IPOH: The state government is finalising details of tangible and intangible cultural heritage that is available in the state to ensure sufficient funds are allocated to preserve historical relics in next year’s budget.
State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said the department involved was collecting data on the tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Perak.
Tan said he realised it was important for the state government to play its role in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage to benefit the future generation.
“Perak is known for its unique culture and traditions, from language, food, arts, buildings and traditional costumes, to name a few.
“It is crucial to prioritise efforts in preservation and conservation of our cultural heritage for the sake of future generations,” he said yesterday.
Tan was commenting on the country’s tangible cultural item, the Rumah Kutai, regarded as the oldest surviving traditional Malay house, which is gradually disappearing from the nation’s indigenous cultural landscape.
“Kutai” means old or ancient and the houses could be seen along the banks of Sungai Perak, from Kuala Kangsar to Pasir Salak.
On the suggestion that the state government follow the initiatives taken by the Melaka government, which cooperated with the Museum Department to provide an annual allocation for owners to restore traditional houses, Tan said the state government would propose to have a better budget allocation for such a purpose next year.
He said the state government was planning to organise a Heritage Cultural Programme in Pasir Salak and discussion was ongoing to identify the heritage products in the state.
“We will have a programme to create public awareness, especially for the younger generation. Besides Rumah Kutai, we will also bring in Dabus dance, as well as Perak traditional garments and musical instruments.”
He said the programme, to be held soon, would be part of an awareness campaign to focus on the uniqueness of the state’s rich cultural heritage.