Sustainability of Arts, Culture, and Heritage of the East Coast: Success and the Future

May 27, 2025 Guide 59Views 0Likes

By Alex Lee Yun Ping

Alex Lee, a Terengganu native and founder of Terra Resorts that features the architectural heritage of Malay wooden houses, is known for his contributions to heritage conservation and tourism in Malaysia. Here he explores the rich cultural heritage of the east coast states of Malaysia, and how conserving these can offer a unique advantage for the development of sustainable tourism. 

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village, Setiu, Terengganu. Photo by Alex Lee

Malaysia’s East Coast, encompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, is often referred to as the Malay Heartland due to its rich arts, culture, and heritage that shape the unique identity of the nation. Despite the challenges of globalization and modernization, efforts to preserve this legacy have shown remarkable success. These achievements not only stimulate the economy and tourism but also strengthen the Malaysian identity.

Countries like Japan and South Korea have long demonstrated success in harmonizing modern advancements with ancient traditions, by making their arts and culture major tourism attractions. Malaysia, particularly the East Coast, can emulate these efforts by positioning the local arts and culture as unique tourism assets.

The states on the East Coast play a crucial role in preserving the rich and unique traditional Malay arts. Each state boasts its own heritage, reflecting its identity while contributing to the development of local tourism and the economy.

Kelantan: The Hub of Traditional Arts
 
Kelantan is known as the Cradle of Malay Culture due to its rich traditional arts and cultural heritage. Performing arts such as Mak Yong, Dikir Barat, Menora, Wayang Kulit, and Wau Bulan are symbols of state pride. The Mak Yong dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, reflects the uniqueness of Kelantanese traditions and folklore. With government support and various festivals, this art form continues to be preserved for future generations.
 
The annual Kelantan Arts Festival serves as a prominent platform to showcase heritage arts like Wayang Kulit, Silat, and Dikir Barat to younger generations and tourists. Additionally, workshops and educational programmes are organized to instill a love for arts and culture within the local community.

 

Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kota Bharu. Photo by Alex Lee

In Kota Bharu, Kelantan’s heritage trail includes historic landmarks such as the iconic Pasar Siti Khadijah, renowned for its women-led businesses offering local products. Istana Jahar serves as a royal customs museum with exquisite Malay architecture, while the Kelantan State Museum showcases the state’s historical and traditional art collections. The Masjid Muhammadi stands as a symbol of traditional Islamic architecture, complemented by Kampung Kraftangan, a hub for crafts like batik-making and woodcarving; and the Bank Kerapu War Museum, commemorating Kelantan’s World War II history.

In Tumpat, Kampung Laut, now known as Kampung Warisan (Heritage Village), exemplifies cultural preservation efforts; featuring the restoration of Masjid Kampung Laut—the oldest mosque in Malaysia, built over 300 years ago without nails—showcasing Nusantara-style architecture. The Kampung Warisan complex includes traditional Malay houses, art galleries, and craft centres. Visitors can watch demonstrations of kite making (wau), batik printing, and songket weaving; as well as cultural performances. This initiative not only attracts tourists but also provides economic opportunities for the local community.

Kelantan is also famous for its traditional cuisine, such as nasi kerabu, laksam, and akok; and traditional games like wau bulan and gasing uri, often displayed during cultural festivals. 

Terengganu: The Jewel of Malay Culture

Terengganu is celebrated for its traditional arts such as the Ulik Mayang dance, Malay gamelan, and traditional crafts like songket weaving and woodcarving. Songket, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2021, symbolizes the refinement of Malay textile art; while Terengganu’s batik industry, centred around Kuala Terengganu, continues to thrive as a key economic driver for local communities.

Events like the Karnival Pantai play a significant role in promoting the unique arts and culture of Terengganu. Kampung Losong has become a hub of cultural sustainability, featuring the State Museum, Terengganu Cultural Village, Terengganu River Cruise, Islamic Civilisation Park, and the Losong keropok industry. The earliest evidence of Islam in the region, Batu Bersurat, or the Inscribed Stone of Terengganu displayed at the State Museum, was listed under UNESCO’s Memory of the World in 2009. Other unique locations include Losong Heritage Village, Rumah Haji Su, and Pasar Chabang Tiga, a popular local market—all highlighting Terengganu’s art, culture, and traditional cuisine. 

