22/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025

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Museums record increase in visitors

o Upward trend attributed to National Unity Policy, which promotes patriotism through structured programmes

Soft-Skin Crab Farming. “Both projects show great potential in empowering the community economy through innovative technological approaches in the aquaculture sector,” the agency said. The delegation was also taken to visit the Langkawi Creativity Centre at the Langkawi Development Authority Complex to observe the progress of the project implementation. The centre was set up to provide learning spaces, training and technical assistance to the local community. According to the agency, the centre is equipped with equipment, including 3D printers and robotics, in line with efforts to bring technology closer to the community. – Bernama KANGAR: The choley service, using decorated three-wheeled motor vehicles operating in Kampung Warna Warni in Kuala Perlis will be expanded to areas around the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal in an effort to strengthen the tourism identity of Perlis. State Tourism, Arts, Culture and Rural Development Committee chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said the move is in line with a recommendation by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail to make choley a tourism trademark for the state in conjunction with Visit Perlis 2024-2025, which will be extended to 2026. “We will increase the number of units from 30 to 100 in strategic areas,” he said after witnessing the initial implementation of choley service at the terminal on Tuesday. He said choley has the potential to serve as a leisure mode of transport for tourists who arrive early before boarding the ferry to Langkawi or who are waiting to return to their respective destinations. “This service would be coordinated with the ferry and roll-on, roll-off schedules. Tourists can ride choley to enjoy the scenery around Kuala Perlis, take photos or try local food.” He said the committee would engage with relevant agencies to ensure choley operations comply with existing regulations and do not disrupt traffic flow. – Bernama 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. Perlis to expand choley service

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

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

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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 Resort clears 200kg waste from beaches PETALING JAYA: In a push against marine pollution, the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort has collected 214kg of waste from the shores of Pulau Lima and Teluk Kerma near Redang Island in Terengganu. Over 100 bags of rubbish, containing plastic bottles, fishing nets and polystyrene, were cleared in a single day, highlighting the scale of pollution and the pressing need for continuous environmental action. The cleanup was led by Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan, accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Esther Tan and the resort’s team, making the initiative a powerful show of hands-on environmental leadership. “This effort is not just about picking up trash, it is about living our values and showing how small steps can create real impact,” said a resort spokesperson. The waste was transported for sorting and responsible disposal at a recycling centre, ensuring much of it was diverted from landfills and repurposed sustainably. “These cleanups reaffirm our shared environmental duty and are a call for others to take action. In the face of climate change and growing pollution, efforts such as this highlight the strength of community and common purpose.” The resort continues to expand its sustainability agenda, with initiatives that

Tan (third right) beside Esther during the beach cleanup. – PIC COURTESY OF BERJAYA GROUP

the environment, championing green practices and inspiring others to join the cause. “These cleanups are just one chapter in our larger story of environmental stewardship. They stand as a beacon of what is possible when purpose meets passion,” the spokesperson said. “Let us continue working together for our oceans, our communities and the generations to come.” – By HARITH KAMAL

include eliminating single-use plastics, cutting waste, conserving energy and water, protecting marine life, and supporting local communities through education and outreach. “At Taaras, sustainability is not a destination, it is an ongoing journey. Every action, no matter how small, helps shape a healthier, more sustainable future.” The resort remains committed to preserving

Agency drives innovative projects in Langkawi KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, an agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, continues to strengthen its role in driving grassroots innovation through the implementation of high-impact projects. Besar for live monitoring of the Restoration and Marine Life Framework, including the release of 20 sea cucumber broodstock and 200 sea cucumber juveniles.

agency will continue to support initiatives that bring technology closer to the community.” The Gamat Emas project proves that smart collaboration between researchers, agencies and industry can be realised with effective business model management. The implementation of the project involves a collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, with the agency implementing and monitoring it while the Malaysian Academy of Sciences is the coordinating agency. The following visit was to the Crab Farm Langkawi to observe the implementation of two innovation projects in the field of aquaculture, namely the Smart Crab Farming System and

“The main objective of this programme is to sustain the local sea cucumber industry through biodiversity conservation and the use of local technology for conservation purposes and community socioeconomic improvement.” According to agency CEO Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, the programme helps in biodiversity conservation and benefits the local community through economic empowerment and technological innovation. “Langkawi has great potential as a community innovation hub and we at the

Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad held a working visit to the foundation recently to monitor the progress of the project implementation in Langkawi, Kedah. The agency said the visit began with the Golden Sea Cucumber Rehabilitation and Conservation Programme at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority Jetty at Sungai Chenang Landing. The delegation was taken to Pulau Singa