THE Borneo Cultural Museum (BCM) attracted 1,179,281 visitors since its opening in 2022, solidifying its status as a premier attraction for tourists from around the globe.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah praised the Sarawak Museum Department’s steadfast commitment to showcase Sarawak’s tangible and intangible heritage for the public’s enrichment and enjoyment.
He noted that this year alone, BCM recorded 257,155 visitors, while other notable museums, including Muzium Petroleum Miri, the Islamic Heritage Museum, and the Natural History Museum, collectively received 167,704 visitors.
“This indicates museums and galleries remain a prominent attraction for visitors locally and globally. In total, the department has received a total of 424,859 visitors since January,” he said.
Abdul Karim revealed the figures during his ministerial winding-up speech today.
He said BCM has also been a destination of choice for dignitaries, foreign delegates, and royalty during the second half of this year.
“Distinguished visitors included Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Ambassador of Colombia Alejandro Rosselli Londoño, and High Commissioner of the Maldives Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed,” he said.
Additionally, BCM has attracted 82 schools, ranging from preschool to secondary level, including those from beyond Kuching, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sabah.
The museum also hosted students from 38 universities, both local and international, such as the University of Wollongong, Australia, and the International Islamic University Malaysia in Kuantan.
Abdul Karim noted that BCM’s gallery content is further enriched by a variety of programmes promoting culture, heritage, history, and science.
These programmes, he said, involving 24 educational institutions, benefited 1,389 students from various levels.
This year, the department has actively collaborated with national and international organisations to deliver engaging and impactful exhibitions.
Among the highlights was ‘The Gaia Exhibition’ by renowned UK-based artist Luke Jerram, which ran from June 25 to Sept 22 and attracted 102,303 visitors.