 

Boat builder, Terengganu. Photo by Alex Lee

Downtown Kuala Terengganu, the Heritage Trail offers tourists a glimpse of cultural treasures such as Pasar Payang, known for its local crafts and textiles, and Kampung Cina, where Peranakan culture prevails. Other attractions include Bukit Puteri, Masjid Abidin, Istana Maziah, Shah Bandar Park, Pulau Warisan, and Terradala Museum.

By integrating traditions, architecture, and captivating landscapes, Terengganu remains a jewel of Malay culture, preserving its heritage while offering unique experiences for domestic and international visitors.

Pahang: Royal Town and Protector of Traditional Crafts

Pahang is renowned for its preservation of traditional arts, particularly the Tenun Pahang Diraja (Royal Pahang Weave), a proud textile heritage. The Royal Town of Pekan serves as the epicentre of this craft. The Pulau Keladi Cultural Village Complex provides visitors with an immersive experience in the production of this fine silk weaving. Tenun Pahang not only serves as an economic resource for local communities but also preserves age-old traditions.

In addition to weaving, Pekan boasts historical and cultural landmarks such as the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Tun Teja Gallery, and the Sultan Abdullah Mosque, which display Islamic architecture and Pahang’s history. Along the Pahang River, visitors can enjoy traditional activities like freshwater prawn fishing and exploring riverside villages such as Kampung Kemboja.

Culinary attractions include specialties such as ikan patin masak tempoyak, murtabak Mengkasar, and Pahang sambal hitam. At Pasar Sari, visitors can sample traditional delicacies like qasidah and suji, enhancing the cultural experience in Pahang.

With traditional villages showcasing classic Malay architecture and Anglo-Malay houses set amidst picturesque landscapes, Pekan is an ideal destination for those seeking to appreciate Pahang’s refined culture and preserved traditions.

Kampung Budaya Terengganu. Photo by Alex Lee

Cultural Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainability

Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang have successfully preserved their traditional arts and culture, establishing the East Coast as a symbol of Malay identity. Support from the government, NGOs, and local communities, including UNESCO recognition for elements like Mak Yong, Songket, Silat, and Pantun, has ensured these remain well-preserved.
 
Private restoration projects such as the Terrapuri Heritage Village in Kampung Mangkuk, Setiu Wetlands, exemplify collaboration between private entities, local governments, state parks, NGOs, GLCs, and local communities. By leveraging arts, culture, heritage, and natural resources, these areas have become ‘place-making’ destinations for sustainable tourism.
 
Efforts to attract younger generations through formal education, art workshops, and digital promotions are essential. Infrastructure improvements such as walking trails, landscaping, signages, and basic amenities are also crucial in enhancing tourism appeal.
 
Challenges and Strategies for Sustainability
 
Despite the success in preserving arts and culture, challenges such as modern lifestyle changes, foreign cultural influences, and the lack of support for traditional artists remain. Many traditional artists face difficulties sustaining their careers due to limited demand and financial backing.
 
Close cooperation between the government, communities, and private sector is crucial to overcoming these challenges. Programmes like the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and promotional efforts by UNESCO demonstrate that strategic measures can strengthen the sustainability of traditional arts and culture.
 
Conclusion: The East Coast as a Symbol of National Identity
 
The East Coast is not only a symbol of the richness of Malay arts and culture but also an example of successfully harmonizing traditions with modern development. Continuous support from the government, society, and the tourism industry is essential to ensure this heritage thrive for future generations.
 
Through strategic promotions, education, and collaboration, the East Coast has the potential to become a world-class cultural tourism destination. Preserved arts, culture, and heritage are not only a source of pride for Malaysians but also the foundation for sustainable economic and social development.