IPOH, Oct 18 (Bernama)-UNESCO recognition alone will not guarantee the survival of silat if younger generations lose interest in learning and practising the traditional martial art, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said.
He said experienced silat instructors and grandmasters had an important responsibility to pass down their knowledge and skills to younger practitioners to ensure the heritage remained alive.
“We may have a proud silat heritage, but if young people turn away from the training arena, fewer will truly master and appreciate the art,” he said.
His speech was read out by Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah at the opening of the 2026 Gema Warisan Rakan Muda X Himpunan Mahabbah Pendekar today.
Saarani said Malaysia had more than 150 identified silat styles. The martial art was declared a National Heritage in 2009 before being recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.
He said regular silat training could help young people develop discipline, self-confidence, mental resilience and respect for others, in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda to nurture quality human capital and youth.
Saarani also urged silat practitioners to respect differences in styles, teaching traditions and training methods, rather than allowing them to create divisions.
He said stronger ties among silat schools were essential to keeping the martial art a unifying force while connecting younger generations with Malaysia’s history and culture.
He expressed hope the gathering would encourage efforts to revive silat training centres, mentor young practitioners and strengthen cooperation among silat schools to preserve the heritage for future generations.
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