KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia appears set to introduce its first federal law governing museums after the Cabinet gave in-principle approval to the proposed policy framework for the Malaysia Museums Bill, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic).
The National Unity Minister described it as a major step towards strengthening the country’s museum ecosystem.
Aaron said the Bill would become the first federal law specifically formulated to regulate the establishment, registration and management of museum-related activities.
“The drafting of the Bill is an important step in strengthening the nation’s museum ecosystem because it will become the first federal legislation specifically enacted to regulate the establishment, registration and management of museum activities in this country,” he said after launching the Central Zone Unity Week 2026 celebration and the Youth Overnight at the Museum programme yesterday,
Aaron said the proposed law would apply in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, covering, among others, the establishment of the Malaysian Museums Council, governance involving federal and private museums, as well as the creation of a Museum Register and Collection Register.
Aaron also announced that all 19 museums under the Museums Department would offer free admission to Malaysians on May 18 in conjunction with International Museum Day 2026.
He said National Unity Week, introduced in 2023, had continued to receive encouraging support from the public and remained the ministry’s flagship initiative to strengthen unity, deepen appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural diversity and enhance national integration.
For the Central Zone celebration in Kuala Lumpur, more than 30 activities have been lined up, including the “Kami Anak Malaysia” exhibition, the Unity Sambal Festival, Foodunites and free guided night tours led by museum volunteers.
Aaron said the International Museum Day 2026 celebration will be held in Johor from June 23 to June 30 through a collaboration between the Museums Department and Yayasan Warisan Johor.
Earlier in his speech at the event, Aaron said the country’s rich tapestry of races, religions, cultures and languages must be embraced as the nation’s greatest strength rather than viewed as a point of division.
He said diversity is the foundation of the country’s stability and progress, shaping a more mature and respectful society.
“In a country as diverse as Malaysia, the people must understand and appreciate this diversity as our main strength.
“Diversity is not a gap that separates us but a uniqueness that enriches our national identity and forms a society that respects and tolerates one another,” he said.
Aaron said values such as understanding, respect, acceptance and celebration are crucial in strengthening a shared Malaysian identity despite differences in background.
“It is this spirit that forms the backbone of nation-building – a country that is not only advanced in physical development but also strong in unity, social harmony and the sense of togetherness among its people,” he said.
