Officers from YWJ showing the baju melayu Teluk Belanga for men and women in this file photo.
SINCE its establishment some 25 years ago, Yayasan Warisan Johor (YWJ) has played a key role in safeguarding the state’s history, heritage, art and culture.
The foundation has become a centre to exhibit and provide information on items related to Johor’s rich culture and heritage.
YWJ museum administrative officer Md Sahrizal Sahlan said there were three museums and three galleries under its management.
“We have Muzium Kota Tinggi, Muzium Tokoh Johor in Johor Baru and Muzium Mersing.
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“The three galleries are Galeri Seni Johor and Galeri Tenun Johor, both in Johor Baru, and Galeri Dato Onn in Batu Pahat.
“Currently, we have close to 5,000 artefacts under YWJ, with some displayed at the museums and galleries,” he told StarMetro in an interview.
Md Sahrizal said the items were either excavated, acquired from individuals or donated to the foundation.
Md Sahrizal says YWJ has close to 5,000 artefacts.
He added that before carrying out excavations, YWJ would have to seek approval from local councils, land office, landowners where the site is privately owned, and other government agencies.
“Even though Kota Tinggi is rich with history, we do not just focus on one district when carrying out excavation works.
“In fact, we are in the midst of carrying out excavations in Panchor, Muar, to find artefacts related to Johor’s history,” he said.
Md Sahrizal added that when acquiring or buying historical artefacts from third parties such as collectors, YWJ had a special committee to look into the matter.
“Normally, when a person intends to sell their artefacts, we will determine whether the item has any historical significance to Johor.
“We then refer to bodies such as Muzium Negara to check on the authenticity.
“Once we receive the information, the special committee will then make an offer.”
Md Sahrizal said YWJ also received items including artefacts from the public.
Muzium Kota Tinggi is among six places run by the foundation.
“People will usually walk into Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor Baru with their items.
“Once, we received a call from a donor in Klang Valley and we drove there. We rarely say no.”
Among items in YWJ’s possession are old manuscripts, magazines, keris, musical instruments, clothing, textiles and many more.
“We have an artefact repository centre, which is a place for the care, repair and conservation of artefacts as not everything we receive is in good condition.
“We will immediately conduct repair and conservation work and try to restore an item back to what it used to be.
“Some repair work can be very difficult, especially involving old clothes, so we have to be extra careful,” he said.
Md Sahrizal added that the foundation had a team of experts to carry out research on some of the artefacts.
He said as a centre of information relating to Johor, each artefact under YWJ must have complete and detailed information.
“This will allow people to know more about the state, which will help foster greater understanding of Johor’s past, present and future,” he added. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
