Kuala lumpur: All 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia will offer free admission to Malaysians on May 18 in conjunction with International Museum Day 2026. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang announced the initiative, highlighting its aim to encourage more people, particularly the younger generation, to visit museums and appreciate the nation's history and heritage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron emphasized the importance of museums as institutions of knowledge, catalysts for unity, and platforms for nation-building. He shared these remarks during the Central Zone Unity Week 2026 celebration at the National Museum. The minister also mentioned that the Department of Museums Malaysia, in collaboration with the Johor Heritage Foundation, would organize the International Museum Day 2026 celebration in Johor from June 23 to 30, aiming to enhance the role of museums in education, heritage preservation, and social unity among diverse communities.
Aaron further stated that the MADANI government is committed to revitalizing museum institutions through various initiatives. These include the Museum Matching Grant under Budget 2026, which supports the development and transformation of the museum sector. The grant focuses on people-centric projects such as permanent infrastructure development, museum digitalization, educational spaces, and museum-related programs.
In addition, Aaron announced that the proposed Malaysia Museum Bill had been tabled and agreed upon in principle at the Cabinet meeting on April 29. This bill aims to strengthen the national museum ecosystem by being the first Federal law specifically enacted to regulate the establishment, registration, and management of museum activities in the country. The act will apply in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan, covering the establishment of the Malaysia Museum Council (MMM), governance of federal and private museums, and the creation of the Museum Register and Collection Register.
Regarding Unity Week celebrations, Aaron highlighted the program's success since its introduction in 2023 as a platform to promote unity, deepen the understanding of cultural diversity, and strengthen national integration among Malaysians. The celebration has entered its fourth year and continues to receive encouraging public response, with the National Museum selected as the venue for the 2026 Central Zone celebration.