Sabah to host National-level Int’l Museum Day
Published on: Wednesday, June 26, 2019
By: Sherell Jeffrey and Ottey Peter
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been picked to host the six-day National-level International Museum Day celebration which begins on July 15.
Various activities were lined up for the event which will see participation from museums across the country, including from Kalimantan, said Museums Department Director-General Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kamarul said this after a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the State Administration Centre, here, Tuesday.
Apart from carnivals, performances, workshops on traditional dance and music, heritage treasure hunt and colouring contest, the event will also feature a 10km “Museumthon” which will be held on July 20.
Kamarul said they target at least 1,500 participants for the run.
“During our meeting, Shafie talked about Sabah’s richness in fauna and flora, about the biodiversity and the need to inform visitors about the artefacts and heritage of Sabah,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kamarul said the Chief Minister also pointed out the need to have collaboration in research with those from within and outside the country.
On another note, he said museums are still relevant based on the consistent record of visitors.
ADVERTISEMENT
Citing Museum Negara which receives between 700,000 and 800,000 visitors a year, he said they believe the numbers will increase especially with the launching of the “Inspirasi Pelajar, Inovasi Museum” programme which encourages school students to visit museums.
He also said there are currently between 230 and 240 museums comprising government museums and private museums across the country, adding that the number increases year to year, especially where private museums are concerned.
“We see an increase by five museums a year in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Museum will be opened from 9am to 10pm daily over the six-day International Museum Day celebration with its theme “Museum as the Culture Hub, the future of Tradition”.
Also present was Sabah Museum Director, Arif Abdul Hamid.
Those wanting more information can visit https://www.museum.sabah.gov.my or Facebook page “Muzium Sabah”.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the event is expected to attract more tourists to the State.
“It is the Ministry’s objective to make Sabah a world class leading tourist destination and at same time help generate State revenues,” she said at the pre-launch of the 23rd International Museum Day at Suria Sabah.
Liew, who is also a Deputy Chief Minister, the public, especially the young, are encouraged to visit the museum to know more on the history of Sabah and Malaysia.
“Museums can promote harmony among the people by helping them understand history in various perspectives,” she said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
