Malaysia has put forward nasi lemak for inclusion in UNESCO's 2024 Intangible Cultural Heritage List, as reported by Berita Harian.
Photo via The Sun Daily
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasised the significance of this nomination, stating it would cement Malaysia's traditional breakfast culture, including nasi lemak, as a national heritage food and protect it from being claimed by other nations.
This announcement was made during the MOTAC Media Appreciation Gala in Petaling Jaya on Friday night, 8 March.
In addition to the nomination of the local breakfast culture, Malaysia has also proposed Gua Niah National Park and the Malaysian kebaya for UNESCO recognition. Tiong stressed that these nominations reflect the ministry's dedication to showcasing Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage.
He highlighted Gua Niah National Park in Sarawak as an archaeological treasure deserving of global acknowledgment.
Moreover, Tiong mentioned that the kebaya nomination was a collaborative effort with neighbouring countries Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, aiming to represent their shared cultural heritage on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.
Photo via Resipi Che Nom
UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as practices, expressions, knowledge, or skills that are integral to a community's cultural identity. The annual nominations seek to identify and safeguard cultural heritages worldwide, raising awareness of their significance.
While Malaysia's nomination of its breakfast culture for UNESCO recognition is not new, The Sun reported that the government had previously submitted Malaysia's breakfast culture, including delicacies like nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik, for inscription on the list in the preceding year.
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