Unesco status alone won’t save silat if youth turn away, says Perak MB

IPOH, October 18 — Perak's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, has cautioned that UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status for silat may not be sufficient to ensure its longevity if younger generations disengage from learning the martial art. Saarani emphasized that experienced silat instructors and grandmasters must transfer their expertise to the next generation to maintain and cultivate the art form.

He stressed that if young people steer away from silat training, fewer individuals will truly grasp and value the martial discipline. At the inauguration of the 2026 Gema Warisan Rakan Muda X Himpunan Mahabbah Pendekar, the state Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah, read out Saarani's remarks.

In his speech, Saarani highlighted that Malaysia boasts over 150 recognized silat styles, which were designated as National Heritage in 2009 and subsequently granted UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2019. He underscored that regular practice of silat can instill discipline, self-assurance, mental fortitude, and respect for others, all of which align with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 initiative aimed at fostering quality human capital and youth development.

Saarani also warned against letting disparities in silat styles, teaching methods, and training techniques foster divisions, urging instead that these differences be respected and embraced with a sense of camaraderie. "Silat schools should maintain harmonious relationships to ensure the martial art remains a unifying force in society, connecting younger generations to Malaysia's history and culture," he said.

Saarani expressed optimism that the assembly would inspire initiatives to revitalize silat training centers, mentor young practitioners, and strengthen connections between silat schools, all in an effort to safeguard the martial art for future generations.