S'GOR TO GAZETTE ‘LEMPENG SAGU BIJI MATA IKAN’ AS STATE HERITAGE DISH

KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government plans to draft a gazettement for lempeng sagu biji mata ikan as the state’s official heritage dish, says State Housing and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.

He said the plan would be discussed with relevant agencies to ensure that the gazettement process is carried out in accordance with established procedures.

“Today, we have agreed to nominate lempeng sagu biji mata ikan as one of the traditional dishes to be gazetted by the state government soon.

“We will conduct a workshop to ensure it is officially recognised as one of Selangor’s heritage dishes,” he told reporters after attending the Selangor Heritage Food Festival 2025 here today.

The event held at the Kuala Selangor Sports Complex Indoor Stadium was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Also present were State Rural Development, Unity and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rizam Ismail and State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin.

Borhan said the gazettement effort is crucial to prevent traditional delicacies from fading into obscurity and to reintroduce them to younger generations.

“Lempeng sagu biji mata ikan was once a popular dish between the 1950s and 1970s, but many among the younger generation today are unfamiliar with it.

“It is a Bugis heritage delicacy that is commonly served for breakfast or afternoon tea. We want to revive this dish so that it will be passed down and continue to be appreciated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Borhan said this year’s festival also serves as a platform to reintroduce traditional dishes to the public while encouraging local communities to preserve the authenticity of Selangor’s culinary heritage.

He added that the state government plans to expand the heritage food festival to other districts, allowing more people to experience Selangor’s traditional culinary treasures.

The fourth edition of the festival, organised by the State Standing Committee for Culture, Malay Customs, and Heritage, highlights the uniqueness and authenticity of Selangor’s traditional dishes as part of efforts to preserve cultural heritage and boost the state’s tourism sector.

At the same event, two achievements were recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR): the Most Lempeng Sagu Biji Mata Ikan Distributed (4,921 pieces) and the Largest Kuala Selangor Lighthouse Formation made from 55,000 pieces of Kuih Beppa Pute, measuring 25 metres by 8 metres

-- BERNAMA