KOTA KINABALU: The Tun Sakaran Museum in Semporna will be launched by the Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, this Saturday.
State Museum director Joanna Kitingan said at a press conference yesterday that the museum is located on an acre of land at Kampung Inabah Kamal, Semporna.
She said the development of the RM2.8 million museum was approved during the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) under government funding.
She disclosed that the number of visitors visiting the museum since it opened its doors in March last year is increasing.
The building is divided into several galleries, including a special corner to showcase historical events and contributions of Tun Sakaran. The ground floor of the museum comprises of a nature’s gallery, Semporna’s Islamic heritage, Semporna’s cultural heritage and the early history of Semporna, she said.
Meanwhile, several activities will be carried out between April 23 and 26 in conjunction with the launch.
The launching ceremony will be held in conjunction with the State Museum Department’s 50th anniversary and the Regatta Lepa celebration.
Among the programmes in store are cultural, art and handicraft exhibition; Sabod Festival; Regatta Bazaar; and the Igal Cultural dialogue.
She said the site for the museum was donated by Tun Sakaran, who was the eighth Sabah Head of State from 1995 to 2002.
The aspiration of Tun Sakaran in building the museum was to realise the development of a museum in Semporna which would help preserve the historical heritage, culture and nature of the district, she said.