I AM perplexed by the heading of a Bernama report “Ministry finalising law to regulate museum activities – Aaron” published on May 18.
This is because Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang is not helming the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), which has 12 departments and agencies under its purview including the Department of Museums Malaysia.
The names and logos of all 12 departments and agencies are shown to attendees of the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course (TTEC). Trainers and participants who have attended this course may be as puzzled as I am that the National Unity Minister is encroaching on museums.
Aaron was reported to have said the law is expected to be tabled by November this year and aims to provide a clear legal framework to ensure museums are managed effectively and sustainably. This statement went against the grain of what I had been affirming in TTEC.
But later, I have a different take after reading part of his opening speech at the Malaysia International Museum Days 2025 at M Resort & Hotel, Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, when admission was free for 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia,
Aaron said “We will work closely with the Department of Museums to develop and implement strategies that align with these principles, which are enhancing accessibility, promoting inclusive narratives, implementing sustainable practices and encouraging community participation in museum activities and decision-making processes.”
The key words were “working closely” with the Department of Museums and are normally used for referring a department under another ministry and therefore is beyond the National Unity Ministry’s jurisdiction “to ensure museums are managed effectively and sustainably” as reported.
He also said the ministry aims to develop museums that are not only educational but also transformative spaces fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.
He added, “The ministry is committed to ensuring that our museums embody the values of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, and diversity.”
Museums director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said the proposed law includes the establishment of a Museum Council, which would serve as an advisory and supervisory body for the creation and operation of museum institutions nationwide.
He said “This law is being drafted in accordance with international standards, taking into account practices from other countries.
“We also aim to introduce a rating system and regulate the operations of new museums, particularly private ones, that may present narratives or trends that conflict with national policy.” I say this is particularly needed for private museums.
Just like “tours and travel” should be controlled words that can only be incorporated into the names of licensed tour companies under the revised Tourism Industry Act, “museum” should only be allowed for premises recognised under the new Act to be introduced by the National Unity Ministry.
Otherwise, any business calling itself a tours or travel company may try to offer such services without a business licence from MOTAC, or anyone occupying underutilised buildings with a motley collection of antiquated items including antiques for sale could masquerade as museums.
One example is the so-called Jade Museum located in an old bungalow at Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur, which has been operating since the 1990s and closed down several years ago. According to Tripadvisor, it is more of a shop than a museum.
To make museum visits more authentic, modernised museums should leverage immersive technologies like virtual, augmented and mixed realities to enhance visitor engagement and create dynamic digital experiences to foster understanding and appreciation of the exhibits. – May 19, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Bernama
