ARCHAEOLOGY is one area that has the potential of driving the state’s economy to greater heights provided enough attention is given to it, says Penang Tourism and Creative Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
Besides contributing to economic growth, he said the authenticity of archaeology was capable of redefining the education system in our country.
“In Malaysia, archaeology is one area that I strong believe deserves more attention and in order to pioneer in this area, we require experts and the right budget to make things happen.
“As for Penang, we have the Guar Kepah archaeological site on the mainland.
“There are plans of setting up the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Guar Kepah.
“This proposed project is very important for us to conserve and preserve artefacts and historical findings.
“If you notice, there are many archaeological sites in Europe dedicated to remembering historic findings from the past. They are important to the country and future generations.
“We look forward to making Guar Kepah as our milestone as and when the gallery materialises,” Yeoh told Buletin Mutiara after his visits to the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum and Sungai Batu archaeological site in Kedah today.
According to the Department of Museums Malaysia (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture), the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum is the only museum in Malaysia that exhibits archaeological collections that serves as evidence of the existence of a trade and Hindu and Buddhism propagation centre in Southeast Asia from the third to the 12th century AD.
Meanwhile, the Sungai Batu archaeological site was learnt to have ruins of several Hindu-Buddhist temples dating back to the eight and 11th century.
Yeoh said if the gallery at Guar Kepah comes about, then the state government would consider setting up a trail of archaeological sites, connecting key areas in the northern region.
“Penang is a leader when it comes to attracting tourists from afar and near. This area could potentially ramp up the entry of tourists, specifically foreigners, who often have a greater liking to explore archaeological sites,” Yeoh added.
While many other forms of attractions such as mural arts, theme parks, food outlets and so on can be emulated by different states, Yeoh said archaeology remains as one of the areas that is authentic and cannot be duplicated.
“Our Penang Tourism Master Plan (PTMP) also speaks about authenticity of heritage, art and culture, which directly represents the meaning of archaeology.
“Also, while our state continues to achieve and break records in investment, infrastructure projects, industrialisation and other key areas, it is equally important to acknowledge that archaeology plays a vital role in boosting our country and state’s reputation.”
State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad, who accompanied Yeoh during the visits, applauded him for taking effort to visit such historic sites.
“It is good that YB Yeoh is visiting such sites in our neighbouring state. He will certainly have a clearer picture when our state has its own gallery in the near future.
“This, I believe, is one of the smartest ways of incorporating a similar initiative which is deemed important to conserve and preserve historic findings in our state,” Haryany said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar