State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (third right) presenting International Museum Day publicity materials to a representative from Business Events Sarawak at the pre-launch ceremony.
KUCHING: More than 700,000 people have visited the Borneo Cultures Museum here since it opened in March last year, making it one of Sarawak's top new attractions, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said notable visitors included the Raja Permaisuri Agong, who had been there more than once, and foreign ambassadors, as well as locals and tourists.
"This shows that the Borneo Cultures Museum is attracting plenty of interest. It has become one of the must-go places for Sarawakians and visitors alike.
"As such, the museum is helping to boost our tourism industry," he said at the pre-launch ceremony of the International Museum Day celebration here on Wednesday (July 12).
Abdul Karim said the Borneo Cultures Museum was also an advocate of unity as it displayed the history and culture of Sarawak's diverse ethnic communities.
"This will strengthen the unity among our various ethnic groups as each one has a place in the museum.
"It is truly a showcase of our unity in diversity, which we are all proud of," he said.
The Borneo Cultures Museum is the venue of the national-level International Museum Day celebration from July 31 to Aug 5.
This is the third time Sarawak is hosting the celebration after previous occasions in 2003 and 2013.
Abdul Karim said museums from around Malaysia will take part in an exhibition on the grounds of the Borneo Cultures Museum throughout the celebration.
There will also be a temporary exhibition on the event theme of Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing.
Other activities include a sape workshop, curator crash course, Sarawak heritage kitchen and performances by artists including Amy Search, Jaclyn Victor, Bob Yusuf and Ricky Anderson.
"This is an opportunity for everyone to learn about museums and their role in society.
"We look forward to it as a positive addition to the state's tourism calendar this year," Abdul Karim said.
