More studies needed in Unesco heritage bid for Chinese New Villages

The Star

7 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The nomination of Chinese New Villages as a Unesco World Heritage Site is being considered, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) revealed.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said his ministry, through the National Heritage Department, is committed to protecting and recognising national heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005, but more needs to be done first.
'The ministry believes that the nomination process for Chinese New Villages in Malaysia as a Unesco World Heritage Site requires a more in-depth study before proceeding with the nomination,' he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Tiong was responding to Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor, who had inquired about the government's stance on the proposal, highlighting the ­significance of preserving Malaysia's cultural and historical heritage.
The minister said approval from state authorities is necessary before proceeding, as planning and development of any area is under their purview.
'It involves several other agencies at both federal and state levels, such as PLANMalaysia, the Lands and Mines Department and local authorities, with a need to comply with strict guidelines set by Unesco,' he said.
To qualify as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Tiong said a nomination must meet stringent criteria, including the identification of Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity, integrity and site management.
'The process of obtaining recognition can sometimes take more than 10 years, as seen with other sites in Malaysia, to ensure the availability of information to meet the criteria set by Unesco,' he explained.
On the government's efforts to ensure that proposed sites met the national historical criteria, Tiong said the National Heritage Department conducts detailed research to verify facts to prevent future confusion or other issues.
'The steps taken by the department is to ensure that heritage sites meet the national historical criteria, conducting detailed research to prove the truth and verification of related facts to avoid confusion and issues arising later.
'Before being considered for gazetting under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), the related Heritage Expert Committee and National Heritage Council will first be consulted for the determination of the heritage site,' said Tiong.