NSTP/NABILA ADLINA AZAHARI
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is in the final process of drafting a specific act to regulate activities in museums nationwide.
Its Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the new act, dubbed as the Museum Act will be presented in the parliament as soon as possible.
He said through this act, it will be compulsory for museums to register all national collections.
"The registration is for the purpose of reference and standard setting in every exhibition conducted by the institution.
"We never had any specific acts on museums and only rely on the National Heritage Act 2005.
"So, this new act is necessary to create more directives relating to museums and a way forward in empowering the National Museums Department's function," he told the media after launching the Muzium Negara 60th Anniversary Celebration, here.
He said the ministry will always prioritise the agenda to make museums a platform for racial integration.
"This is in line with its (museum) function as the guardian of heritage that collects, maintains, and preserves the collection of historical, art and cultural heritage of multi-racial communities in the country."
Meanwhile, the ministry through the National Museums Department will introduce the Cashless Museum initiative to empower the cashless payment method.
This effort will stimulate Malaysia's digital agenda which is also in line with the department's commitment in the transformation towards digital content and big data in museum activities, Aaron said.
In upholding museums' label as an educational institution in a treasure house, he said a new approach and programmes will be introduced to attract the younger generation.
"I hope Muzium Negara will beef up its effort to collaborate with the Education Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry and Higher Education Ministry to organise museum activities that will involve the youth."
Additionally, Aaron also announced that tickets to Muzium Negara will be made free for everyone on Sep 2, 3 and 16 (Malaysia Day).
After six decades since it was established on Aug 31, 1963, Muzium Negara has provided numerous exhibitions through strategic cooperation with local and international groups.
Among the countries that have been involved with the museum are Asean countries, China, Kazakhstan, India, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.
Until July 2023, Muzium Negara had received over 80,759,578 visitors.
In conjunction with its anniversary, various interesting activities will be held starting from yesterday (Aug 31) until this Sunday (Sep 3) such as exhibitions, mini concerts, competitions, Malam Gema Puisi, Media and Strategic Partners Appreciation Night and more.