Malaysia's arts minister has launched a bid to save an ancient dance theatre proclaimed by the United Nations as a heritage masterpiece, but is on the decline, a report said today.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim said he would provide assistance to performers of Mak Yong, which is banned by the hardline Islamic government of northern Kelantan state, where the dance originates.

"My message to troupes is not to lose hope as they will get my special attention," Rais was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times.

"Financial help is on the way and I will meet their leaders to find ways to arrest their problems," he said.

The pre-Islamic art of Mak Yong is performed mainly by women dancers accompanied by male musicians, and involves stylised dances, acting, vocal and instrumental music.

Cultural heritage

There are more than 30 types of Mak Yong songs, and the stories told through Mak Yong can take several nights to complete.

The United Nations Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in December proclaimed Mak Yong a masterpiece of cultural heritage.

But experts say the art is on the brink of extinction, while troupes are reportedly forced to perform in secret in Kelantan, where the conservative Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party state government has deemed the art unIslamic.

"The state government should ponder how their actions are affecting one of Malaysia's great cultural treasures," said Rais.