CJMY
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Heritage Department, has joined forces with the Penang State Government to organise the inaugural National Living Heritage Festival (WAKOH).
The festival was inaugurated by the Penang Governor, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, with the theme “Enriching Culture: Our Rooted Heritage.” The event took place on 22 October 2023, at Jalan Padang Kota Lama.
WAKOH 2023 featured a gathering of prominent figures, capturing memorable moments with Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, the Chief Minister, and Roslan Abdul Rahman on the main performance stage.
During his speech, Chow highlighted the significance of this festival, aimed at recognising artisans in various cultural heritage fields, aligning with the state government’s current efforts.
He emphasised that the Penang state government is always open to collaborations aimed at preserving and promoting art, culture, and heritage through the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 and the Penang State Heritage Regulations 2016.
Furthermore, to appreciate and elevate Penang’s Cultural Heritage, the state government introduced the Penang Centennial Heritage Excellence Award in 2022.
The festival aimed to showcase lesser-known cultural heritage within the local community, including the Peranakan Chinese of Penang, the Chingay Association, the Trishaw Association, the Thai and Indian communities, and the Malay community.
Additionally, he praised the festival’s organisers for highlighting less prominent cultural heritage among the local community, including the Peranakan Chinese of Penang, the Chingay Association, the Trishaw Association, the Thai and Indian communities, and the Malay community.
The event was graced by Tun Ahmad Fuzi, accompanied by Chow and Roslan, who presented cash incentives of RM20,000 to each of the WAKOH figureheads.
In related developments, Tun Ahmad Fuzi shared that the 2024 Federal Budget had allocated RM80 million for the restoration and conservation of tourist-focused heritage activities.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has allocated RM50 million in the upcoming annual budget to promote and showcase national literary and theatrical works, enhancing the country’s heritage.
Dato’ Law Choo Kiang, Speaker of the Penang State Legislative Assembly; Tourism and Creative Economy Exco cum Paya Terubong ADUN, Wong Hon Wai; and State Secretary, Dato’ Roslan Isa, were among the state government leaders who participated in the festival.
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