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Borneo Cultures Museum records 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16 this year
Abdul Karim speaks to reporter. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 18): The Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) remains a key attraction in the state, having recorded 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16, 2025, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said since its official opening in 2022, the museum has welcomed a cumulative 1,354,275 visitors as of June 16 this year.
Abdul Karim said other museums in the state such as the Petroleum Museum in Miri; the Islamic Heritage Museum; and Natural History Museum also contributed significantly to overall visitor numbers in Sarawak.
'As of June 16, these museums collectively recorded 79,575 visitors since January this year,' he told reporters after chairing a Sarawak Heritage Council meeting at a hotel here today.
Abdul Karim said that each year, the Sarawak Museum Department strives to bring in world-class exhibitions that are both engaging and educational.
'These exhibitions are often intriguing, interactive and offer valuable learning experiences. Among the notable showcases previously hosted are 'The Moon', 'GAIA' and 'The Pristine Seas'. Each of these exhibitions has attracted thousands of visitors, and sparked curiosity across generations.
'Building on this momentum, the department is proud to unveil its next spectacular showcase: an exhibition on the sun titled 'Helios'. Set to launch in November, Helios promises to be a must-see highlight for science enthusiasts, families, and curious minds of all ages.
'With interactive elements, educational content and awe-inspiring displays, this exhibition will ignite wonder and spark conversations,' he said.
On another note, he said the Sarawak Museum Department will participate in this year's national-level International Museum Day celebration in Kedah from July 23-29.
'This annual celebration aims to raise public awareness about the important role museums play in society's development. This year marks the 29th edition of the celebration, and a contingent of 34 staff members will represent the department.
'The contingent will set up an exhibition booth and participate in the inter-museum sports tournament, which involves museum staff from across Malaysia,' he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said on Feb 12, 2025, the Sarawak Museum Department has successfully gazetted 14 historical sites, buildings, monuments and underwater spots as heritage sites under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
These gazetted sites are Rumah Panjang Melanau Kampung Sok, Matu; Rumah Sri Tanjung, Tanjung Lobang in Miri; Sacred Heart Church, Sungai Bawan in Kanowit; Makam Dato Permaisuri, Miri; Pusara Ali Wallace, Kampung Jaie in Sadong Jaya; Kubur Shariff Skrang, Kampung Igan in Matu; Tapak Masjid Bandaraya Kuching; Tapak Pertempuran Beting Maro; Lombong Arang Batu Brook, Gunung Ngili in Simunjan; Batu Ritong in Pa Lungan, Bario; Tapak Pertempuran Kampung Jangkar, Lundu; Tuang Schist Semeba, Kuching; Folded Schist Demak, Kuching; and Japanese Landing Craft, Brighton Beach in Miri. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Cultures Museum visitors
