The regal and striking Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum in Pekan.
Pekan is set to become the first in the country to host a museum campus at the heart of the royal town of Pahang.
This initiative will comprise five museums and two heritage palace buildings which have already been restored by the Pahang State Museum.
The museum campus will offer an immersive heritage trail, connecting these historical sites for the public to explore and learn from the past while fostering a deeper appreciation of history and culture.
The five museums include the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Maritime Museum, Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum, Al-Sultan Abdullah History and Civilisation Research Centre (AL-ASAR) and Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village.
The two palaces are Mangga Tunggal Palace and Leban Tunggal Palace.
The Mangga Tunggal Palace, restored to its former glory.
A space to inspire and connect
According to Pahang State Museum chief curator, Ahmad Farid Abdul Jalal, the inspiration to establish the museum campus stemmed from his visits abroad, particularly the Chicago Museum Campus in the US.
“It is an educational centre but in an informal setting – a fun and stress-free way of learning,” he said.
“We envision the campus as a meditative space that inspires learning, play, and connection. With lush greenery, natural shade, cafes and public amenities along the trail, it is designed to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for all,” Ahmad Farid pointed out, adding that he hopes it to be a place of healing.
Pekan, he noted, already boasts restored heritage buildings, strategic partnerships with foreign universities, and ongoing infrastructural upgrades.
“We are set to launch the campus in 2026, coinciding with the Pahang State Museum’s 50th anniversary,” he said during an interview here recently.
Ahmad Farid also highlighted the campus’ potential as a valuable resource for scholars, with the Pahang State Museum actively collecting research papers on the state’s history and culture.
He added that the campus will have more transportation options, including free shuttle services, to connect buildings that are located a few kilometres from the town centres.
To further engage the communities from surrounding districts, a dedicated centre called Selasar Inderapura will showcase culturally diverse activities that will be held every month, Ahmad Farid said.
“We want to inspire people by providing a totally different environment where museums are actually fun, interesting and engaging places to explore. Feedback has been positive so far,” he said.
“It is our hope to promote casual, enjoyable learning about our history.
“The museum campus will honour Pekan and Pahang’s legacy, appealing to people from all walks of life.
“It is a royal town with rustic charms, and also one with a ‘garden of knowledge’ to inspire intellectual growth.”
Ahmad Farid emphasised the importance of creating public awareness of Malaysia’s rich heritage and its historical significance, including the role of Malay as a global lingua franca during a period of great civilisation.
Gearing up for world-class experience
In preparation for the 2026 launch, museum staff will undergo extensive training to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Ahmad Farid, currently pursuing a doctorate in post-colonial studies at Universiti Malaya, stressed the importance of a well-trained workforce to ensure the success of the campus.
He said the initiative received strong support from the state and federal governments as well as the Pahang palace.
“This backing gives us confidence to take on many revitalisation projects, blending heritage preservation with modern enhancements,” he added.
Ahmad Farid emphasised that the museum institution plays a crucial role in showcasing the type of civilisation the people once had.
A site view of the museum campus, home to five museums (four here and one in Pulau Keladi, which is 2km away) and two heritage palace buildings.
By compiling artifacts and historical facts, it has the potential to enlighten and inspire the current generation.
“There is much we can learn from our ancestors—whether in medicine, construction techniques, resource management, food traditions, or even conflict resolution.
“It strengthens the soul of the community. The lessons from our past can guide us toward more balanced development.
“The museum campus is envisioned as an effective platform for spreading knowledge and shaping a better future,” he said.
Ahmad Farid added that similar concepts would be extended to museums in Kuantan and Kuala Lipis, aligning with the new vision outlined in the Pahang Museum 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
He also outlined other activities planned for 2026, including seminars featuring prominent figures from the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
“There will also be the launch of new galleries and the Al-Sultan Abdullah History and Civilisation Research Centre, marking the 50th anniversary of the Pahang State Museum,” he noted.
According to Ahmad Farid, the museum campus provides an ideal setting to showcase Pekan’s rich heritage and solidify its position on the world museum map.
“It is a place of history for the future,” he concluded.
Origins of Pahang
Evidence of Pahang’s existence can be traced to several historical documents, including The Book of Song by Shen Yue (492–493 AD), writings by Arabic traveler Abu al-Hassan Ali ibn al-Husayn al-Mas’udi, and records by figures like Mpu Prapanca and Manuel Godinho de Erédia.
Pahang was also referenced in Admiral Zheng He’s Nautical Chart and the Mappamundi of Tunuslu Hajji Ahmed (Hajji Ahmad World Map).
