Latest news with #MuziumNegara
Malay Mail
16 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
The nation's story, told in four galleries at Muzium Negara
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — In one corner of Gallery D at Muzium Negara, visitors will find the original Bendera Persekutuan Tanah Melayu. The flag was raised at the Selangor Club Padang (now Dataran Merdeka) after the British Union Jack was lowered on August 31, 1957, at midnight. To Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad, it is one of the most important artefacts in the museum's collection. 'That flag is authentic — it's not a reproduction. Some people might think it's a copy, but it's the real one,' she said. 'It's proof that when we gained independence, we started as a federation of 11 states. It marks the moment we took back our identity,' she added. Designed by Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old Public Works Department architect, the flag was selected through a national design competition in 1949 and refined under the guidance of Datuk Onn Jaafar. To involve the public in the decision, The Malay Mail ran a national poll, with the results published on November 28, 1949. Mohamed Hamzah's entry emerged as the firm favourite. The final version — 11 alternating red and white stripes representing the original states, a blue canton symbolising unity, and a yellow crescent and star for Islam — received royal assent from King George VI in May 1950. Seven years later, it was hoisted in place of the Union Jack as Malaya declared independence. For Nor Hanisah, the flag is not just a symbol; it is a chapter in a much longer story. 'You can't just look at one piece. You need to see the whole journey, how we went from prehistoric times all the way to becoming a modern nation,' she said. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad posing in front of Gallery B of the museum. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa. That journey begins in Gallery A, where the museum's narrative starts with prehistoric Malaya. Here, visitors will see tools used by early humans, such as stone axes for hunting and food preparation. 'We need to understand how our ancestors lived before technology, before modern systems,' Nor Hanisah explained. 'There were no knives, no kitchens. They used stone tools to survive, to hunt, to skin meat. It shows how humans adapted with what they had.' The museum then takes visitors through the transition into the Metal Age, when early humans began using underground metal ores to forge stronger tools — a leap forward that laid the foundation for organised communities. 'At first, they just used what was on the surface — rocks, stones. But then they discovered metal in the earth, and that changed everything. Suddenly, they could create better tools than before. That's where civilisation really starts,' she said. In Gallery B, the narrative shifts to early Malay kingdoms and regional power structures. But Gallery C, Nor Hanisah said, holds one of the most crucial artefacts for understanding Malaya's colonial past: the Pangkor Treaty table. 'I really think people should stop and look at the Pangkor table. That's where it all began — the British started interfering in the internal affairs of the Malay states,' she said. Diorama of the Pangkor Treaty signing table, marking the start of British intervention in the Malay states, displayed at Muzium Negara. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Signed in 1874 between Raja Abdullah of Perak and Sir Andrew Clarke, the Pangkor Treaty marked the start of formal British intervention in Malaya. It recognised Raja Abdullah as the legitimate Sultan of Perak in exchange for him accepting a British Resident, who would advise on all matters except Islam and Malay customs. That Resident was J.W.W. Birch, the first in a long line of colonial administrators who would influence state affairs. The model was soon replicated in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang, leading to the formation of the Federated Malay States in 1896 — a structure designed primarily to secure British economic interests, especially in tin and rubber. 'It's a turning point we must remember,' Nor Hanisah said. A visitor observing ancient artefacts in Gallery A of Muzium Negara, which showcases Malaya's early history. – Picture by Yusof Mat Isa She emphasised that the museum's four galleries, arranged chronologically, are designed to help Malaysians make sense of their national story. 'Each gallery has its own strength. We want people to walk through and understand how everything connects — from stone tools to the flag, from ancient survival to national independence,' she said. For Nor Hanisah, every artefact matters, not because of its rarity or visual appeal, but because of what it reveals. 'Every single collection here carries meaning. Every one of them tells a story — sometimes, a thousand and one stories behind a single object,' she said. In a time when historical literacy is often taken for granted, Nor Hanisah hopes the museum's artefacts will continue to speak, quietly but powerfully, to every Malaysian who walks through its doors.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Too much history, too little room: Muzium Negara's quiet struggle
