Saraswathy: Evolving with the times, the role of museums has gone beyond storing and displaying artefacts to becoming centres for learning and social engagement, said Deputy Minister of National Unity, K. Saraswathy. She highlighted this transformation during the opening of the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach event, which is part of the national-level International Museum Day Festival held at Dusun Tok Wak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saraswathy noted the importance of the “museum within the community” concept, which emphasizes active public involvement in various aspects of museum management and activities. She explained that this approach allows the community to become strategic partners in research, preservation, conservation, and the development of exhibition content and museum activities, rather than just visitors.

The event was attended by key figures such as Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kassim, Kedah Museum director Suhaidi Syukri, and Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya. Saraswathy expressed that museums serve as collaborative platforms that connect institutions with the community. Initiatives like Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling are commendable efforts to foster a sense of ownership among the public.

She further elaborated on how history, heritage, and culture are essential in shaping national identity and strengthening unity among Malaysia’s multiracial society. The community-based museum concept is seen as a way to reinforce public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring that heritage, culture, and history are valued and protected. Saraswathy also pointed out that intergenerational knowledge exchange can be fostered, allowing communities to contribute to the development of museum programs and activities.

Saraswathy emphasized that the community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public but also helps preserve the identity of communities often marginalized from the mainstream. This concept reflects the transformation of museums into more inclusive entities that promote greater awareness of identity and history.

The Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling program, organized by the Ministry of National Unity through the Department of Museums Malaysia in collaboration with the Kedah Museum Board, featured various activities. These included visits to Gua Sireh and the Baling Negotiation Gallery, as well as the distribution of food baskets to the Kensiu Orang Asli community in Ulu Legong and asnaf individuals from the Siong sub-district.