Latest news with #MuseumsDepartment
Barnama
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
SMP 2025: Museums Dept Relives Nostalgia Of Over 20 Traditional Games, Sports
By Siti Azila Alias BATU KAWAN, July 19 (Bernama) -- The traditional games booth set up by the Museums Department at the National-Level 2025 Unity Week (SMP) celebration at the Batu Kawan Stadium complex has emerged as one of the main attractions, particularly among the younger generation. More than 20 types of traditional games and sports were featured at the booth, including sumpit, galah panjang, baling getah, boling kelapa, kaki hantu, batu seremban, congkak, teng-teng and dam ular - all of which reflect the rich cultural diversity of Malaysian society. Curator of the National Museum, Mohd Jamil Harun, said the games were not only on display but also made available for visitors to try out, allowing them to relive nostalgic memories while introducing the younger generation to traditional pastimes that are increasingly at risk of being forgotten. 'The younger generation who visit the booth are especially drawn to kaki hantu as well as kerchang, a traditional game of the Orang Asli community. Many of them are unfamiliar with how these games are played, so the secretariat demonstrates the proper way to play them. 'It's the same with lastik tin (slingshot) - we provide rubber slingshots like those used to target lizards. They don't know how to use them properly, which is why we need to regularly introduce these games through programmes like SMP, so that at the very least, they are aware of and appreciate our heritage,' he told Bernama when met here yesterday. Mohd Jamil said that in addition to allowing visitors to try out traditional games, his team also organised daily activities and competitions at the booth throughout the four-day SMP celebration. These included contests such as timbang chapteh, baling damak and sepak raga gelung - all aimed at reviving interest in traditional sports. To further engage young visitors and families, the booth also featured a series of interactive DIY (Do-It-Yourself) workshops, such as making batu seremban and kites, as well as crafting congkak boards. What made the experience more meaningful, he said, was that participants were allowed to take home the games they made themselves, creating lasting memories while learning about the country's heritage. He noted that such activities indirectly help instil interest and raise awareness about the artistic and creative value embedded in traditional games.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Malaysia urged to reinvent its textile legacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are being urged to safeguard the nation's rich textile heritage by embracing innovation and reimagining tradition for the modern age. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said traditional textiles, each unique in motif, material and craftsmanship, remain a vital part of the country's living heritage. He said to keep textile traditions alive, the real challenge is not only in ensuring their survival but also that they evolve responsibly in today's world. 'Sustainability in textiles must encompass eco-friendly production, fair treatment of artisans and the passing down of skills to younger generations. 'I take pride in the fact that Malaysia's songket was recognised by Unesco and inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. 'Our heritage holds the potential to build a textile industry that is both environmentally sustainable and culturally significant,' he said in his speech at the Asean Fabrics Symposium 2025 yesterday. Aaron also said museums must go beyond preserving the past and become drivers of contemporary relevance and regional collaboration. 'Through exhibitions, symposiums and co-creative programmes, museums can inspire public dialogue, facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer and drive cultural sustainability at both the national and Asean levels.' In the Asean context, he sees museums as potential regional hubs for collaboration, enabling joint research on textile heritage, cross-border exhibitions and skills development for curators, artisans and cultural leaders. 'We must see museums not as passive repositories but as active platforms for collaboration, where artisans, academics, communities and policymakers come together to transform heritage into shared value. 'These partnerships hold the power to bridge divides and elevate our collective Southeast Asian identity on the global stage.' He expressed pride that the Museums Department has been actively involved in regional dialogues and remains committed to strengthening such cooperation. 'We are currently exploring opportunities for an Asean museum network centred on sustainable heritage and cultural innovation.' Aaron also expressed hope that more efforts would be made to inspire future joint nominations to Unesco, similar to the recent recognition of the kebaya, jointly submitted by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. 'Such efforts not only honour our shared traditions but also reflect our collective commitment to cultural diplomacy and unity.'
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
Museums in Malaysia record increase in visitors
PETALING JAYA : Museums in Malaysia have seen a steady surge in visitors, with 2,188,286 people recorded across the 22 federal museums in 2023, a significant increase from 1,464,463 visitors in 2022. The upward trend has continued into 2024, with 2,568,573 visitors. As of April 30 this year, the museums have welcomed 579,433 visitors, signalling a strong year ahead. These figures were provided by the Museums Department, highlighting a growing public interest in cultural and historical institutions, particularly the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur, which remains the most visited among locals and tourists. According to the department, one of the main draws of the National Museum is its role as a 'one-stop centre' offering a wide array of exhibitions that showcase Malaysia's rich cultural and historical heritage. 'Its strategic location, convenient access via public transport and alignment with the national school curriculum make it a popular choice for educators and students. 'Its strong brand recognition further cements its status as a premier cultural attraction.' The department attributed the rise in attendance to several key factors, including the National Unity Policy, which promotes patriotism and national identity through structured programmes. 'There are three main clusters that the museums aligned their programmes with under the National Unity Policy, namely igniting patriotism, fostering unity and komuniti rahmah (compassionate community), which serve as thematic guides for our museum initiatives.' A significant part of the appeal lies in the interactive, hands-on experiences offered by the museums. Many exhibits even feature tangible cultural artefacts. 'This physical connection to history has become a major draw, particularly through programmes such as Inspirasi Pelajar Inovasi Muzium, which offers students and educators the opportunity to engage directly with historical artefacts. 'These hands-on learning experiences complement formal education and serve as effective teaching aids to deepen understanding of Malaysia's rich history.' To broaden their appeal, museums have embraced a family-friendly 'edutainment' model, blending educational content with interactive experiences tailored for children and adults. 