Kuala lumpur: The 'Hidden Wonders of Malaysia' campaign, a collaboration between the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) and Aquaria KLCC, was launched today to raise public awareness of the importance of conserving the country's biodiversity. JMM deputy director-general (Policy) Mohamad Shawali Badi officiated the launch ceremony.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JMM stated that the Natural History Museum, as the Guardian of the Specimens Collection, is tasked with preserving and safeguarding Malaysia's biodiversity heritage through its collection of scientifically and educationally valuable natural history specimens. The campaign provides the public with an opportunity to examine various preserved specimens, particularly those with historical value and unique characteristics, thereby increasing awareness and appreciation of biodiversity conservation.
The collaboration between JMM and Aquaria KLCC is designed to enhance biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability efforts by integrating expertise from both public and private sectors. This partnership serves as a strategic knowledge-sharing platform, with JMM offering its taxidermy expertise and Aquaria KLCC delivering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience for visitors.
Aquaria KLCC proposed the collaboration to present 'Malaysia's Hidden Wonders,' a three-month exhibition that combines live marine life viewing with preserved natural history specimens. This approach aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of species' physical characteristics, anatomy, and behavior through a holistic, interactive, and accessible educational narrative.
By integrating natural history specimen displays with live marine life, the initiative seeks to raise public awareness of species extinction issues and the importance of protecting ecosystems for future sustainability. The collaboration also aims to reinforce the image of the Natural History Museum as a Federal Government institution responsible for preserving a significant collection of specimens that are part of Malaysia's biodiversity heritage. The initiative will boost publicity and awareness of the Natural History Museum's role while serving as a strategic platform for developing Malaysia's first Natural History Museum.