Sabah to get two new museums, says state assistant minister
KOTA KINABALU: Two museums – in Kudat and Ranau respectively – are currently being developed as an addition to the existing 11 museums and galleries in Sabah.
The new facilities are Tun Mustapha Museum (in Kudat) and Ranau Dusun Civilisation and Ethnic Heritage Museum, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming during the question and answer session at the state assembly sitting here.
In response to Datuk Mohamad Alamin’s (BN-Bongawan) question on possibility of building mini museums in each district, he said there is no such plans at this moment.
“The development of these two new museums will boost research, documentation and publication fields to uplift the functions of museums as knowledge building institution in the form of exhibition, collection, history, culture as well as nature besides becoming a tourist attraction at that area.
“While we have no immediate plans for mini museums, my ministry via State Museum Department welcomes any initiative by any communities in Sabah that wished to create their own museums in respective districts,” he said.
State Agriculture and Food Industry Assistant Minister Datuk Musbah Jamli replying to a separate question, said 104 individuals from 12 countries have been caught for attempting to bring in animals and various animals produce through Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) last year.
“From the total, 40 percent of 42 are individuals from China, 24 from Hong Kong, 10 from Taiwan and nine from the Philippines, among others.
“Total value of seizure is 282.84 kilogrammes worth RM23,143,” he said in response to Datuk Ahmad Bujang’s (BN-Sindumin) inquiry on how many have been detained for breaking the laws in bringing in animals and plants through the state’s entry points.
In the same year, 44 fighting cocks worth RM16,000 and 33 poultry (chickens and chicks) worth RM6,790 have been confiscated through Sandakan entry point and Tawau ferry jetty.
“No individuals have been detained on committing the offence of bringing plants from outside into the state’s official entry points.” he added.
Source: New Straits Times
