Penang declares Hungry Ghost Festival state heritage

Penang has announced that the Hungry Ghost Festival, known locally as the Teong Guan Phor Thor Festival, will now be recognized as a state heritage. This marks the first time a Malaysian state has given such recognition to the festival, which is celebrated during the seventh lunar month. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow made the announcement, stating that the decision was taken to preserve and celebrate the cultural diversity of Penang's communities.

The recognition, effective June 25, follows the festival's nomination as heritage on April 8, which was then assessed by experts. The chief minister emphasized that the festival is not only a traditional practice to be preserved but also a reflection of Penang's multicultural society. George Town's Chief Minister further revealed that the state government has also designated six sites as heritage sites under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011, including locations like Penang Hill's Upper and Lower Stations and Funicular Railway Track, and the Kwangtung and Tengchow No 1 Cemetery. All these heritage assets will be formally declared at a ceremony on October 10.