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — Muzium Negara, just across from KL Sentral, may look big from the outside but inside, there's barely enough room for Malaysia's past. Behind its grand façade, a quiet space crunch is limiting how Malaysia tells its own story. 'We have about half a million artefacts. But what's on display, maybe just 10 to 11 per cent,' said Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad. The museum currently operates four main galleries and several temporary exhibition spaces, but even that, she says, is stretched thin. 'We get asked, 'Why isn't this era shown?' or 'Where's this story?'" "The truth is, we don't have enough room to tell everything,' she explained. While the museum rotates themed exhibitions annually, and even takes exhibits on the road through its travelling showcases, the challenge remains: history takes up space and Malaysia's national museum does not have enough of it. For context, Muzium Negara spans approximately 4,970 square metres across its three levels. In contrast, the British Museum in London covers over 92,000 square metres, while the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. — part of the Smithsonian — offers around 30,000 square metres of exhibition space. Closer to home, the National Museum of Singapore spans 18,400 square metres — more than three times the size of Muzium Negara. A legacy building, a growing collection Muzium Negara is housed in a gazetted heritage building, which means any structural upgrades or expansions are far from straightforward. 'Maintenance is not just about the artefacts, the building itself is a heritage structure,' Nor Hanisah said. 'We have to care for both,' she added. Many of the items not on display are stored offsite — one facility is housed within the Department of Museums Malaysia, another in Bangi. Additional storage exists in Lukut, Negeri Sembilan, the Perak museum and in Langkawi. But storage is only one part of the problem. Every time an object is displayed, it faces potential damage from light exposure and environmental wear and tear. With limited conservation staff, regular upkeep is an ongoing challenge. 'Sometimes we bring in conservation interns from universities like UMK just to help back us up,' she said. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad speaks during an interview with Malay Mail. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa A museum shaped by priorities Each year, Muzium Negara applies for allocations to expand its building footprint — but Nor Hanisah is candid about where the museum stands in the bigger national picture. 'If you had to choose between building a hospital or a museum, of course you'd pick the hospital," she said. 'We understand the limitations the country faces." "But it also means we have to make do,' she added. And so, the museum carries on with what it has. Temporary exhibitions are often held in shared spaces with the Department of Museums Malaysia next door. Despite the cramped conditions, the team continues to curate meaningful showcases, backed by internal discussions and expert input on what stories to prioritise. 'When there's too much to tell, we have to pick the big, important events," she explained. "What we can't show in the main galleries, we try to highlight in our temporary exhibitions,' she added. More than just storage For Nor Hanisah, the deeper issue is not just about square footage. It's about how Malaysians see their museums. 'People say museums are boring, but who decided they're boring?" she questioned. "Often it's people who haven't even been,' she said. 'If our mentality doesn't change, even if we make the museum high-tech, with all kinds of events and activities, it still won't matter,' she emphasised. Since the pandemic, the museum has actually seen a rise in footfall; Nor Hanisah said last year, Muzium Negara received more than 500,000 visitors. She believes the surge in interest began partly due to limited travel options during the movement control order, which helped popularise Muzium Negara. More importantly, she feels Malaysians are now beginning to appreciate the value of their own heritage. On the day Malay Mail visited, a steady stream of express buses, chartered to ferry schoolchildren, university students, and tourist groups, arrived throughout the day, quickly filling up the designated bus parking area. The car park was also packed to capacity. A visitor at Muzium Negara reads about the Japanese Occupation of Malaya (1941–1945). — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa 'They come back after 30 years, this time with their grandchildren, and they realise the museum is not what they remember from their school trips," she observed. "We've improved,' she added. Even so, operating a national museum on tight funds means every ringgit has to stretch. Tickets remain RM2 for adults, free for schoolchildren, and RM1 for senior citizens — 55 years old and above — and people with disabilities; not nearly enough to cover operational costs. 'We don't charge for profit — it's for data,' she said. 'Even the RM2 ticket doesn't cover the cost of the paper." "But the data helps us plan, justify funding, and improve,' she explained. And sometimes, she simply walks the galleries herself, speaking to visitors. 'That's how we get ideas to improve," she said. "Foreign visitors really appreciate what we have — it's good to hear that from them,' she added. Still, Nor Hanisah is realistic about the road ahead. 'We want to show so much more." "But until we get more space, more funding, we'll keep doing the best we can with what we have,' she concluded.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
An American bomber plane, a sense of nationhood and Tunku Abdul Rahman: Muzium Negara's origin story
