A repository will be built in Negri Sembilan to house more than 200,000 archaeological artefacts held by the Malaysia Museums Department (JMM).
JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said the RM23mil project under the 13th Malaysia Plan would see construction of the centre, at the Lukut Museum grounds in Port Dickson, begin next year, with completion expected by 2031.
He said the facility would serve as a dedicated space to store archaeological artefacts, ceramic fragments and other collections managed by JMM.
“This is the first time the Federal Government has provided a specific development allocation for the systematic storage of collections.
“The new repository will centralise various collections, as the existing storage space is no longer sufficient.
“It will also provide a dedicated area for researchers to conduct studies, while ensuring collections are kept in a more organised manner,” he said as reported by Bernama.
Kamarul Baharin was speaking after officiating the “Magic and Metal: Spirit, Power and Art” exhibition at Perak Museum in Taiping, which runs until Dec 31.
A total of 140 metal heritage treasures of historical, cultural and artistic value are showcased at the exhibition.
It focuses on three main elements; spirit, power and art, exploring the understanding and function of metal as a medium imbued with mystical, symbolic and cultural value, particularly to the Malay world.
Kamarul Baharin said the biggest challenge in preservation efforts today was ensuring the continuity of “living” heritage.
“Skills such as forging, carving and producing traditional metalwork cannot simply be kept in catalogues or on collection shelves.
“They must continue to be shared, learnt and appreciated.”
He said the exhibition was among ongoing efforts by JMM to strengthen the role of museums as centres of knowledge, research and preservation of the country’s heritage.
