Kuala lumpur: Balai Gema Hikayat (BGH), hosted at GMBB as part of the Kuala Lumpur Festival and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), drew more than 8,000 visitors over nearly two months, indicating a strong public interest in Malaysia's cultural heritage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event, organized by Hikayat Fandom from May 1 to June 21, highlighted various elements of Malaysia's intangible cultural heritage. The programme included Mak Yong, Mek Mulung, Wayang Kulit, and the storytelling traditions of Penglipur Lara and Tok Selampit, presented through exhibitions and interactive activities.
BGH curator and Hikayat Fandom founder Ninot Aziz emphasized that the programme was designed not just as an exhibition but as an engaging space to reconnect the public with cultural heritage. She stated, "Balai Gema Hikayat was never intended to be merely an exhibition. It is a space for storytelling so that our artistic traditions remain alive and continue to reach new generations." She noted the positive public response, which highlighted a strong curiosity and appreciation for the country's heritage.
Workshops on Mak Yong, Mek Mulung, and traditional storytelling were well-received, with most sessions reaching full capacity weekly. The programme attracted a diverse audience, including families, students, educators, arts practitioners, heritage enthusiasts, and international visitors, such as tour guides seeking a deeper understanding of local arts and traditions.
A notable event was the visit by Noor Hayati Zakaria, daughter of the late Khatijah Awang, a key figure in preserving the Mak Yong tradition in Malaysia. Inspired by the positive reception, Hikayat Fandom is considering expanding the Balai Gema Hikayat concept through community programmes and activities at new locations.
Meanwhile, National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris praised the programme for elevating Malaysia's traditional arts and cultural heritage while making them more accessible. He stated, "Initiatives such as this demonstrate that traditional arts and culture have great potential to be presented in fresh, inclusive and relevant ways to today's generation, while supporting the aspirations of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 in enriching culture-based tourism experiences."