No decision yet on Chinese new villages’ Unesco nomination, further study needed, says Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR: The nomination of Chinese New Villages as a Unesco World Heritage site is under consideration, but a decision has yet to be reached, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic).

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said that while his ministry is committed to protecting and recognising national heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005, the proposal to nominate Chinese New Villages requires further in-depth study.

“The ministry, through the National Heritage Department, believes that the nomination of Kampung Baru Cina in Malaysia as a Unesco World Heritage Site requires more comprehensive evaluation before proceeding,” he said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Aug 6).

He was responding to a question by Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN–Kuantan), who asked about the government’s position on the proposal and stressed the importance of preserving Malaysia’s cultural and historical heritage.

Tiong added that approval from the respective state authorities is necessary before the process can move forward, as land planning and development were the jurisdictions of the state governments.

“This involves several agencies at both federal and state levels, such as PLANMalaysia, the Land and Mines Office, and local authorities. Both the state authority and local authorities must also be prepared to comply with Unesco’s stringent guidelines,” 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 (OUV), authenticity, integrity, and effective site management.

“The process of obtaining recognition can take more than 10 years, as seen with other sites in Malaysia, to ensure all necessary information meets Unesco’s standards,” he added.

On the government’s efforts to ensure proposed sites meet national historical criteria, Tiong said the National Heritage Department conducts detailed research to verify facts and prevent potential issues.

“Among the department’s responsibilities is ensuring that sites meet national historical criteria. This includes conducting thorough research to establish authenticity and verify facts, to avoid future confusion or disputes.

“Before any site is considered for gazetting under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), it must first be reviewed by the Heritage Expert Committee and the National Heritage Council,” he said.

In February last year, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly announced that plans were underway to nominate Chinese New Villages in Selangor as a Unesco World Heritage Site, in recognition of their cultural and historical significance.