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — The story of how Muzium Negara came to be is pretty dramatic as it involves an American Boeing B-29 bomber plane in 1945. In March of that year, the American bomber was aiming for the railway yards in then-Japanese occupied Kuala Lumpur but missed and struck the Selangor Museum instead. That bombing during World War II destroyed the original museum built in 1907 .What followed was nearly a decade of cultural 'void.' 'There was only a temporary structure after that, just one small building put up in 1953,' said Nor Hanisah Ahmad, deputy director of Muzium Negara. 'We didn't have a proper museum until after Merdeka,' she added. A combination photo shows aerial views of Muzium Negara, past and present. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia After independence in 1957, then-Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman believed the young nation needed a national museum — not just to house artefacts but to tell the story of the country. That vision was brought to life by two key figures: Mervyn Sheppard — an Irish-born cultural adviser who later embraced Islam, became a Malayan citizen and took the name Mubin Sheppard — and Ho Kok Hoe, a Singapore-based architect. In his book titled 'Taman Budiman: Memoirs of an Unorthodox Civil Servant,' Sheppard recalled how an early government sketch for the museum looked 'nothing Malayan' and how his protest to the British architect was ignored. Tunku Abdul Rahman agreed with Sheppard and asked him to find someone who could design a museum with a Malaysian soul. Sheppard turned to Ho. 'One evening in 1958, the late Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard came to my office and asked if I wanted to design a Muzium Negara for Kuala Lumpur,' Ho recalled back in 2003. 'I said, 'Of course, I'd love to.' Within two days, I was flown to KL to meet Tunku.' 'Tunku reminded me that Malayan architecture must form the basis of the new museum's design,' Ho also said. Tunku was deeply involved in shaping that vision. Temporary museum after Muzium Selangor mistakenly bombed by an American B 29 bomber. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia During the museum's official opening on August 31, 1963, he explained why it mattered. 'Before Merdeka, we only had a small museum in Kuala Lumpur,' he said in his speech. 'After we achieved independence, we thought it was right to take pride in our historical artefacts and cultural heritage, and that these should be displayed properly. So, it became clear that we needed a new national museum,' he explained. He had personally instructed preparations to begin in September 1958. 'This building is a source of pride, not just for me but for the people of this nation,' he said. To ensure authenticity, Tunku sent Ho to Alor Setar, Kedah to study the Balai Besar, one of the few remaining traditional Malay palaces. 'He created a majestic building, the kind you would not find in London or New York, but only here in Malaya,' Tunku said about Ho. 'The museum itself contains elements of Malay craftsmanship, inside and out.' Together, both Ho and Sheppard toured royal towns and buildings in Kedah and the East Coast, drawing inspiration from carved timber palaces and traditional Malay forms. The result was a bold design grounded in local heritage, with a structure inspired by the Balai Besar and adorned with traditional motifs. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1963, on the very site of the old Selangor Museum — a symbolic decision. The old Selangor museum before the bombing in 1945. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia 'It was the border between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor at the time, so it was seen as a great location,' said Nor Hanisah. Funding, however, remained a challenge — especially for the striking front-facing murals. Tunku acknowledged the many private and international contributions that made the project possible. Among them was Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian who donated the massive mosaic murals made in Venice, Italy. 'These murals were made from Italian glass mosaics and are a beautiful gift. It adds grandeur to the building,' Tunku said. He also noted contributions from the government of Pakistan, which donated the mosaic flooring in the museum's main hall, and Singaporean businessman Aw Cheng Chye who donated the terrazzo tiles flanking the museum's staircase. Even a 900-year-old bronze statue discovered in a tin mine in Sungai Siput was gifted by 'Towkay' The Seng Chew. 'His gift was warmly received and deeply appreciated,' said Tunku. Nor Hanisah noted that the murals remain one of the museum's most recognisable features. 'People know Muzium Negara not only for its architecture, but also for the mural at the front of the building,' she said. 'It depicts the heritage and history of our nation,' she added. The museum also became a canvas for local talent. Kelantan-born artist Nik Zainal Abidin Nik Salleh was commissioned to design traditional motifs throughout the interior, from decorative screens and wooden beams to a now-iconic emblem bearing the words 'Muzium Negara' in Arabic script framed by hibiscus leaves. Tunku expressed hope that the museum would be more than just a structure. He wanted it to become a place of learning, pride, and cultural advancement. 'It is my hope that positions in this museum will attract highly qualified individuals,' he said. 'This museum must be given sufficient funding so it can serve education, research, and progress,' he added. A commemorative book published for its 60th anniversary in 2023 described Muzium Negara as a 'symbol of unity' in post-independence Malaysia, a project shaped by donations from ordinary Malaysians, royalty, private companies, and foreign governments. 'Many came forward with donations and contributions... with great pride,' the book noted, a collective spirit that turned a national dream into concrete and tile. