THE 41 human skeletons from the Netherlands, which are in the process of being repatriated to Malaysia, will be housed at the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Kepala Batas, Seberang Prai.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the repatriation was currently in progress and was optimistic the skeletons could be returned to Penang before the year-end.
“The Penang government is working closely with the National Heritage Department, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Foreign Ministry to ensure the repatriation is carried out smoothly,” Wong said in a press conference at Komtar.
State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported Wong saying that he would be meeting with the National Heritage Department soon to receive further updates on the matter.
The skeletal remains, believed to have been excavated by the British during the colonial period, are currently kept at the National Natuurhistorisch Museum in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Wong said the construction of the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery, which would be the final resting place for the skeletons, had been completed.
"We are now waiting for the repatriation to conclude before opening the gallery to the public,” he said.
Funded by the Federal Government with an RM10mil allocation, the gallery is a double-storey, minimalist-designed structure situated on nearly one hectare of land.
Implemented by Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, the gallery features an interactive exhibition space that offers visitors a glimpse into early human settlements in the region.
The gallery includes a preserved excavation site where the famed “Penang Woman” skeleton was discovered.
It also showcases shell middens, further enriching its archaeological significance.
