By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Jan 16 — Wau kapal has been officially recognised as an intellectual property belonging to Selangor, a move that is set to preserve its cultural values and significance to the state.
This is after the traditional game was registered under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), effectively symbolising it as an identity of Selangor.
MyIPO director-general Kamal Kormin presented the Geographical Indication Registration Certificate to Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and state executive councillor for culture Borhan Aman Shah during the Menteri Besar’s New Year’s Address ceremony, here, yesterday.
Selangor state secretary Dato’ Setia Haris Kasim and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San were also on stage to witness the historic ceremony.
Wau kapal gets its name from its design, which features a traditional Malay sailing ship known as djong, as well as its mast and flagpole.
Previously, in November 2021, Borhan said that the state intends to make wau kapal Selangor’s official kite as it symbolises the state’s identity.
“Just as the wau bulan is synonymous with Kelantan, we also want to commercialise wau kapal so that it is more known in Selangor and will not be forgotten over the ages.
“We will raise the wau bulan to be Selangor’s official kite so that it stays on as a medium for culture to be enjoyed by all levels of society.”
