Penang: The Penang State Legislative Assembly today passed an amendment to the Penang Museum Board Enactment 2026 to strengthen regulation of museum activities and enforcement. The bill was passed with a majority vote after six assemblymen from both the government and opposition blocs debated it.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, when tabling the bill, said the Museum Board Enactment serves as the key legal framework for regulating museum management and operations in the state. However, he noted that based on its implementation to date, several aspects needed improvement to ensure the law remains relevant, clear and effective.

These improvements include clearly stipulating that no party may carry out museum activities without the board's approval, adding an enforcement section, improving governance and administrative structure, and standardising legislation. Wong stated, "These amendments are not meant to add burdens, but rather to strengthen the existing legal framework so that it is more responsive to current challenges, including technology, collection management and service delivery to the public."

Wong expressed hope that the amendments would enhance the credibility of the state's museum institutions, preserve heritage more systematically, and ensure state legislation remains responsive to current developments. Separately, the session today passed a motion to appoint Datuk Seri Prof Dr Noor Inayah Ya'acub as a Senator, replacing Amir Md Ghazali, while extending Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran's term. Both outgoing terms ended on March 6.

The first meeting of the fourth term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 8, saw 81 oral questions and 783 written questions submitted, along with one bill and three motions. The session was adjourned to a date to be determined later.