KUCHING – A visit to a museum is not likely to be a priority of the average leisure person – unless, he or she is a student delving in culture, history, archaeology, or anthropological research.
But this weekend proved otherwise. Crowds consisting of senior citizens, housewives, young couples, teens, and even children thronged the Borneo Cultures Museum – as if the institution was offering a “must-have” McD's-styled novelty merchandise.
“It was the same yesterday,” a security personnel told The Vibes, pointing at the long queue snaking its way from the car park and the main road right up to the entrance of the Borneo Cultures Museum at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here.
According to the security man, there has been an increase in the number of daily visitors after it was announced that the museum will impose entry fees for visitors beginning tomorrow.
On Monday, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman told Sarawak media that the museum will begin to charge an entry fee beginning August 1.
Abdul Karim had said during a press conference that there will be different rates for Sarawakians, non-Sarawakian Malaysians, and foreigners.
He said the Borneo Cultures Museum will offer free entry to children below age 12 but foreign children will be charged RM20 per head. Those aged between 13 to 17 or having student identity cards would only have to pay RM5 (for Malaysians) and RM25 for non-Malaysians.
The rate for adults aged 18 to 60, according to the minister, is each person would be charged RM10 (for Sarawakians), RM20 (for non-Sarawakian Malaysians), and RM50 for foreign visitors and tourists. It was also disclosed that Malaysians with disabilities (OKU) registered with the welfare department will be allowed free entry.
Foreigners who are disabled and wheelchair-bound having documentary proof will also be allowed free entry.
The museum also offers special rates for group visits. A group of ten and more people will be charged RM8 per person if they are Sarawakians, RM16 per person for non-Sarawakian Malaysians, and RM40 per person for groups from foreign countries.
Among those who braved the long queue to view the artifacts inside the museum was Kuching resident Unyn Kanak. Unyn came with his wife and had to fall in line for about an hour before he was allowed to enter the premise with a visitor pass.
He told The Vibes: “The long wait was worth it. The museum is very impressive and the artifacts are nicely displayed throughout the five floors. Each gallery is a treasure trove in itself and I was so fascinated by the stories that each artifact told.”
He also said it was the last day today for the public to visit the museum without cover charges and so he took advantage, as he also had free time for leisure.
School teacher Rubananthan Paramasveran who hails from Kuala Kubu Baru but is now teaching in SK Long Panai in Baram was another visitor to the Borneo Cultures Museum.
He told The Vibes: “I do not really visit museums but this museum has kindled my interest and changed my perception of museums. I have always thought of museums as boring with old dusty artifacts.
“I am surprised how modern, ultra-chic, and purposeful the Borneo Cultures Museum is. I am going to promote it to my pupils, and they will simply love it as it has interactive modes that will excite them.”
Rubananthan also suggested that the museum should consider having virtual reality technology as well.
“This would be a great alternative for those kids from rural areas like Baram, where they can visit the Borneo Cultures Museum virtually as part of their school activity.”
Rubananthan is in Kuching to attend the month-long Sarawak Food Festival which is ongoing.
Another visitor who took advantage of the weekend to visit the Borneo Cultures Museum is Jenny M from Kota Padawan.
She told The Vibes she was transported into a world of cultures and history and the visit to the museum was an eye-opener for her as she learned a lot about her home state, Sarawak, and is proud to be a native Bidayuh.
“The museums’ artifacts depicted some native cultures and I also saw aspects of my own Bidayuh community as well,” said Jenny.
The Borneo Cultures Museum is administrated by the Sarawak Museum Department and it has attracted about 350,000 visitors since it opened its doors on March 9, this year. – The Vibes, July 31, 2022
