Cover Nasi lemak among three heritage nominees put forth by the Malaysian government for Unesco World Heritage status (Photo: Getty Images)
Nasi lemak among three heritage nominees put forth by the Malaysian government for Unesco World Heritage status (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
The local staple joins two other heritage nominees from Malaysia to be recognised as intangible cultural heritage icons by Unesco
According to a local daily, New Straits Times report, nasi lemak has been listed as a candidate this year for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (Unesco) recognition as a World Heritage. The Malaysian staple is among three heritage nominees from Malaysia, including Kompleks Gua Taman Negara Niah in Sarawak and the kebaya.
This was revealed by Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing yesterday evening during a speech at a media appreciation event. The minister noted that the push for Unesco listing aligned with the ministry’s commitment to promote the country’s heritage. Following the listing, he added that the government would consider 2024 a Heritage Year, which holds great significance for Malaysia.
Above Nasi lemak is a common breakfast staple for many Malaysians (Photo: Getty Images)
Nasi lemak is a common breakfast staple for many Malaysians (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
However, the nomination of nasi lemak for Unesco recognition is not new, as the government also announced last March that it had submitted a nomination for Malaysian breakfast culture, which includes nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik to be inscribed in the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage.
Alongside this, the government had also jointly applied with neighbouring countries Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand for Kebaya to be a candidate for Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, stating that it represents humanitarian culture.
See also: 5 inspiring heritage homes in Penang
Above Considered by many to be the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak comprises of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, sambal, cucumbers, fried anchovies, salted peanuts, and boiled egg. wrapped in pandan leaf (Photo: Getty Images)
Considered by many to be the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak comprises of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, sambal, cucumbers, fried anchovies, salted peanuts, and boiled egg. wrapped in pandan leaf (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
According to Unesco, an intangible cultural heritage is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill considered part of a place’s cultural heritage. The recognition of this list is considered by member states of Unesco as the tangible World Heritage, focusing on the intangible aspects of culture.
READ MORE
Sōfte’s Elwyn Boyles is bringing soft serve to another level—and this is just the beginning
Should Singapore’s neighbours be upset at missing out on Taylor Swift’s global tour?
The bartenders and distilleries pushing Phnom Penh’s drinks scene forward
Topics
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
