KUCHING: The Borneo Cultures Museum here will start charging entry fees next month after offering free admission for its first five months.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state Cabinet had approved the Museum Department's proposal to charge for admission as well as for usage of its facilities from Aug 1.
"The Borneo Cultures Museum has received 350,000 visitors since opening to the public on March 9.
"It initially offered free entry for three months, which was then extended for two more months," he told a press conference at the museum's auditorium on Monday (July 25).
Abdul Karim said the collection of entry fees would contribute to the museum's maintenance costs besides enhancing appreciation of Sarawak's history, culture and heritage displayed in the museum.
Admission will still be free for Malaysian children aged 12 years and below as well as persons with disabilities, while non-Malaysian children below 12 will be charged RM20.
For those aged 13 to 17 and students with identification, the entry fee is RM5 for Malaysians and RM25 for non-Malaysians.
Adult entry fees are RM10 for Sarawakians, RM20 for other Malaysians and RM50 for international visitors.
The rates for senior citizens above 60 years are RM5 for Sarawakians, RM10 for other Malaysians and RM25 for international visitors.
Groups of 10 or more people will be charged RM8 per person (Sarawakians), RM16 per person (other Malaysians) and RM40 per person (international).
Annual passes for unlimited visits are available at RM100.
Tickets can be purchased at the Borneo Cultures Museum on the day of the visit.
The museum will offer free admission to all visitors on May 18, which is International Museum Day, July 22 (Sarawak Day) and Dec 31 every year.
