed elegantly in a grey kebaya, expressed her satisfaction at being able to experience the diversity and individuality of her nation. 

This handcrafted batik drawstring pouch was given to me. Thus, when I take it overseas, it's something distinct and special to present," Ting remarked, adding that she likes to travel and take in diverse cultures' ideals.
 
Regarding Anna Parshina, 19, a social media influencer and local university student from Russia, the show showcased the nation's uniqueness through its diverse community and rich cultural heritage.
 
"Having lived in Malaysia for the past two years, this is my first exposure to a multicultural program, and I enjoy it because I'm learning more about the history of the nation and its cuisine. "I also gained knowledge about the various varieties of nasi lemak displayed here," Parshina remarked, donning a yellow baju kurung. 

In addition to adults, youngsters Muhammad Iz Haraz Solehuddin, 10, and his sister Jasmine Nurhaura Solehuddin, 7, participated in a silat performance and adored the display of vintage phones, typewriters, and traditional dance sculptures, such as Mak Yong and the lion dance.
 
"We woke up at six this morning. We weren't exhausted, but we were eager to perform for everyone. Jasmine remarked, "Seeing old items that we had never seen before was good.
 
As the most popular breakfast choices, roti canai and teh tarik were also served at the "Celebrating Our Heritage" program, which also featured seven varieties of well-known nasi lemak, such as Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu, Nasi Lemak Angah, and Nasi Lemak Tanglin, from vendors throughout Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.