By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 18: The Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) has recorded a total of 1,354,275 visitors as of June 16 this year, since its official opening in 2022, solidifying its position as a key cultural and tourism attraction in Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah shared that between Jan and June 16, 2025 alone, the museum welcomed 117,095 visitors.
He noted that BCM has become a must-visit stop for both local and international dignitaries, including high commissioners, ambassadors, and government officials.
“Practically all dignitaries, big dignitaries that come over to Sarawak to pay a courtesy call on the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) or the TYT (Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar), they will always end up visiting Borneo Cultures Museum,” he said during a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Heritage Council Meeting at a local hotel here today.
Notable visits to the museum include that of the Chief Justice of Malaysia, YAA Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who visited twice in November 2024 and February 2025, as well as delegations from the Republic of Uganda, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the Ambassador of Qatar to Malaysia, His Excellency Salah Mohammed Al-Sorour.
In addition to BCM, Abdul Karim said other museums such as the Petroleum Museum in Miri, the Islamic Heritage Museum, the Natural History Museum, and several others have also contributed significantly to the overall visitor numbers.
“As of June 16, 2025, these museums collectively recorded 79,575 visitors since January this year,” he said.
Building on this momentum, Abdul Karim announced that the museum’s next major exhibition, Helios, will open in November.
“The Sarawak Museum Department is proud to unveil its next spectacular showcase: an exhibition on the Sun, titled Helios.
“Set to launch in November this year, Helios promises to be a must-see highlight for science enthusiasts, families, students, and curious minds of all ages.
“With interactive elements, educational content, and awe-inspiring displays, this exhibition will ignite wonder and spark conversations.”
The minister further said that each year, the Sarawak Museum Department strives to bring in world-class blockbuster exhibitions that are both engaging and educational.
“These exhibitions are often intriguing, interactive, and offer valuable learning experiences, especially for students of all ages.
“Among the notable showcases previously hosted are The Moon, GAIA (The Earth), and The Pristine Seas.
“Each exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors and sparked curiosity across generations,” he added. — DayakDaily
