Revive interest in museums, MP tells state govts, National Museum Board

BALIK Pulau MP Datuk Muhammed Bakhtiar Wan Chik has called on state governments and the National Museum Board to revive public interest in the numerous museums run by both the public and private sectors.

At last count, there are about 132 museums in the country, mostly situated in the Klang Valley and Melaka, and according to Bakhtiar, there is room for improvement in generating interest in such establishments.

Museums in the country seemed to be losing their lustre, with many local tourists opting to patronise malls and amusement parks rather than revisit the past, he said.

Such trends need to be reversed, as a nation that knows its history well will not be repeating the mistakes of the past, stressed Bakhtiar.

In every country, the top five attractions are often its museums, reflecting each individual nation’s strong culture and history, and generating a sense of belonging.

Bakhtiar, who is the chairman of the government-linked firm MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd, urged the states to boost collaborations with the museum board to enliven their premises and to showcase interesting elements, which can draw a crowd.

In 2019, the National Art Gallery exhibited 17 reproduced works of the legendary Italian polymath Leonardo Da Vinci and it drew a huge crowd, said Bakhtiar on the sidelines of the 28th national-level International Museum Day Festival at Dewan Sri Pinang.

“Museums can also bring in foreign exhibits which can interest both local and foreign tourists. We should do more with our museums,” said the former deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture.

He called for more funding to be directed towards museums, while incentivising the private sector to invest in constructing more exhibition premises.

Earlier, Bakhtiar visited the Penang state museum, which is located along the historic enclave of Farquhar Street, to attend an exhibition on traditional tiffin carrier sets.

He was accompanied by state exco for tourism, culture and arts Wong Hon Wai and they were met by state museum and art director Haryany Mohamad.

Phase One of the restoration works on the iconic museum have been completed.

Wong told journalists that the final phase of the restoration work is expected to be completed between six and nine months later with the focus on the interior.

“This is the first time this museum has undergone such a major renovation, as there hasn’t been any significant restoration before this. 

“Phase One involved the physical restoration of the building. Meanwhile, the final phase includes an extensive interior layout and the placement of valuable artefacts. 

“We expect the museum to attract thousands of visitors per month once it is opened to the public,” Wong said.

Haryany urged the public to visit the exhibition which will end next month. – May 18, 2024.