“Mek Mulung” attained a notable position on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding as announced during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC ICH) held in Kasane, Republic of Botswana.

Mek Mulung is a traditional theatre originating from Wang Tepus, Kedah.

It was designated as a Kedah Performing Arts Heritage (Seni Warisan Kedah) in 2014, adhering to a predetermined structure and unfolds in a kampung setting, where the audience encircles the performers.

Central to a Mek Mulung performance are key characters, including the regal king and princess adorned in traditional attire, alongside the shaman, maids, and antagonists.

The decision to accord this prestigious listing was made by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, comprising 24 Member States of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The proceedings were presided over by the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Botswana to Unesco, Mustaq Moorad.

Mek Mulung, deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of Wang Tepus, Kedah, has now received international acknowledgment for its significance.

Historically, practitioners transmitted oral knowledge and skills associated with Mek Mulung to successive generations within their communities.

In a testament to its enduring cultural relevance, the tradition has evolved beyond familial transmission and is currently incorporated into formal education systems.

Mek Mulung is now taught in schools and universities, showcasing a dynamic shift towards institutionalising and preserving this distinctive cultural heritage.

The efforts to safeguard Mek Mulung extend beyond educational institutions. The tradition is disseminated through various channels, including seminars, workshops, forums, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

This all-round approach ensures that Mek Mulung’s essence is not only preserved but also celebrated, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for this unique cultural form.

The recognition of Mek Mulung as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding underscores the commitment of the international community to preserve and promote diverse cultural expressions.

This acknowledgment not only elevates the status of Mek Mulung within the realm of cultural heritage but also emphasises the urgency of collective efforts to ensure its continued vitality and transmission to future generations.