'Irama Asli & Asal' Festival Showcases Malaysia's Indigenous Heritage

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Following its successful debut last year, the Indigenous Rhythms (‘Irama Asli & Asal’) Festival returns for its second edition at Berjaya Times Square here from Dec 12 to 14, 2025.

Organised by Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the festival aims to highlight the rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia’s indigenous communities through cultural performances, music, workshops and craft exhibitions.

YKOA chairman Dr Andre Ratos, in a statement today, said the three-day festival seeks to raise awareness, foster appreciation and promote the preservation of indigenous knowledge, customs and creative expressions among Malaysians and international visitors.

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“Our indigenous peoples are living symbols of Malaysia’s unity in diversity. Their cultures, languages and traditions are essential threads that bind us as one nation. By celebrating them, we are celebrating the true spirit of Malaysia,” he said.

He said this year’s festival also continues the legacy of the late Datuk Antony Ratos, founder of YKOA, who spent decades organising exhibitions, cultural showcases and rural health camps to preserve and uplift indigenous heritage.

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The 2025 edition brings together the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak, offering a platform for traditional performances, live music, interactive workshops and an ethnic artisan bazaar.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to experience batik painting, necklace beading, headgear weaving, traditional food-wrapping techniques and cultural showcases representing Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

Entrance to the festival is free. 

For updates and further information, the public may follow YKOA on Facebook and Instagram at @ykoa.malaysia.

-- BERNAMA