International Museum Day buzz draws crowds to Malaysian museums

The Star

18-05-2025

Marking International Museum Day, thousands of visitors from near and far seized the chance to time-travel through Malaysia's rich history and heritage at museums across the country.
A total of 19 museums under the supervision of the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) were opened free of charge today to the public in conjunction with the celebration.
In Kuala Lumpur, Muzium Negara (National Museum) began to fill with local visitors and foreign tourists as soon as it opened at 9am, all eager to explore the trove of the nation's history and heritage on display.
Siti Jumiah Abdul Razak, Muzium Negara assistant curator, said that as an added attraction, volunteer tour guides fluent in various languages were provided for visitors, in addition to traditional performances and the opening of the Asean Gallery in conjunction with Malaysia's chairmanship this year.
The Perak Museum in Taiping, Malaysia's oldest museum built in 1883, showcases the state's history. Photo: Bernama
A tourist from New Zealand Beli Harvey, 26, who arrived in Malaysia last Friday, said he was excited when informed that the museum was open for free in conjunction with today's International Museum Day.
"I am aware of the International Museum Day but I didn't expect the entrance was free, it was a nice surprise. Also, the diversity of this country really taught me well through my visit here,' he said.
In Selangor, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum in Shah Alam became a focal point for parents to bring their children to spend the weekend with educational family-friendly activities.
Private sector employee Hani Hairi, 46, who came with her 14-year-old twins, said the visit gave her children the opportunity to get to know history more closely in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
In Johor, local and international visitors flocked to Kota Johor Lama Museum to explore the historic city that once served as a key government centre after Melaka's fall in 1511. Photo: Bernama
"My children are excited because it's been a long time since they visited a museum. I used to bring them when they were small, so now that we have time on the weekend, we came to see the exhibitions here," she said.
In Negri Sembilan, the Army Museum in Port Dickson became a popular destination for visitors, including Mohd Khairil Abidin, 45, who brought his five children after learning about the free admission through Facebook.
In Melaka, the free admission opportunity was lapped by visitors, including Siti Hafizah Yusop, 40, from Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah, who came with her husband and four children to the Malaysian Architectural Museum.
"Indeed, it is very interesting, and visiting museums not only provides exposure to history and culture but also strengthens family ties through beneficial activities," she said.
Malaysia's museums are closely tied to the nation's rich multi-racial story. Photo: Bernama
In Johor, the Kota Johor Lama Museum in Kota Tinggi was visited by local and international visitors to learn about the history of the historical city that was once an important centre of government after the fall of the Melaka Sultanate in 1511.
A tourist from Riau, Indonesia, Rashid Tain, 65, was among the visitors who came for the first time with his family to the museum.
In Pahang, the Sungai Lembing Museum recorded the presence of 213 visitors as of 11am, with activities such as traditional tin ore panning being a major attraction.
Museum head Peterson Augustine said the inclusive, hands-on approach helps spark youth interest in the area's mining heritage.
At Muzium Negara, the crowd arrived early to explore its four main galleries and other attractions. Photo: Bernama
In Perak, the public did not miss the opportunity to visit the Perak Museum in Taiping, which also offered free admission today.
In Kedah, the Kota Kuala Kedah Museum in Alor Setar also received a large number of visitors.
Located at the Kedah River estuary, the museum highlights the 18th-century fort's defense history, featuring artefacts, ceramics, original bricks, and accounts of colonial attacks by the Bugis, Aceh, and Siam.
In Perlis, the Kota Kayang Museum, offering free admission since 2001, drew a enthusiastic crowd for International Museum Day.
Kota Kayang Museum Assistant Norhayati Wahab said that this year's celebration was quite lively, and the museum plans to organise activities with school students at the end of this month as a continuation of the celebration. - Bernama