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Determinants of food heritage in Malaysia context
A.M. Ramli & M.S.M. Zahari
Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
ABSTRACT: Identity formation is a central issue and plays a central role in determining the image of a
nation. Identity formations are even critical in multiracial and multicultural nations and many countries
in fact are still struggling in developing their identity and social integration. Malaysia without doubt
is experiencing the urgency of having its own food identity when sharing food cultural background is
becoming central issues between the neighboring countries. The adaptations of food from various ethnic
groups by the dominant or majority ethnic group in multi-racial and cultural nations is believed will lead
to common acceptable cuisines and longitudinally forming the national food identity. The endorsement,
certification or gazetting of the heritage and traditional food is not only mechanisms to preserve the
treasures but importance element toward country identity formation. This research proposal is therefore
aiming to describe on the role of food heritage determinants through the process of endorsement and
certification toward nation food identity formation.
Keywords :
Food, heritage, determinants, nation, identity, formation
1 INTRODUCTION
Kut Teh , Hainanese Chicken rice and many others
(Chong, 2012; Jb, 2012; Star, 2009; Wo, 2009).
In promoting gastronomic tourism for the inter-
national tourists, Singapore for instance insistently
proclaimed some of the common Chinese, Indian,
Malay and Peranakan food as their local heritage.
This can clearly be seen on their tourism promo-
tional packages under the Singapore Tourism
Board (STB) classified dishes like Ayam Buah Kel-
uak, Bak Kut Teh, Cendol , Char Kway Teow, Chili
Crab, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Rendang, Teh Tarik
and others as Singapore 'iconic' dishes (Chaney &
Ryan, 2012; Star, 2012a).
Not to be overstated that issues pertaining to
food ownership or even worse on the Indonesia
counterpart. A long debated history with the
neighboring countries not only occurs in the ter-
ritorial boundaries but also in cultural ownership
like traditional dances, music instruments, arts
and culinary treasures. In this context, the exam-
ples of proclaiming cultures are the textile art of
' batik' , ' wayang kulit' , the ceremonial dagger 'the
Keris' , folk song ' Rasa Sayang' , music instrument
' Gamelan, angklung' and traditional dances ' Pen-
det' and culinary treasures like ' rendang ' and a few
others (Chong, 2012; Hussain, 2011). These issues
to that extent sparks a nationalistic outrage, pro-
test, street demonstration and staged rallies which
branding Malaysia as “a nation of thieves” by
the irresponsible group. These resurgent disputes
have given significant impact on the relationship
between two countries which led to a discussion
Not to exaggerate that identity formation is a cen-
tral issue and plays a central role in determining
the image of a nation. Identity formations are even
critical in multiracial and multicultural nations
and many countries in fact are still struggling in
developing their identity and social integration
(Alba et al., 2000). Social theories seek to explain
the identity formation, how it develops, what
factors facilitate and inhibit it, and what results
from it (Matsunaga, et al. (2010). Identity forma-
tion extends not only to the individual but also to
groups, organizations, societies, politics and coun-
tries with no exception of food. Similar to other
matters, food identity is another central issue for a
country (Spurrier, 2010).
In line with this, Malaysia is experiencing the
urgency of having its own food identity when shar-
ing food cultural background is becoming central
issues between the neighboring countries. Coun-
tries like Singapore and Indonesia which are shar-
ing a common historical roots and cultural heritage
with Malaysia are disputing over some of the tradi-
tional food when each country pursues to validate
those traditional foods as their identity. Owing
to this issue and according to Chong (2009) each
country is becoming more aggressive to defence
and protect such heritage as theirs to safeguard the
country as heritage is the core of a people's and
country identity. Some clear examples can be seen
on Rendang, Nasi Lemak , Laksa, Chili Crab, Bak
 
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