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim once described Muzium Negara as more than just a repository of artefacts — he saw it as a potential centre for knowledge and learning. 'Transforming museums into centres of learning might be a new concept for our country, but in more developed nations, they serve as vital hubs of knowledge,' Anwar said in 1984, during his tenure as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Today, Muzium Negara stands as one of the few remaining post-Merdeka landmarks to wear its cultural identity on its walls — literally and architecturally. Its story, born of war, vision, and community spirit, remains etched in glass, concrete, and memory. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Nor Hanisah said the Muzium Negara will always remain relevant to Malaysia as it is a place to learn from the past. 'Because nowadays, everyone is chasing things that are in the future, things that lie ahead, like technology or whatever we envision for the future,' she said. 'But actually, we cannot abandon our history. We have to look at our history, we have to understand it, how else can we prove our origins, defend our rights, and so on?' 'And that's why we need museums because with museums, people can see real, tangible evidence,' she concluded.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Taking a peek into the past
KUALA LUMPUR: Usually a quiet place space for reflection, Muzium Negara was bustling with a diverse crowd drawn by free admission for International Museum Day. Visitors yesterday, including schoolchildren, tourists, and history buffs, explored its extensive collection – some seeking knowledge, others nostalgia and a few simply curious to view artefacts. 'I've never been here before,' said Cynthia, accompanied by her husband Thomas and their son. 'Something about the museum being open to all, no entry fee, just felt welcoming.' Surprisingly, it wasn't ancient weapons or royal regalia that captivated her, but a centuries-old metal handbag labelled 'Dompet Bertali' or Pillow Purse. A visitor at Muzium Kota Johor Lama reading up on its history and the museum's role as a significant centre ofMalay rule after the fall of the Melaka Sultanate in 1511. Its delicate plant engravings and long strap gave it a strikingly modern look. 'It's the kind of handbag I'd actually wear. It's vintage and elegant,' she exclaimed, wishing for replicas in the gift shop. Muzium Negara, like many museums across the country, opened its doors for free yesterday, part of a wider national initiative involving 19 museums under the Museums Department. The goal was to get people to reconnect with history, and perhaps see their past in a new light. Zaliza Mustapha, a local visitor in her 20s, was particularly drawn to a wooden statue of a man – long-haired, round-bellied, barefoot and unbothered. 'Ah, that's the sign of prosperity back then, huh? That's the man women!' her laughter echoed through the gallery, drawing amused glances from other visitors nearby. 'It's things like this that make you realise how far and how little we've changed. Beauty standards, power symbols ... they evolve, but they always reflect the times.' Nearby, tiny animal figurines made of silver – one resembling a rooster mid-strut, the other an insect with curved legs and a stout body – caught people's attention and surprised them, as these were once used as currency in Selangor. Shafinaz Syed Malik, 33, taking a wefie with herfamily at Muzium Perak. — Bernama 'I always assumed old currency was just boring coins,' said Muhammad Afif, a mechanical engineer who visited with his family. 'It's like people back then didn't separate function from beauty. Even their money had personality. Imagine that rooster sitting in someone's pocket on the way to the market,' he chuckled. While the artefacts delighted many, others were drawn to the museum's more recent history. The original 1976 Asean Concord – signed in Denpasar, Bali, by leaders including Malaysia's Tun Hussein Onn, Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and the Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos – is displayed alongside a translated declaration affirming the bloc's commitment to peace, law and regional cooperation. 'It's powerful. To see the actual signatures of these leaders ... it reminds you that unity doesn't just happen. Someone has to decide it's worth the effort,' said another visitor, Karim Abdul Rahman, a retired teacher. Throughout the museum, families took photos, children asked questions and older visitors reminisced. 'In a digital world, there's something grounding about walking through history physically – seeing the weight of time not as pixels, but as metal, wood, cloth and ink,' Karim added. In another corner, a group of foreign tourists huddled around a striking display of two large, boat-shaped congkak boards, carved into the form of birds. 'We saw a post about International Museum Day on social media,' said Peter, a visitor from the Netherlands. 'We waited specifically to come today. It's such a lovely way to spend the afternoon.' The vibrant, bird-shaped congkak boards particularly captivated younger visitors, prompting explanations of the traditional Malay game. By midday, the museum was abuzz with visitors, as hundreds queued to experience the stories, artefacts and quiet grandeur within its halls. Museum staff moved between groups, offering explanations about the exhibits, while translators were on hand to for foreigners. Muzium Negara also organised a range of activities for visitors throughout the day. These included traditional games, STEM activities, DIY workshops and cultural performances like the Magunatip bamboo dance, all of which added a vibrant touch to the celebration.
