Rais declares 154 sites, objects, individuals as national heritage
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has declared 154 sites, tangible and intangible objects and distinguished individuals as the country's national heritage.
They comprise 24 sites, 10 tangible objects, 111 intangible objects and nine individuals.
Rais (picture) said the declaration of the national heritage status was a positive move in providing balance to all transformation programmes implemented by the government.
"The ministry views the declaration as a catalyst to fuel our spirit of patriotism and nationalism. It will also boost the spirit of conservation and preservation," he told reporters here today.
At the event, he also presented national heritage certificates to the nine distinguished individuals who had helped nurture national heritage values.
They are Ramli Ibrahim (Indian classical dance, classical ballet and modern dance), Tan Sri Ahmad Othman Merican (music), Mek Jah Deris (Mak Yong), Jati anak Ju (Pua Kumbu), Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid aka Lat (cartoonist), Intan Sulga KK Tiring (Bajau Laut traditional dance), Eyo Hock Seng (Wayang Kulit), Nyonya Tan Abdullah (Dondang Sayang) and Kumaresan Karthigesu (Sitar Music).
Later, the minister flagged off 450 participants of the Heritage Trail programme, comprising students from Selangor and here, who will also visit historical places in the city, including the National Textile Museum and the City Theatre. — Bernama
