The Perak Man skeleton, previously housed by the National Heritage Department in Kuala Lumpur, has been on public display at the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery in Lenggong, Perak since last July.
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said that the relocation of the skeleton, which is approximately 11,000 years old, has become one of the gallery's main attractions and has helped increase tourist arrivals.
"Previously, the remains of the Perak Man were kept by the National Heritage Department to allow for upgrading work to be carried out in this gallery (in Lenggong). We were informed that the skeleton of the Perak Man was brought back (to the archaeology gallery) on June 26 last year," said Shamsul Anuar, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lenggong.
“During its time there, the skeleton underwent meticulous conservation to ensure its preservation, particularly in maintaining its physical integrity and regulating environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity,' he added.
He said this after attending the reopening of the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery and the launch of the World Heritage Site commemorative coin on April 10.
Shamsul Anuar, who also chairs the Lenggong Geopark, added that efforts are underway to return the approximately 8,000-year-old Perak Woman skeleton, currently housed at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
He said that the skeleton found in 2004 in Gua Teluk Kelawar (Lenggong) proves the significant existence of prehistoric civilisation in the Lenggong Valley.
It was also reported that RM5 million has been allocated to upgrade the gallery, incorporating holographic technology, interactive displays, and contemporary visual elements.
As for the commemorative coins, the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley is among six World Heritage Sites in Malaysia selected for this special edition. Beyond their collectible appeal, the coins serve as an educational medium, conveying messages of history, identity, and national pride to present and future generations.
Alongside the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, the series also highlights five other Malaysian World Heritage Sites: Mulu National Park and Niah Caves in Sarawak, Kinabalu Park in Sabah, as well as George Town in Penang, Melaka, and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor (FRIM FPS). - Bernama
