Penang Gazettes Hungry Ghost Festival as State Heritage

In Malaysia, Penang has officially recognized the Teong Guan Phor Thor, or Hungry Ghost Festival, as an intangible cultural heritage item under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011. 

The gazettement actually took effect on June 25, 2026, following approval by the state government to safeguard local traditions. 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that the move highlights the diverse religious traditions practiced by the Chinese community. 

Celebrated during the seventh lunar month, the festival features large "Tai Su Yeah" (King of Hades) effigies, getai stage shows, and traditional Chinese opera.

Despite its association with ghosts, the Hungry Ghost Festival serves a deeper purpose. The event is more about teaching the younger generation the importance of filial piety, doing good deeds, and respecting their ancestors. These values are integral to the festival’s enduring relevance and significance.

In the second round of the China Masters 2026 today, Malaysia’s world No. 5 women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan suffered an agonising defeat against Thailand's up-and-coming Benyapa-Nuntakarn Aimsaard. 

The Thai sister duo, ranked world No. 43, took the match in three hard-fought games in 67 minutes: 21-16, 17-21, 21-19. 

Pearly and Thinaah were originally drawn to face China's Luo Yi and Wang Tingge in the round of 32. However, following a wave of late withdrawals from top-seeded pairs, a Seed Withdrawal Movement (SWM) reshuffled the draw, giving the Malaysians a direct first-round bye straight into the round of 16.

I am really disappointed. It's unforgivable. Another tournament, another self-inflicted disaster from Pearly and Thinaah. As the world No. 5 pair, how are they still handing over the opening game like charity? 

This toxic habit of losing the first game is a ticking time bomb, and it again blew up in their faces against a pair ranked No. 43 in the world! They were handed fresh legs and a massive physical advantage on a silver platter. 

What did they do with it? They wasted it by playing catch-up yet again, turning what should have been a straightforward win into an exhausting three-game torture.