Challenges in Sustaining the Malay Traditional Kuih among Youth

Abstract

Abstract-The purpose of the article is to disclose the challenges in sustaining the Malay traditional kuih with differing levels of acceptance among youth in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. Malay kuih also known as Malay dessert that referring to a product which uses specific raw ingredients; methods; processes; techniques; materials and utensils; and the recipes have been passed down from one generation to other generations. It is part of Malaysian culture, identity and heritage that should be sustained by all generations especially youth. Throughout observation and interviews with youth, age of 18 to 25 years old who are completed their secondary school and basically come from different family backgrounds, the trend of buying pattern among youth towards Malay traditional kuih were influenced by the family, friends and occasions. Six main themes that have been identified are including family, value, knowledge, motivation, way of life and pecuniary. Although all themes were emphasized by youth during the interviews, a closer look revealed that the themes evaluated quite differently based on their age and background. The exhibited divergences are found to be underpinned by different way of life dispositions, which are extremely important and affecting in shaping and influencing values amongst the youth. The results are promising meaningful understanding of the challenges to sustain the Malay traditional kuih among youth, which are reinforced by its complex culture diversities and globalization.

The diversity of traditional Malay kuih in Malaysia and its potentials

“…With this, the distinct culinary features also said to face dilution through the globalization and modernization. A similar situation reported on the traditional Malay cuisine as more and more studies proven its prevalence like in the studies of [13,18,42,44,45]. It is however, seemingly promising for the Nyonya kuih to thrive as [11] discussed that the culture of Baba Nyonya has been entering the limelight of attention in book publications, theses, and other public awareness events.…”

“…Karipap (curry puffs), apam (steamed sponge cakes), and keria (donut like kuih made from sweet potatoes and glazed in crystalized sugar) are some examples that fall into the typically found variety. These delicacies are treated as intangible heritage by the Malays and have been passed down verbally from generation to generations especially within the womenfolk [18]. Not to mention also that the habit and acceptance of new generations to consume traditional Malay kuih are inevitably have to be embedded in the family itself.…”

“…Understanding sustainability issues, the younger generation is undoubtedly coming into mind as the next generation to inherit and reproduce traditional Malay kuih sustainably. However [18], has researched that there are prevalent challenges to sustain traditional Malay kuih in youth. This indefinitely denotes the decreasing momentum of traditional Malay kuih vitality which is feared to be extinct in the near future [48,49].…”

Knowledge on the Malaysian Food Heritage

“…The preferences of traditional foods as the leading definition of FH and its relationship to food transferred from one generation to another been supported by the previous researcher stated that traditional food as part of culture, identity, and heritage of countries all around the world. It is also as a means of usage in the community for a period, showing the transmission between generations (Hamzah et al, 2015;Sharif, Zahari, Nor, & Muhammad, 2013). It also linked with celebration and related to a special occasion (Vitterso & Amilien, 2011).…”

SUSTAINING THE CULTURAL VITALITY OF URBAN PUBLIC MARKETS: A Case Study of Pasar Payang, Malaysia

“…With the incoming of globalized trends and changes in lifestyles among youth, traditional family businesses may not be able to thrive as they have been in the last fifty years. In a study on sustaining the Malay traditional food among youth, Hamzah et al (2015) identified six factors that can influence the continuance of cultural heritage: influence of family, cultural values and personal values, the knowledge inherited from earlier generations, motivation to get involved, incorporating parts of the traditions as a way of life, and benefit to one's income and living. These factors are also relevant to other types of local products such as the batik and songket, the production of dried seafood, crafts, and others.…”