The Teong Guan Phor Thor celebration, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is in the process of being gazetted as a religious cultural heritage of Penang under the state’s Heritage Enactment 2011.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the move follows the gazettement of seven cultural heritage arts and 28 traditional foods as state heritage for 2026.
He said all intangible cultural heritage recognised at state level could later be proposed for national recognition under the National Heritage Act 2005, paving the way for broader preservation efforts.
He added that selected heritage elements may also be considered for international recognition under UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Wong said this during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday, in response to a question regarding the state’s progress in securing heritage recognition at state, national and international levels.
He also noted that the state government had previously supported the nomination of the Chingay Parade for UNESCO recognition through a joint Malaysia-Singapore submission in March 2025.
In addition, the Lion Dance tradition was also submitted for similar consideration through cooperation between Malaysia and China during the same period.
Among the heritage items gazetted on May 7 were the traditional martial art Nillaikalakki Silambam, as well as a wide range of local foods including cendol, ais kacang, char kway teow, roti canai, teh tarik, nasi kandar-inspired dishes, and other iconic Malaysian favourites.
Wong said the state would continue strengthening efforts to promote Penang’s cultural heritage both locally and internationally through exhibitions, cultural showcases and global events.
He cited initiatives such as kebaya fashion exhibitions and Malaysian breakfast culture presentations at the Penang Week event during the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
He added that Penang’s Chingay Parade continues to be held annually in George Town and Butterworth, while the state’s troupe has also been invited to perform at Singapore’s Chingay Parade in 2025 and 2026.
Separately, the Penang State Museum Board is currently hosting the “Silat Siku 12” exhibition at its Macalister Road branch museum, showcasing the state’s traditional martial arts heritage.
