PENANG is interested in seeking UNESCO recognition for its street food, according to state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin.
For that, he said he has requested the Penang Heritage Commissioner’s office, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to work together for Penang to apply to become a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the gastronomy category.
“There is no reason for us not to obtain UNESCO recognition as long as we are prepared to collect historical and background information behind the story of each street food heritage and cultural food,” Yeoh said in his speech at the opening of the ‘Penang Heritage Forum: Indian heritage in Penang,’ at the Penang Harmony Centre today.
Yeoh thanked the participants for attending the forum and also the Penang Heritage Commissioner’s office for ensuring the success of the forum.
“The aim of the forum is to raise the cultural heritage assets of Penang, in particular treasures that are ‘liveable, sustainable and economically vibrant’.
“It also provides a platform for professionals, government agencies and private sector as well as academics to share their knowledge and expertise,” Yeoh said.
The forum was the third in its series. The speakers for today’s forum were Preveena Balakrishnan and Sanjeh K. Raman, while Dr Premalatha Karupiah acted as the moderator.
Also present was the Penang Heritage Commissioner Rosli Nor.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong