"The pre-launch event also serves as an early promotional platform to raise awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, while attracting more visitors ahead of the main festival, which will take place from Nov 27 to 29 at Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah," he said.

He said this in his speech at the pre-launch ceremony of Perpatih Fest 2026 at the National Museum Square here today, which was officiated by Negeri Sembilan Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Action Committee chairman Datuk Razali Abu Samah.

Mohd Razaimi said JMM had consistently maintained an open approach to collaboration with various parties, including government agencies, the private sector and communities, to strengthen the national heritage preservation agenda.

He said JMM would organise 126 programmes throughout 2026, comprising special exhibitions, museum education programmes, curator talks and cultural activities.

Meanwhile, Razali said Adat Perpatih had the potential to be developed as a cultural tourism product capable of attracting visitors from outside Negeri Sembilan, including foreign tourists, to discover its unique heritage.

"The younger generation needs to be introduced to Adat Perpatih so that the heritage is not only known but also understood and appreciated," he said.

Among the highlights of the upcoming festival are exhibitions on the luak-luak (districts) of Negeri Sembilan, traditional food demonstrations, craft workshops on making destar (headgear) and ikatan sampin (sampin tying), as well as traditional arts performances.

The festival is also in line with efforts to strengthen Negeri Sembilan's position as a competitive cultural tourism destination in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA