KUCHING: Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) has solidified its position as a premier tourist destination, attracting 360,806 visitors in 2023.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this brings the cumulative number of visitors to BCM since its opening on March 9, 2022 to 920,869 visitors.
“I am confident that it will reach 1 million in the near future, maybe in February this year.
“In addition to being the focus of tourists from home and abroad, BCM is also popular for non-formal education and receives visits from students of various levels.
“During the past year, JMS documented a total of 11,430 student visits, including students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak (Indonesia), and Crest Secondary School (Singapore),” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Museum Department’s (JMS) Appreciation Night 2024 held at a hotel here last night (Feb 23).
In addition to BCM, Abdul Karim said other museums such as the Islamic Museum, the Petroleum Museum, the Chinese History Museum, the tomb of the Middle Sultan monument and others have also contributed to a total of 513,576 visitors in 2023.
Furthermore, he said JMS is also committed to enriching student visitors through various engaging activities such as scientific discussions, treasure hunts, scavengers’ hunts, and quizzes.
“These activities have benefited a total of 1782 students from 17 schools, eight universities and five agencies throughout the past year,” he said.
He said JMS also continues to be active in treasure management efforts through preservation, conservation, and research activities.
He explained that significant preservation efforts have been undertaken at 13 locations, comprising monuments and historic sites across Sarawak, among them are Klirieng in Batang Tatau (Bintulu), Liu Shan Bang Flagpole (Bau), Fort Charles (Kabong), Long Akah Fort, Lio Matu Fort, and others.
Meanwhile, the temporary exhibition “Museum of the Moon” also managed to attract a total of 60,786 visitors including students from primary, secondary and higher education institutions.
Earlier, the ceremony honoured 29 JMS staff members, including recipients of the Excellent Service Award, future and retired staff, and those who have transitioned to different departments.
Also present were MTCP Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Melinda Claudia, permanent secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Museum Department director Nancy Jolhi and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak director Abang Haliman Abang Julai.
