Every community has its own form and version of martial arts practises which has been passed down from one generation to another generation.
One such craft is the “Nillaikalakki Silambam” which has been practised in Penang since 1962. However, they registered to form their called Nillaikalakki Silambam Association in 1975.
Their association has even received the recognition of CNN when they were featured in the “Nine reasons to visit Penang that have nothing to do with street food” in Feb 2017.
They were also mentioned in an article on UNESCO ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) in 2019 and again on UNESCO ICHCAP for Martial Arts as Intangible Cultural Heritage paper in the Living Heritage Series.
Present to launch the association’s web page and also for being recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow at the Ascott Gurney Penang.
Also present was CM 11 Prof P Ramasamy, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture secretary, (Motac), Dr Tan Awang Besar, Dr Ang Ming Chee of GeorgeTown World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), Penang state culture and arts director Shapee Che Embi among others.
Chow in his speech congratulated the association for their spirit and dedication to keep the art active and vibrant over the years.
“I also commend your support towards your participation in the GTWHI programmes for the Community Based Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventorying in George Town and other programmes.
“We are sure that with the launching of your webpage, your activities will be promoted more widely and also help to attract tourists to the state,” said Chow.
Meanwhile, the secretary and organising chairman of the event, K. Munieswaran added that they have reached a milestone in launching their website and being recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records.
“We wish to thank Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated and the state government for their continuous support,” he said.