GOMBAK, Sept 20 — The preservation of Selangor’s diverse cultural heritage will remain a priority in the 2026 Selangor Budget, to be tabled this November, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
He stressed that the state’s achievements in various fields, including the economy, education, and sports, must go hand in hand with efforts to safeguard the cultural identity of its people.
“Going forward, I will request the state executive councillor for culture and housing Datuk Borhan Aman Shah to organise programmes that not only highlight artistic performances but also focus on development aspects that showcase the unique strengths of each district.
“Our vision is to ensure that Selangor excels not only in academic achievements, sports by winning the Malaysia Games (Sukma), investment, and as an economic contributor, but also in defending the identity of a society that lives in peace and unity.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), next year in the 2026 Budget, the state administration will allocate more funding for cultural programmes involving communities in every district,” Amirudin said during the Selangor Arts, Culture, and Heritage Festival today.
He added that the state’s peace, stability, and prosperity are the result of unity among its multiracial population, alongside a clear direction set by the state government.
The strong commitment and support of the people enabled Selangor to weather challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the major floods in 2021.
“Last year, Selangor recorded economic growth worth RM26 billion, ensuring the state’s ability to sustain the employment of its civil servants for the next 25 years.
“The national average for Sijil Pendidikan Malaysia (SPM) results in Selangor has also improved for two consecutive years, thanks to the hard work of teachers, students, and the State Government through the Selangor People's Tuition Programme (PTRS).
“Although Selangor is well known as the most developed state, with strong economic performance, impressive revenues, a large population, and investments worth billions of ringgit, we must also instil in society the importance of preserving culture for the future,” Amirudin said.
Meanwhile, the festival in Gombak gathered 15 groups representing various ethnicities and communities from across Selangor.
Organised in collaboration with the state National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN), it aims to conserve, preserve, and celebrate the diversity of Selangor’s ethnic and cultural heritage.
Held at Padang Awam Kampung Melayu Wira Damai in Batu Caves, the programme carries the theme "Leaders Together with Ethnicities and Communities in Selangor".
The three-day event, which began yesterday, featured activities including a communal feast served on shared trays (kenduri rakyat talam), rewang (communal cooking), cooking competitions, and performances including gamelan, angklung, kompang, and a showcase by singer Noraniza Idris.
Visitors were also treated to traditional games competitions like a tug of war, top-spinning (gasing), sepak raga, carrom, and more, alongside exhibitions by government departments and a youth concert by Wak Jeng.
During the event, the Menteri Besar, who is also Gombak MP, presented RM5,000 in contributions to each selected ethnic association, coordinated through the local authorities, as a gesture of support for cultural and artistic activities.
One visitor, Fazlianah Sarti, 47, said she attended not only to enliven the occasion but also to learn more about Malaysia’s diverse cultures, particularly in Selangor.
“This programme is excellent as it strengthens bonds between communities while showcasing Selangor’s cultural identity through food, traditions, and games,” said the Hulu Selangor resident.
Another visitor, Norlaili Miskon, 60, hopes the festival could be held more frequently and expanded to areas like Tanjong Karang.
“This festival is enjoyable as I get to socialise with people from various walks of life, so I hope the state government will organise it more often in the future,” said Norlaili, who attended in traditional Javanese attire.
