MALACCA: The Ministry of Tourism and Culture has set aside an allocation of RM100,000 for the traditional Wangkang procession here this year.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Abdul Nazri Aziz, said the ministry recognises the importance of the century-old tradition, which is held on occasion in Malacca.
"I was made to understand that this is not an annual event. It is a rare event (held by the Chinese community to) cleanse the streets of evil spirits, and we do not know when the next one will be held," Nazri told a press conference at the Cheng Wah Keong temple in Kandang here today.
Nazri added that the ministry, through the National Heritage Department, will also push for the procession’s Unesco recognition, so that it can be preserved.
"We hope to document this year's annual procession as proof that the age-old tradition is still being practiced by the Chinese community in Malaysia," he said.