Malaysia Silat Federation, widely known as PESAKA Malaysia, is the national governing body responsible for the development, coordination, and promotion of Pencak Silat in Malaysia. The federation plays a central role in preserving the rich heritage of Silat while advancing it as a modern sport.
The origins of PESAKA Malaysia date back to 6 February 1978, when the Ministry of Culture and Sports Malaysia initiated a landmark meeting involving major Silat organizations such as Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia, Silat Seni Gayung Malaysia, Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia, and Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia. This meeting aimed to unify Silat movements and establish a coordinated national body to oversee its development.
Following these efforts—and influenced by the formation of the International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT) in 1979—Malaysia emerged as one of the founding nations in the global Silat movement. The vision of a unified national structure was realized with the establishment of PESAKA Malaysia in 1983.
PESAKA Malaysia was formed to develop, strengthen, and unify various Silat organizations across the country while safeguarding its cultural and traditional values. Silat is deeply rooted in Malaysian heritage, recognized as a symbol of identity, discipline, and pride, with hundreds of styles and over 100,000 practitioners historically recorded across the nation.
The federation continues to promote Silat not only as a martial art but also as a tool for youth development, cultural preservation, and national unity. Through structured programs, competitions, and collaboration with national and international bodies, PESAKA Malaysia remains a key pillar in the global Pencak Silat community.