KUCHING, 26 April 2025 – The Sarawak Museum Department (Jabatan Muzium Sarawak) held its “Malam Apresiasi & Kasih Warisan 2025” at Sheraton Kuching Hotel last night to celebrate the hard work of its staff and partners as well as the department’s many achievements in 2024. The event, graced by the presence of Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, saw guests arriving in colourful traditional attire befitting the theme of the appreciation night.
Speaking at the event, Sarawak Museum Director, Nancy Jolhi expressed her gratitude to the museum team for the dedication they have shown.
"I am very proud of the entire Sarawak Museum team – from officers, researchers, curators, to the technical and support teams. Your hard work is the heart of our department’s achievements," she said.

        Among the department's accomplishments in 2024 were in governance and compliance, namely 98.4% in the eCompliance Self-Assessment (ECSA), and 96% in the Treasury Inspection, both the highest since their implementation.
Another major achievement was the opening of the Central Zone Regional Office in Sibu, which began operations on Dec 2, 2024. It oversees areas including Betong, Sarikei, Kapit, and Mukah, and houses galleries like Fort Lily, Fort Emma, and Fort Brooke.
Nancy also noted SMD's increasing reputation nationwide. “Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) and the department are making a name for themselves and becoming a benchmark,” she said.
  
      This was supported by several benchmarking visits from other agencies including the Selangor EXCO for Housing and Culture, the Natural Resources Ministry, and Kelantan Public Works Department.
Meanwhile, Karim in his speech at the event, spoke on the museum’s reach and public engagement. He announced that over 519,000 visitors visited museums under the Sarawak Museum Department in 2024, with BCM drawing the most visitors (316,897 pax), 94% of whom were domestic tourists.
The department also made an impact in education, hosting 29 school programmes that benefited over 1,700 students, some from overseas including Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

          He emphasised how exhibitions like GAIA Exhibition, and Pristine Seas helped keep the museum experience exciting.
He commended high-profile events like Night at the Museum, which featured theatre, fashion shows, and performances attended by the Premier of Sarawak and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.
More international collaboration efforts were mentioned, such as the repatriation of a 100-year-old Kenyah-Badeng Terendak (sunhat) from Oxford, and an MoU with the British Museum.
The department also extracted a rare 13-metre Sei Whale skeleton, the largest in its collection, and published academic works such as The Sarawak Museum Journal and Chronicles of Sarawak Stamps.
Preserving heritage sites also remained a focus, with conservation works carried out at St. Paul’s Church in Lingga, Gedong Crocodile Mound site, and the Japanese WWII aircraft site in Lawas, among others.
“All these initiatives reflect the department's oocontinued commitment to preserving our historical heritage for future generations,” said the Minister.
On future plans, Karim announced the upcoming launch of two new permanent exhibitions, namely Santubong Archaeological Park and Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum.

        “I believe the Sarawak Museum Department has great potential to be a leader in museum management, not only in Malaysia but internationally,” he added.
Last night’s event also saw the Sarawak Museum Department honouring retiring and transferring staff, and presentation of the 2024 Excellent Service Awards. There were also lucky draws not just for those present but also for the VIPs! Guests were also treated to live entertainment, with Sarawak’s own Safar Ghafar and Rickie Andrewson among the highlights, and a special appearance by Fredo of legendary Malaysian band Flybaits.

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