Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)

19/09/2026

Have you ever played guli? 👀

Before screens and digital games became part of everyday life, a handful of marbles and a patch of ground could keep children entertained for hours!

Tuju Guli, also known as kelereng or marbles, was once a popular traditional game among Malay children and became a familiar part of village childhood. It was commonly played in house yards, open fields and even village roads. The game involved shooting marbles towards a circle with a small hole in the centre, known as the lubang induk. Players took turns aiming and trying to hit their opponents’ marbles.

In Malaysia, the game was passed down through generations. Early marbles were reportedly made from materials such as wood, lime and cement, before colourful glass marbles became widely available.

Beyond being an affordable form of entertainment, Tuju Guli brought children together and encouraged social interaction. It also helped develop hand-eye coordination, concentration, fine motor skills and strategic thinking, all while having fun!

While its popularity declined with the rise of digital entertainment, Tuju Guli remains part of Malaysia’s traditional games heritage and continues to be introduced through traditional games festivals and heritage programmes.

Have you played guli before? were you good at hitting the guli?

Share your memories with us in the comments!

Photo credit: jkkn.gov.my

17/09/2026

Before the skylines changed, our streets had stories of their own.

Take a walk through Malaysia’s past. Discover glimpses of streets, buildings and everyday life as they once were, and see how the places around us have changed over time.

These moments are captured in photographs from the books available at the Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre (CVFRC).

Turn the pages. Discover the stories. Explore our collection.

Photo credit: *Malaysia: A Pictorial History 1400–2004* by Wendy Khadijah Moore (2004).

Top: View down Penang Road, George Town, Penang, 1964 (NSTP)
Middle: Jalan Besar, Kuantan, 1909 (ANM)
Bottom: Main Bazaar, Kuching’s main waterfront thoroughfare, 1953

Library visits are available by appointment only. To schedule your visit, please email us at [email protected]

15/09/2026

Happy Malaysia Day!

On 16 September 1963, Malaysia was officially formed. More than just a date in our history, Malaysia Day is a celebration of the diverse cultures, heritage and communities that make up our shared identity.

As we mark Malaysia Day, we celebrate the stories, traditions and heritage that connect us as Malaysians. Here’s to preserving our heritage, celebrating our diversity, and keeping these stories alive for generations to come.

Selamat Hari Malaysia!

12/09/2026

Have you heard of the Cobbold Commission?

As we celebrate National Month, let’s take a look back at an important moment in the journey towards the formation of Malaysia.

In 1962, the Cobbold Commission embarked on a journey across Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) to understand the views, aspirations, and concerns of the people towards the proposed formation of Malaysia.

The Commission’s consultations and findings became an important part of the discussions leading up to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. A small but significant chapter in the story of how Malaysia came to be.

One journey. Many voices. One important chapter in our shared history.

Photo Credit:
1. The Birth of Malaysia (2008)
2. Road to Nationhood Malaysia 1941-1966 (2007)
(Available for reference in our Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre)

10/09/2026

Book Highlight

An Introduction to the History of Southeast Asian Architecture by George T. Gray

Explore the architectural heritage of 11 Southeast Asian countries, from traditional vernacular architecture to colonial influences and modernism.

This book reveals how history, culture and technology have shaped the region’s built environment.

Featuring 170+ colour photographs, sketches, maps and timelines, it highlights landmark buildings and heritage sites, including those recognised by UNESCO and the World Monuments Fund.

Discover the stories behind Southeast Asia’s remarkable buildings. Visit the Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre to explore this book and more from our collection.

Library visits are available by appointment only. To schedule your visit, please email us at [email protected]

08/09/2026

On 5 September 2026, Badan Warisan Malaysia hosted a sharing session under the BWM Talk Series, titled Warisan Pelayaran Melayu: Pencarian Identiti Nakhoda Yang Dilupakan, by Uthman Zaik and Wan Ainun Radzi.

The session explored the meaning and role of a “Nakhoda” from both historical and modern perspectives. It also introduced participants to the history and unique features of various types of traditional Malay perahu and boats used in the past.

The discussion further highlighted the qualities of a Nakhoda as a leader and how these values remain relevant and can continue to serve as an example today. The session concluded with a Q&A with participants, followed by light refreshments.

Badan Warisan Malaysia extends its appreciation to Uthman Zaik and Wan Ainun Radzi for the engaging session, and to everyone who attended and supported another BWM Talk Series.

05/09/2026

Part 7: Timber Treatment Using Recycled Engine Oil

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This conservation project was made possible with the generous support of Think City and contributions from our corporate and individual donors. Think City

05/09/2026

Part 7: Timber Treatment Using Recycled Engine Oil

What gives Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman its familiar rustic black appearance?

The answer lies in its traditional use of recycled engine oil as a timber treatment.

When the house was relocated and restored in 1996, it retained the natural brown colour of the timber. It was later coated with recycled engine oil, which has been reapplied periodically over the years. The coating helps reduce water absorption, minimise moisture-related deterioration, and protect the timber against termite attacks.

As part of the current conservation works, recycled engine oil is being applied to timber elements that have been repaired or replaced at the Rumah Tengah, including the walls, carvings, and roof battens.

For the roof battens, this treatment is particularly important as broken roof tiles had exposed them directly to rainwater, contributing to their deterioration over time. The oil helps reduce water absorption and minimise further moisture-related damage.

Sourcing the right recycled engine oil is now more challenging. Our contractor found a workshop that collects and stores recycled engine oil for timber treatment, allowing this traditional practice to continue as part of the conservation works.

Beyond maintaining the house’s familiar appearance, this treatment forms part of the ongoing care and protection of its timber elements.

Preserve the past. Conserve for the future. Protect against a changing climate.
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This conservation project was made possible with the generous support of Think City and contributions from our corporate and individual donors. Think City

03/09/2026