Heritage cuisine part of state identity, will be forefront of tourism push — Exco

8 May 2026, 2:00 PM
Heritage cuisine part of state identity, will be forefront of tourism push — Exco
Heritage cuisine part of state identity, will be forefront of tourism push — Exco

SHAH ALAM, May 8 — The gastronomy sector is being tipped as an important pillar in conserving Selangor’s heritage and identity, said state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.

He said efforts to uplift the sector don’t just focus on the food, but as a link to tradition that reflects the community’s identity, adding that heritage cuisine plays a significant role in shaping Selangor’s uniqueness and mustn’t be lost to progress.

“Gastronomy isn’t just food, but part of Selangor’s characteristic growth that adds value to the economy and strengthens the state’s identity.

“When heritage cuisine is conserved and becomes a link between tourism and the economy, the state government wants it to be inherited by future generations,” he told Media Selangor.

Servers prepare trays of nasi ambeng for guests during the Selangor Traditional Foods ‘World Food Day 2021’ programme at Kampung Sungai Lang Tengah in Banting, Kuala Langat, on October 16, 2021. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR

Borhan also highlighted the importance of teaching the younger generation about cultural cuisines to ensure they live on.

He said youth must become heirs who continue the legacy, including by adapting new approaches without compromising traditional values.

“The state government is responsible for identifying and popularising heritage dishes. Other than (highlighting) them during festivals, youth must also be exposed to how (the dishes) are made.

“Past workshops were part of efforts to uplift heritage. It’s okay if younger generations take over their family businesses, (as it would) ensure the heritage is preserved,” Borhan said.

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Media Selangor Sdn Bhd (MSSB), a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), is the official media agency of the Selangor State Government. In addition to the Media Selangor news portal (formerly known as Selangorkini & Selangor Journal), Media Selangor also publishes newspapers in Mandarin, Tamil, and English.