KUCHING: The Sarawak State Museum (old building) is set to open its doors to the public by December of this year after completion of its renovation project, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He explained that apart from other buildings, museums required more time and efforts to complete as tedious works are being done towards acquisition of the museum’s many artefacts.
“Museums are different from other buildings as it requires a time-consuming process of filling it up with displays and exhibitions.
“And every bit of item in the museum, whether big or small, requires its research and explanation to be displayed along with it — this is time consuming,” he told reporters after officiating at the Homecoming of Niah Skeletal Collection held at Maskargo here, yesterday.
Abdul Karim said the museum would be designated for archaeological and excavation artefacts.
He added that the some of the 122 fragments of the 40,000-year-old human skeleton remains excavated in Niah Cave would be displayed in the museum as well.
“Personally, I feel that the museum is a suitable place for it. If possible, a miniature version of Niah cave would also be constructed inside the museum.
“If this can be done, it can lead to a lot of attractions,” he claimed.
Additionally, Abdul Karim also said plans to create a replica of the ‘Niah Man’ are on the cards.
“We have obtained the 40,000-year-old skull and jaw of the Niah man. Seeing how it is still preserved and in good condition, a facial reconstruction could provide an insight as to how our ancestors looked like back then,” he said.