'They address contemporary issues, such as technology and the environment, appealing to younger audiences. Innovative exhibitions featuring cutting-edge digital technology help bridge the gap between traditional history and the modern digital age, making learning relevant and exciting.' To further support outreach, the department has partnered with several organisations, including Mr DIY, Fama, Chagee, Casa Chemical, Yayasan Al-Amin and Antong Coffee. 'These partnerships strengthen outreach efforts, and help enhance the quality and diversity of programmes offered.' As part of National Museum Day celebrations, 19 out of 22 federal museums opened their doors to the public free of charge on May 18. Speaking at the International Museums Day Seminar, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang reaffirmed the government's dedication to making museums more inclusive, sustainable and diverse. 'During an age in which technology permeates every facet of our lives, it is imperative that our cultural institutions evolve to meet the expectations and needs of the modern world. Digital transformation offers us the opportunity to preserve our rich heritage while making it accessible to a global audience. 'By integrating digital technologies, we could enhance the visitor experience, engage diverse communities and ensure our cultural narratives are preserved for future generations.' He urged museums to adopt innovations such as virtual and augmented reality, interactive digital exhibits, apps and online platforms while deepening community engagement and inclusivity. He added that the ministry is finalising the Museum Act, which would regulate museum activities nationwide. The Bill is expected to be tabled in parliament before the end of the year.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
Museums record increase in visitors
PETALING JAYA: Museums in Malaysia have seen a steady surge in visitors, with 2,188,286 people recorded across the 22 federal museums in 2023, a significant increase from 1,464,463 visitors in 2022. The upward trend has continued into 2024, with 2,568,573 visitors. As of April 30 this year, the museums have welcomed 579,433 visitors, signalling a strong year ahead. These figures were provided by the Museums Department, highlighting a growing public interest in cultural and historical institutions, particularly the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur, which remains the most visited among locals and tourists. According to the department, one of the main draws of the National Museum is its role as a 'one-stop centre' offering a wide array of exhibitions that showcase Malaysia's rich cultural and historical heritage. 'Its strategic location, convenient access via public transport and alignment with the national school curriculum make it a popular choice for educators and students. 'Its strong brand recognition further cements its status as a premier cultural attraction.' The department attributed the rise in attendance to several key factors, including the National Unity Policy, which promotes patriotism and national identity through structured programmes. 'There are three main clusters that the museums aligned their programmes with under the National Unity Policy, namely igniting patriotism, fostering unity and komuniti rahmah (compassionate community), which serve as thematic guides for our museum initiatives.' A significant part of the appeal lies in the interactive, hands-on experiences offered by the museums. Many exhibits even feature tangible cultural artefacts. 'This physical connection to history has become a major draw, particularly through programmes such as Inspirasi Pelajar Inovasi Muzium, which offers students and educators the opportunity to engage directly with historical artefacts. 'These hands-on learning experiences complement formal education and serve as effective teaching aids to deepen understanding of Malaysia's rich history.' To broaden their appeal, museums have embraced a family-friendly 'edutainment' model, blending educational content with interactive experiences tailored for children and adults. 'They address contemporary issues, such as technology and the environment, appealing to younger audiences. Innovative exhibitions featuring cutting-edge digital technology help bridge the gap between traditional history and the modern digital age, making learning relevant and exciting.' To further support outreach, the department has partnered with several organisations, including Mr DIY, Fama, Chagee, Casa Chemical, Yayasan Al-Amin and Antong Coffee. 'These partnerships strengthen outreach efforts, and help enhance the quality and diversity of programmes offered.' As part of National Museum Day celebrations, 19 out of 22 federal museums opened their doors to the public free of charge on May 18. Speaking at the International Museums Day Seminar, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang reaffirmed the government's dedication to making museums more inclusive, sustainable and diverse. 'During an age in which technology permeates every facet of our lives, it is imperative that our cultural institutions evolve to meet the expectations and needs of the modern world. Digital transformation offers us the opportunity to preserve our rich heritage while making it accessible to a global audience. 'By integrating digital technologies, we could enhance the visitor experience, engage diverse communities and ensure our cultural narratives are preserved for future generations.' He urged museums to adopt innovations such as virtual and augmented reality, interactive digital exhibits, apps and online platforms while deepening community engagement and inclusivity. He added that the ministry is finalising the Museum Act, which would regulate museum activities nationwide. The Bill is expected to be tabled in parliament before the end of the year.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ministry finalising law to regulate museum activities
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is in the final stages of drafting a law to regulate museum activities nationwide and it is expected to be tabled by November, says Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic). The law aims to create a clear legal framework for effective and sustainable museum management. Aaron said the ministry envisions museums as transformative spaces that foster creativity, critical thinking and an appreciation for shared humanity, embodying inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and diversity. 'We will work closely with the Museums Department to develop and implement strategies that align with these principles, enhancing accessibility, promoting inclusive narratives, implementing sustainable practices, and encouraging community participation in museum activities and decision-making processes,' he told Bernama during his opening speech at the Malaysia International Museum Day Seminar 2025 here yesterday. Meanwhile, at a press conference, Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said the proposed law includes the establishment of a Museum Council, which would serve as an advisory and supervisory body for the creation and operation of museum institutions nationwide. He said that while the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) addresses matters concerning heritage sites, monuments, and both tangible and intangible heritage, it does not comprehensively regulate overall museum policy. 'This law is being drafted in accordance with international standards and aims to introduce a rating system and regulate new, particularly private, museums that might present narratives conflicting with national policy.' The International Museum Day Seminar 2025, themed 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' was held in conjunction with International Museum Day. The event drew around 300 participants.
