KUCHING: The national-level International Museum Day celebration plays a crucial role in fostering community interest in preserving the country’s treasures and heritage.
In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said apart from that, the event is also important to raise awareness of the role of the museum.
Marking its 27th edition, he said the celebration will span from July 31 to August 5 focusing on the theme ‘Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being’.
“The celebration centered at the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) is expected to attract 50,000, consisting of schools, public and private educational institutions, associations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local and international visitors,” he said.
He said this during the launching of the national-level International Museum Day which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the BCM on Monday (July 31).
Abdul Karim added the Sarawak government, both at the Ministry and the Department level see the Museum Day celebration as a positive thing in the annual tourism calendar.
“This put forth efforts to and hard work to make the celebration a lively celebration to give a positive impact to the museum community and visitors alike.
“Therefore, I hope the visitors do not miss the opportunity to participate in the programmes or activities organised.
“This celebration is also a good opportunity to boost the economy, particularly within the hospitality and tourism sectors,” he said.
The national-level International Museum Day celebration here is organised by the Department of Museums Malaysia and Sarawak Museum Department (JMS).
The event encompasses an exhibition featuring 34 booths from museums across Malaysia, including one museum from Indonesia and several other agencies.
Beyond the exhibition, attendees can also enjoy various activities, such as Sarawak Heritage Kitchen sales, cultural performances, workshops, seminars, forums and many more.
Moreover, attendees will also be entertained by the performances of renowned national and local artistes such as Amy Search, Jaclyn Victor, Rickie Andrewson, Bob Yusuf, Hijrah Yahya, Firdaus Materang, D’Cipta Band and others.
Sarawak had previously hosted the national-level International Museum Day in 2003 and 2013.
