PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for Malaysia’s development agenda to be anchored not only in economic growth, but in civilisation, culture and human development, as he officiated the launch of the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery here.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anwar said projects such as Guar Kepah demonstrate how heritage, science, education and tourism can be integrated into a single development ecosystem that strengthens national identity while generating tangible economic benefits for the people.
He cautioned against what he described as “culturally barren” development, impressive physical progress that neglects history, values and the humanities, citing American author Mark Twain’s observation of modern cities that lack cultural depth.
“Development that ignores history, culture and human values is a form of emptiness.
“Civilisation must be holistic, embracing knowledge across disciplines,” he said, stressing that archaeology should not be viewed in isolation but connected to history, science, technology, tourism and commerce.
“Civilisation is comprehensive. Archaeology, science, technology and the economy must move together if we are to build a truly advanced and cultured nation,” he further added.
The Prime Minister said the Guar Kepah project should evolve beyond a static exhibition space into a living centre of knowledge, education and community development, especially for young people.
He also emphasised that heritage projects must ultimately translate into economic uplift for surrounding communities, warning that infrastructure and tourism initiatives would fail if they did not benefit local traders, small entrepreneurs and residents.
“Economic growth is meaningful only when it improves the lives of the people, not to enrich a few or to showcase grand buildings,” he said, adding that the Madani Government’s focus remains on inclusive growth, domestic and foreign investment, and targeted assistance for the rakyat.
Touching on education, Anwar stressed the importance of historical awareness, language mastery and openness to new technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, to ensure future generations are equipped for a rapidly changing world.
“All schools, regardless of stream, must uphold the national language and understand Malaysia’s history. At the same time, we must prepare our children to engage with new technologies and global knowledge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery reflects the state’s commitment to preserving heritage while advancing sustainable and people-centred development.
“This is not merely a physical structure, but a manifestation of our responsibility to protect and elevate national heritage so that it remains relevant and accessible to future generations,” he said.
Located in Kepala Batas, the Guar Kepah site spans over 9,600 square metres and is among Malaysia’s most significant prehistoric discoveries, featuring a massive shell midden that points to early human settlement.
The discovery of the 5,700-year-old ‘Penang Woman’ in 2017 marked a major milestone in Malaysian archaeology.
The site was gazetted as a National Heritage Site in April last year.
Developed with an allocation of RM10 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan through the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), the gallery incorporates green design, interactive exhibits and digital technology, positioning it as a hub for education, research and archaeological tourism.
Chow also highlighted the successful repatriation of 41 Guar Kepah human remains from the Netherlands after more than 150 years, describing it as a significant achievement made possible through close cooperation between the state and federal governments, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and international partners.
Economy Minister Datuk Seri Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the gallery is part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism products in the northern region, linking Guar Kepah with other prehistoric sites such as Lenggong in Perak and Sungai Batu in Kedah.
He said the initiative targets high-value tourism segments including researchers, heritage enthusiasts and students, while creating jobs and new income opportunities for the local community.
With its integration of heritage, education, technology and community development, the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery is poised to become a national reference point for how civilisation-based development can support both identity and inclusive economic growth.
Earlier, Anwar and Chow were briefed about the exhibits and displays at the gallery during a guided tour by the people in charge there.
Among others present during the event were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Dutch ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Jacques Werner, and other state and Federal representatives.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting