PETALING JAYA: The Baba and Nyonya communities are pleased that their race is now officially recognised by the government – a change many say has been in the making for decades.
Teoh Luan Neo, 75, a Baba Nyonya from Melaka, expressed her gratitude for the long-awaited recognition of her community, which she feels has finally come to fruition.
“It’s a way to preserve our heritage, holding on to this identity,” said Teoh.
“All this time, my parents and I have identified ourselves as ‘Chinese’ in official documents, but now we can proudly write ‘Baba Nyonya’ or ‘Peranakan’,” said Teoh, who specialises in preparing Peranakan cuisine.
“When I heard they were going to recognise this ethnicity on the birth certificates, I was thrilled. It’s really something wonderful that we finally achieved this recognition,” she said in an interview yesterday.
“Because we are indeed an ethnic group, you know. Similar to the East Malaysians, the government had already recognised them earlier, as well as the Portuguese community,” she remarked, adding that the Portuguese arrived in Melaka around the same time, during the 16th century.
The gilded carvings near the air well inside the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Church Street, the largest Baba Nyonya Museum in the country.
“So why were we excluded from recognition earlier? It’s very frustrating, isn’t it? Even though it’s not a big thing for us older ones, at least for our youth, it means something,” she added.
“In the past, maybe the term ‘Baba Nyonya’ wasn’t as well-known. There was no association to publicise the culture yet. But now we hope the younger generations learn about this tradition more,” said Teoh, who served as a nurse in the 80s in Melaka.
On Saturday, Baba and Nyonya Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Ronald Gan told The Star that the Peranakan Chinese in Melaka will be able to register their ethnicity as “Baba Nyonya” on their birth certificates starting this month and continuing until the end of the year. Following this period, the registration will be extended to the community in other regions of the country by January 2026.
“The whole community is thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for expediting our application in less than two years through the effort placed by Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy,” Gan had said.
Colourful collection: Traditional Peranakan costumes on display at the Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum in Melaka.
Kenny Loh, 47, a Baba Nyonya from Penang and vice-president of the State Chinese Penang Association, expressed his deep gratitude for the positive news from the government regarding the community. He feels profoundly moved by this recognition.
“It’s an emotional moment for our community because this recognition affirms our identity and heritage that has existed for centuries,” said Loh.
“For so long, we have been known and celebrated culturally but not officially recognised. This decision gives a sense of belonging and validation to the Baba and Nyonya community,” he added.
Loh, a Baba Nyonya, said this recognition represents the acknowledgement of his unique cultural identity, which is a blend of Malay, Thai, Burmese, Western and Chinese ethnicities.
“Penang Baba Nyonya heritage has shaped Malaysia’s multicultural history. Personally, it feels like a long-overdue appreciation for our ancestors’ legacies, our customs, and our contributions to the nation’s cultural fabric.
Loh, a cultural fashion designer, said this recognition helps youths learn their identity and heritage, with the hope they will preserve traditions.
“It also raises awareness among other Malaysians regarding the diversity and richness of Baba Nyonya culture,” remarked Loh, who had previously identified himself as ‘Chinese’ on his official documents.
“Our traditions, language, attire and cuisine tell a story of coexistence. This recognition extends beyond mere documentation; it serves to celebrate Malaysia’s shared heritage.” Loh expressed his hope that it will remain an inspiration for future generations.
