Silat Has Potential To Become Main Attraction For VM2026 - Museums Dept DG

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Silat, a traditional Malay martial art, holds great potential to be promoted as one of the country’s tourism products, particularly as a distinctive cultural attraction in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), said Museums Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim.

He said the heritage art is not merely a form of self-defence, but also reflects the nation’s cultural identity and values, and has the potential to contribute to the economy through the tourism and cultural sectors.

“For museums, we view silat as an attraction that can be showcased to tourists to highlight the authenticity of Malaysia’s culture and identity. Therefore, this initiative will be launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026),” he said when met after officiating the opening ceremony of the International Malay Silat Convention 2025 (KOSSMA25) at the National Museum, here today.

According to Kamarul Baharin, JMM is prepared to forge strategic collaborations with the martial arts community nationwide to realise this aspiration and to ensure that silat continues to gain international recognition, even though it has not been officially included in the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) agenda.

He emphasised that the initiative will not only strengthen cultural diplomacy but also serve as a platform to introduce the artistic, scientific, and spiritual values embodied in the philosophy of silat to the global audience.

Also present at the event were Senator Datuk Seri Prof Emeritus Dr Awang Sariyan and Persatuan Dunia Seni Silat Melayu Malaysia (DSSM) president Roslim Abu.

A Bernama check found that the convention drew the participation of more than 500 registered silat practitioners from both local and international groups, with participants donning traditional Malay warrior attire that showcased the richness and uniqueness of the country’s cultural heritage.

The event was also enlivened by exhibitions of handicrafts, traditional textiles, and demonstrations of various silat styles, showcasing the diversity of forms and philosophies within Malay martial arts.

Held under the theme ‘Matra Silat: Art, Science and Spirituality,’ the convention also featured an International Malay Silat Arts Seminar, which brought together seven presenters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Singapore.

All seminar papers will be made available in both print and digital formats.

-- BERNAMA