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

The Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, emphasized the importance of passing down silat knowledge to younger generations to ensure its survival, despite its recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

He highlighted the role of veteran instructors in mentoring youth to cultivate skills such as discipline and resilience, which align with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda.

Saarani also encouraged embracing diverse silat styles to foster unity and preserve cultural heritage, while expressing hope for revitalizing silat training centers and strengthening ties between schools.

IPOH, Oct 18 — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognition of silat as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity does not guarantee its survival if younger generations increasingly distance themselves from training, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said.

He said veteran silat instructors and grandmasters must pass their knowledge to the next generation to keep the martial art alive and ensure it continues to be practised.

“We may have a proud silat heritage, but if young people turn away from the training arena, fewer will truly master and appreciate the art,” he said.

State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah read out Saarani’s speech on his behalf at the opening of the 2026 Gema Warisan Rakan Muda X Himpunan Mahabbah Pendekar today.

Saarani said Malaysia has more than 150 identified silat styles, with the martial art declared a National Heritage in 2009 before gaining Unesco recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.

“Through regular training, they (youth) can develop discipline, self-confidence, mental resilience and respect for others. These qualities align with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda to develop quality human capital and youth,” he said.

He also cautioned against letting differences in silat styles, teaching traditions, and training methods cause divisions, saying they should instead be embraced with mutual respect and a spirit of brotherhood.

“Relations between silat schools must continue to be nurtured to ensure the martial art remains a unifying force in society while connecting younger generations with the nation’s history and culture,” he said.

Saarani also expressed hope that the gathering will spur efforts to revive silat training centres, mentor young practitioners and strengthen ties between silat schools to preserve the martial art for future generations. — Bernama

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霹雳州务大臣拿督斯里萨拉尼·穆罕默德强调，尽管马来武术已被联合国教科文组织认定为非物质文化遗产，但将马来武术知识传承给年轻一代以确保其生存的重要性。

他强调了资深教师在指导青少年培养纪律和韧性等技能方面的作用，这与霹雳州2030年发展议程相一致。

萨拉尼还鼓励大家接受不同的席拉风格，以促进团结和保护文化遗产，同时表达了振兴席拉训练中心和加强学校之间联系的希望。

怡保，10 月 18 日讯——霹雳州务大臣拿督斯里沙拉尼·穆罕默德表示，联合国教科文组织将马来武术（silat）认定为人类非物质文化遗产并不能保证其生存，因为年轻一代越来越疏远这项技艺的训练。

他表示，资深的席拉特教练和大师必须将他们的知识传授给下一代，以保持这门武术的活力，并确保它继续得到练习。

“我们或许拥有引以为傲的马来武术传统，但如果年轻人远离训练场，真正掌握和欣赏这门艺术的人就会越来越少，”他说。

州教育、高等教育、青年和体育委员会主席拿督凯鲁丁阿布哈尼帕今天在 2026 年 Gema Warisan Rakan Muda X Himpunan Mahabbah Pendekar 开幕式上代表他宣读 Saarani 的讲话。

萨拉尼表示，马来西亚有超过 150 种已知的席拉特武术流派，该武术于 2009 年被宣布为国家遗产，并于 2019 年被联合国教科文组织认定为人类非物质文化遗产。

他说：“通过定期训练，他们（青少年）可以培养自律、自信、心理韧性和尊重他人的品质。这些品质与霹雳州2030年发展计划中培养高质量人力资本和青年人才的目标相契合。”

他还告诫人们不要让席拉风格、教学传统和训练方法的差异造成分裂，并表示应该以相互尊重和兄弟情谊的精神来接纳这些差异。

他说：“必须继续培养马来武术学校之间的关系，以确保这项武术继续成为社会团结的力量，同时将年轻一代与国家的历史和文化联系起来。”

萨拉尼还表示，希望此次聚会能够推动马来武术训练中心的复兴，指导年轻习武者，并加强各武术学校之间的联系，从而将这门武术传承给子孙后代。——马新社

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