The Star
18-05-2025
- The Star
International Museum Day buzz draws crowds to Malaysian museums
Marking International Museum Day, thousands of visitors from near and far seized the chance to time-travel through Malaysia's rich history and heritage at museums across the country. A total of 19 museums under the supervision of the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) were opened free of charge today to the public in conjunction with the celebration. In Kuala Lumpur, Muzium Negara (National Museum) began to fill with local visitors and foreign tourists as soon as it opened at 9am, all eager to explore the trove of the nation's history and heritage on display. Siti Jumiah Abdul Razak, Muzium Negara assistant curator, said that as an added attraction, volunteer tour guides fluent in various languages were provided for visitors, in addition to traditional performances and the opening of the Asean Gallery in conjunction with Malaysia's chairmanship this year. The Perak Museum in Taiping, Malaysia's oldest museum built in 1883, showcases the state's history. Photo: Bernama A tourist from New Zealand Beli Harvey, 26, who arrived in Malaysia last Friday, said he was excited when informed that the museum was open for free in conjunction with today's International Museum Day. "I am aware of the International Museum Day but I didn't expect the entrance was free, it was a nice surprise. Also, the diversity of this country really taught me well through my visit here,' he said. In Selangor, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum in Shah Alam became a focal point for parents to bring their children to spend the weekend with educational family-friendly activities. Private sector employee Hani Hairi, 46, who came with her 14-year-old twins, said the visit gave her children the opportunity to get to know history more closely in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. In Johor, local and international visitors flocked to Kota Johor Lama Museum to explore the historic city that once served as a key government centre after Melaka's fall in 1511. Photo: Bernama "My children are excited because it's been a long time since they visited a museum. I used to bring them when they were small, so now that we have time on the weekend, we came to see the exhibitions here," she said. In Negri Sembilan, the Army Museum in Port Dickson became a popular destination for visitors, including Mohd Khairil Abidin, 45, who brought his five children after learning about the free admission through Facebook. In Melaka, the free admission opportunity was lapped by visitors, including Siti Hafizah Yusop, 40, from Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah, who came with her husband and four children to the Malaysian Architectural Museum. "Indeed, it is very interesting, and visiting museums not only provides exposure to history and culture but also strengthens family ties through beneficial activities," she said. Malaysia's museums are closely tied to the nation's rich multi-racial story. Photo: Bernama In Johor, the Kota Johor Lama Museum in Kota Tinggi was visited by local and international visitors to learn about the history of the historical city that was once an important centre of government after the fall of the Melaka Sultanate in 1511. A tourist from Riau, Indonesia, Rashid Tain, 65, was among the visitors who came for the first time with his family to the museum. In Pahang, the Sungai Lembing Museum recorded the presence of 213 visitors as of 11am, with activities such as traditional tin ore panning being a major attraction. Museum head Peterson Augustine said the inclusive, hands-on approach helps spark youth interest in the area's mining heritage. At Muzium Negara, the crowd arrived early to explore its four main galleries and other attractions. Photo: Bernama In Perak, the public did not miss the opportunity to visit the Perak Museum in Taiping, which also offered free admission today. In Kedah, the Kota Kuala Kedah Museum in Alor Setar also received a large number of visitors. Located at the Kedah River estuary, the museum highlights the 18th-century fort's defense history, featuring artefacts, ceramics, original bricks, and accounts of colonial attacks by the Bugis, Aceh, and Siam. In Perlis, the Kota Kayang Museum, offering free admission since 2001, drew a enthusiastic crowd for International Museum Day. Kota Kayang Museum Assistant Norhayati Wahab said that this year's celebration was quite lively, and the museum plans to organise activities with school students at the end of this month as a continuation of the celebration. - Bernama
