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Members of the Baba and Nyonya community in Melaka can now officially register as "Baba Nyonya" on their birth certificates — a move hailed as a long-awaited recognition of the Peranakan Chinese identity
Baba and Nyonya Association of Malaysia president Datuk Ronald Gan said Peranakan Chinese in Melaka may begin amending their ethnicity on official documents starting 1 October.
"The policy will be extended nationwide from 1 January 2026," he told the New Straits Times.
However, Gan told FMT that the application process will be stringent, as applicants must first obtain the association's approval before submitting it to the National Registration Department (JPN), which will then interview them.
He said once a principal applicant is officially recognised as Baba Nyonya, their family members will automatically qualify for the status.
Gan noted that many Baba Nyonya are currently listed as "Chinese" on official documents
He estimates that there are about 30,000 Baba Nyonya people in Malaysia.
The move formally recognises the centuries-old Peranakan Chinese community, renowned for its rich blend of Chinese and Malay heritage, unique cuisine, ornate architecture, and colourful traditional dress.
"This is about our heritage — our food, our art, our batik kebaya, our language. It tells future generations: you are seen, you belong," Gan said.
He added that the association had submitted the proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year and credited Deputy Unity Minister K Saraswathy for helping make it a reality.
"I must say the MADANI government was fast and efficient. They walked the talk and took care of the minority," he said.
The Baba and Nyonya — or Peranakan Chinese — are a distinct cultural group whose traditions blend Chinese, Malay, and later colonial influences, evolved through centuries of intermarriage between Chinese settlers and local Malay women
Men are known as Baba, and women as Nyonya. Their culture continues to thrive through families, museums, heritage homes, and festivals. While their communities are mainly found in Melaka and Penang, smaller groups exist across Malaysia.
They are celebrated for their vibrant cuisine — including ayam pongteh, laksa nyonya, and various kuih — as well as dondang sayang, a poetic call-and-response singing tradition.
