SUNGAI PETANI - Various unique and interesting archaeological collections dating from the third to the 12th century AD are on display at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Merbok here, highlighting a significant historical artefact that deserves appreciation and understanding.
Museum director Azhar Mohamed Noor said that as the only museum focused on archaeological findings from the Bujang Valley, it houses numerous treasures that narrate the significance of ancient Kedah.
"Among the interesting artefacts on display at this museum are the Sungai Mas inscription containing Buddhist mantras, we also have a granite statue of Ganesha, granite jars, porcelain teapots and plates, as well as ceramics and glass beads.
"All these collections are unique and worth seeing for anyone visiting the museum,” he told Bernama recently.
He said the museum has two exhibition galleries, namely the Bujang Valley Archaeology Gallery which exhibits artefacts found during archaeological excavations since the 1840s.
Another gallery is the Bujang Valley Trade History Gallery which exhibits trade artefacts based on the role of the Bujang Valley as the main entrepot trade centre in the maritime trade network connecting great civilisations such as India, China, the Middle East and the Malay Archipelago.
According to Azhar, the Bujang Valley Archaeology Gallery had been closed since October 2021 for upgrading works and will reopen to the public tomorrow, with improvements in exhibition and presentation.
"I hope that with the reopening of this gallery, it will add value to this museum and we truly need the cooperation and support of the community to visit this museum to appreciate the artefact collections," he said.
Meanwhile, he announced that in conjunction with the reopening of the gallery, the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), through the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, is organising the Citra Nusa @Arkeologi Lembah Bujang Programme from today until Sunday.
According to him, the programme, which will be launched by the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, aims to increase knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the aspirations and principles of the Rukun Negara as well as the history of the country's civilisation.
"This programme is based on artistic and cultural heritage with a carnival concept which targets the participation of up to 5,000 visitors.
"Various activities have been arranged throughout the duration of the programme to further stimulate tourism while educating visitors about the Bujang Valley,” he said.
According to Azhar, the programme is also expected to be a catalyst towards further increasing public visits to the museum which is targeted to reach up to 100,000 visitors this year.
"We have upgraded our exhibition galleries and changed the way information is presented by including interactive elements to attract the public's interest, especially students.
"We will also increase promotion on all platforms including social media in line with the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign to encourage tourism to the state," he added. - BERNAMA