SHAH ALAM, Aug 28 — Traditional cempuling music, which is synonymous with Selangor’s arts and culture scene, will be given local heritage status.
State executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said gazetting efforts are underway, involving several parties including art experts and academicians from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We have also roped in the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) and called on the State Education Department as they held a record-breaking event where this (cempuling) music was played for 25 hours straight in 2016.
“This is the basis for us to bring cempuling music to the new generation and youth. If gazetted, it will be the fifth (state) identity after nasi ambeng, Selangor batik, punten, and Kajang satay,” he told Media Selangor.
Borhan said efforts to uplift the art form has been long ongoing, including by giving schools cempuling instruments to foster an interest among students.
In June last year, Selangor promoted cempuling in Indonesia through a cross-culture programme, which gave Indonesians a chance to enjoy Selangor’s art and original music.
Held at Malaysian Hall Jakarta, the Selangor cempuling and original music segment, performed by Kumpulan Tunas Cempuling dan Muzik Asli Sri Kenchana, drew the interest of Indonesian participants who wanted to know more about both art forms.
