KUALA TERENGGANU: Museums are a country’s treasure trove that is rich in heritage, culture, and historical artefacts.
As such, concerted efforts must be made to preserve such national treasure that can be the pride of a nation, said Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.
He said that museums also contributed towards tourism revenue, especially for the Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017 campaign.
Razif said this at the International Museum Day celebrations, themed ‘Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums’.
His speech was read by state industry and trade committee chairman Datuk Tengku Putera Tengku Awang, who is also Kuala Berang state assemblyman.
Razif said that the International Council of Museums had listed a total of 35,000 museums from 145 countries celebrating the International Museum Day.
“Malaysia has been celebrating the auspicious day since 1997 to keep abreast of world developments.
“Museums can promote harmony among the people by helping them understand history which is debated in various perspectives and angles, either as a personal view or otherwise,” he said.
Razif added that the key was to find a mutual point and direction to foster understanding and outline a destiny towards the well-being of all.
“All these will improve the quality of living and socio-economy of society,” said Razif in his speech.
Meanwhile, National Museum Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said that verious activities were being held with International Museum Day.
“These include exhibitons, a carnival, seminar, gamelan workshop, community programme, Kuala Terengganu heritage bike trail and a ‘ceramah agama perdana’.” said Kamarul.