19/09/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | SEPT 19, 2025

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State hails Lenggong’s Unesco Global Geopark recognition T HE Perak government o Status serves as catalyst for Perak’s tourism, socio-economic development, says exco

Memory, music show brings heritage to life at Perak Museum THE Perak Museum Department, in collaboration with the Taiping Heritage Society, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and The Crafting Music Pianos Kuala Lumpur, staged the Memories and Music Show at Perak Museum recently. Conceptualised by the Taiping Heritage Society, the event formed part of the wider three-day Legacy 2025 programme that began last Friday, held at several locations, including the Maxwell BaseCamp and Taiping Public Library. Legacy 2025 is an initiative designed to unite heritage through artistic performance. It creates an immersive experience for the audience to deepen their understanding of heritage values and to foster an appreciation for cultural identity through music, song and dance. Perak Museum Department director Mohd Nasrulamiazam Mohd Nasir said the initiative aimed to turn museums into active hubs for developing heritage and artistic ideas, moving beyond their traditional role as places to exhibit artefacts. He added the programme also played an important role in attracting diverse audiences from all ethnicities and backgrounds to enjoy cultural arts in an inclusive atmosphere, thereby uniting the community through the power of music. “The performance acted like a ‘voice of the spirit’, truly bringing the soul of the museum to life. We want the public to see museums as living institutions with a new, dynamic function, not as static places confined to exhibitions and artefacts alone,” he said. He emphasised the remarkable diversity of the audience, which included people of various ethnicities from Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan, with some even travelling from Singapore specifically to experience the performance. “What we witnessed is a symbol of unity. People from all backgrounds came together without prejudice or racism. “We were united through the concept of music, enjoying the performance without any racial boundaries,” he said. Nasrulamiazam clarified that while his department provided the venue, facilities and programme management, the Taiping Heritage Society funded the costs. He expressed his wish for the future, stating: “I hope that more music programmes such as this can be held on a larger scale, perhaps as mini concerts involving orchestras and a wider variety of musical instruments.” The hour-long Memories and Music Show was led by Dr Ang Mei Foong, an award-winning soprano and head of music at UPM. It was performed by the Dendang Suara Serantau musical group, comprising UPM students. – Bernama

true spirit of Malaysia Madani. “With this recognition, Lenggong is not only the pride of Perak but also of Malaysia, and is ready to welcome tourists from all over the world who want to witness its beauty, rich history and unique geological features,” he said. The recognition was granted at the 11th International Conference on Global Geoparks at the Universidad Católica de Temuco, Araucanía, Chile, in conjunction with the 10th Meeting of the Unesco Global Geoparks Council on Sept 7. This recognition marks Lenggong’s inclusion in the UGGp network following four years after it was gazetted as the Lenggong National Geopark on Dec 16, 2021. – Bernama

Officially opened by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on July 27, the gallery showcases authentic local handicrafts, souvenirs, home decor, personal accessories, fashion, textiles and handmade batik. A group of 12 Chinese tourists were among the latest to explore and experience firsthand the uniqueness of Labuan’s handicrafts and traditions. Jerry Teo, head of the Labuan Chapter (Tourism) of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, said the visit reflected the growing appeal of the gallery as a cultural hub connecting international travellers with the island’s creative heritage. “The visitors toured the gallery today and experienced the beauty of Labuan’s traditional craftsmanship through guided sessions that showcased the artistry and dedication of local artisans. regards the recognition of Lenggong as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) as a great success in positioning the state on the world tourism map. State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the recognition by the UGGp Council not only elevates Lenggong’s geological and archaeological heritage but also serves as a catalyst for local socio-economic development through sustainable tourism. He said the recognition was the result of collaborative efforts of various parties, including the state government, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the National Heritage Department, academic institutions and the local community. All played an active role in the preservation and development of geological, archaeological, historical and biodiversity heritage in Lenggong, he added. “Lenggong is not just a district, but a treasure trove of high value with records of early human life in Southeast Asia, evidenced by the discovery of the skeleton of the Perak Man, as well as various prehistoric artefacts that testify to early human civilisation. “Now with the UGGp status, Lenggong once again has proved to the world that Perak is a state rich in history, culture and unparalleled natural heritage,” he said recently. Loh said the recognition not only enhances Lenggong’s status as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2012, but also opens up wider opportunities for the development of heritage- and education-based tourism, which can attract more visitors from home and abroad. “The UGGp status provides an

primary beneficiary,” he said. Loh added that the state government’s commitment is to ensure that the development of Lenggong UGGp is implemented sustainably by maintaining a balance between environmental protection, historical heritage conservation and economic development. “We want Lenggong to continue to be known as a model for sustainable geopark development, where nature and heritage preservation can go hand in hand with economic growth and the wellbeing of the people in the

opportunity for the local community to improve their economic standing through community tourism activities, handicraft products, traditional food, homestays and various ecotourism initiatives that will be driven by the state government together with relevant agencies. “The state is optimistic that the economic spillover from the recognition will create new job opportunities, strengthen small and medium enterprises, and ensure that the local community becomes the

The Bukit Kepala Gajah Complex, which includes Bat Cave, Tiger Cave and Gunung Runtuh Cave, is among the interesting destinations for tourists to visit in Lenggong. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

Foreign tourists admire Labuan Warisan Gallery’s textiles THE Labuan Warisan (Lawa) Gallery is attracting foreign visitors eager to explore the island’s unique cultural treasures. coastal identity and multicultural influences,” he said.

He said among the most popular items purchased were cold-pressed coconut oil from Chimney, eco-friendly rattan clutches, modern woven handbags and the unique “Manik Vinusak” necklaces and accessories that carry indigenous design motifs. For many visitors, he said the experience went beyond shopping. It was a cultural journey that allowed them to bring home tangible memories of Labuan while supporting local entrepreneurship. “The visit not only benefits tourism but also helps preserve and revitalise traditional craftsmanship at a time when modern consumer trends often overshadow heritage-based industries. “With growing demand for authentic cultural experiences, exhibitions such as Lawa’s are set to play a larger role in attracting tourists from key markets such as China, who are seeking immersive travel activities,” he said. – Bernama

The Chinese tourists taking a group photo at the gallery.

of producing distinctive crafts. “Tourists interacted closely with the makers, asking questions about the techniques passed down through generations and even try their hand at weaving and floral decoration. “The exhibition featured a diverse collection of cultural products, including seashell ornaments, spice sachets, decorative floral crafts and batik fabrics, each reflecting Labuan’s

“From intricately handmade seashell crafts and leaf-based decorative pieces to exploring textile dyeing techniques and rattan weaving, the tourists witnessed the depth of Labuan’s cultural creativity,” he said recently. He said adding to the authenticity, the gallery organised live demonstrations, where artisans explained and displayed the process admiring