George town: The government has announced plans to investigate potential initiatives aimed at enhancing the Nordin Ahmad Gallery located at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Pasir. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase Malay art and film heritage for future generations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated that discussions with the Unity Ministry would be initiated to explore the form of assistance, support, or advisory services that could be provided to manage the gallery, which falls under the ministry's jurisdiction. Fahmi emphasized the importance of supporting efforts by Penang art and professional activists to honor the legacy of the late Datuk Nordin Ahmad, a key figure in the golden era of Malay cinema.
"Datuk Nordin Ahmad's prominence cannot be disputed and I see efforts like this opening a new chapter, especially for the younger generation to get to know not only his works, songs, but also a little bit about the history of the late Datuk Nordin Ahmad's life," Fahmi commented during his visit to the gallery. The gallery features an interactive exhibition space with archival photos, memorabilia, and digital materials related to Nordin Ahmad, a leading actor during the classic Malay film era.
The visit was also attended by Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS), and Datuk Dr Sohaimi Abdul Aziz, president of the Penang Karyawan Association. Fahmi expressed his intention to request FINAS to contribute archival materials, including high-resolution film clips, to enrich the gallery's collection further. He also suggested that the gallery should leverage digital technology and social media to engage the younger demographic.
"There are many ways, including providing filters or backgrounds for young people to create TikTok content, so we will help this gallery continue to grow," Fahmi added. Opened in January 2025, the Galeri Karyawan Nordin Ahmad commemorates the life and work of Nordin Ahmad, a native of Permatang Pauh renowned for his roles in films like Semerah Padi (1956) and Hang Jebat (1961).
The gallery's establishment was supported by the Seberang Perai Town Grant Programme under Levelling Up Seberang Perai (LUSP) and backed by the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister's Department, and the Penang Museum and Art Gallery Board. It is housed in a historic section of Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Pasir, where Nordin Ahmad studied as a schoolboy.
In recognition of his contributions, Nordin Ahmad was posthumously awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title of Datuk, at the State Awards, Stars and Medals of Honour Ceremony coinciding with the 85th Birthday of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Pulau Pinang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on July 11.