24 maret 2009 03:09

Museum To Reopen After Repairs

State Tourism, Arts And Heritage Committee Chairman Datuk
Shafik Fauzan Sharif (Right) Checking The Progress Of The Museum Renovation

Pekan- After termites and floodwaters destroyed part of the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum here in 2007, the Pahang Museum Board immediately stepped in to salvage the building.

Now, after undergoing a RM9.5 million refurbishment, the 33-year-old museum will be opened to visitors early next year.

State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said the entire building had been given a facelift.

"The roof, floor and wooden structures had to be replaced after being badly damaged by termites.

"A new building consisting of an auditorium, food court, library, surau and administration centre, is in the final stages of construction," he said after visiting the museum recently.

Shafik said the floods which occurred over the past two years had also damaged the century-old heritage building.

"Built in a flood-prone area, certain parts of the building were always wet, leading to continuous damage," he said.

Shafik said the state government had pledged RM8 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, while the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry had provided RM1.5 million to fund the renovation works.

The museum, formerly known as Istana Kota Beram, is the palace of Sultan Abu Bakar and stores a rich collection of historical items, including brass and silverware, traditional Malay weapons, textiles and ceramic plates. T.N. Alagesh

Source: NST.com.my (March 23^rd, 2009)

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