TEOCHEW opera artiste Toh Ai Hwa has made Penang proud by receiving the National Living Heritage Figure (Wakoh) recognition from the National Heritage Department (JWN) in Putrajaya this morning.
Toh, 75, is a third-generation artiste in her family and has been involved in traditional Chinese performing arts for more than six decades.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai congratulated Toh, a performer of Teochew Iron-Rod Puppetry, describing her as one of Penang’s renowned traditional arts practitioners.
“More notably, she is the first woman in Penang to receive this prestigious recognition. She is also the fourth recipient from Penang to be named a Wakoh figure.
“This recognition not only honours her dedication and significant contributions to preserving, safeguarding and passing down this traditional performing art, but also serves as an inspiration to younger generations to learn about, appreciate and carry forward the nation’s cultural heritage,” Wong said in a press statement.
He said Teochew Iron-Rod Puppetry originated from two-dimensional shadow puppetry before evolving into the three-dimensional form practised today, in which puppets are controlled using three iron rods.
“Today, this art form can only be found in Penang and is no longer practised elsewhere in Malaysia.
“It forms part of the cultural heritage of the Teochew diaspora and contributes to George Town’s Outstanding Universal Value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he added.
Wong also noted that three intangible cultural heritage practitioners from Penang received WAKOH recognition in 2023.
They were Omar Md Hashim (boria), the late Mohd Bahroodin Ahmad (bangsawan, boria, ronggeng and Penang Baba and Nyonya culture), and the late Abu Bakar Jaafar (boria).
He also expressed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the three heritage figures for their contributions and dedication to preserving, safeguarding and passing down Penang’s intangible cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
“Their invaluable contributions will continue to be remembered as part of the ongoing efforts to sustain the state’s cultural heritage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong told the State Legislative Assembly today that Penang was proud that three of its traditional dishes — nasi kandar, char koay kak and pasembor — had been recognised as National Heritage Dishes in Putrajaya today.
The three dishes were among 28 Penang heritage dishes recognised on Jan 15 this year.
His announcement was warmly welcomed by fellow state lawmakers.
Pix courtesy of Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Petace)