Malaysians to Enjoy Free Museum Access Nationwide for International Museum Day 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will be able to visit all 19 museums managed by Department of Museums Malaysia free of charge on May 18 as part of the nationwide celebration for International Museum Day 2026.
National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the initiative was introduced to encourage greater appreciation of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, especially among younger Malaysians.
He explained that museums continue to play a crucial role as educational institutions, cultural preservation centres and platforms capable of strengthening unity among people from different backgrounds.
“We want museums to become more accessible to the public while encouraging Malaysians to better understand the country’s history and heritage,” he said during the Central Zone Unity Week 2026 celebration at National Museum today.
According to Aaron, the ministry, together with the Department of Museums Malaysia and Johor Heritage Foundation, will also organise the official International Museum Day 2026 celebration in Johor from June 23 until June 30.
He said the event would highlight the role of museums as institutions that preserve heritage, promote education and strengthen social harmony within Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Aaron added that the Madani Government remains committed to revitalising the museum sector through several initiatives announced under Budget 2026.
Among the initiatives is the Museum Matching Grant, aimed at supporting infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation efforts, educational facilities and community-focused museum programmes.
“The government wants museums to remain relevant and attractive to the younger generation through digitalisation and more interactive educational experiences,” he said.
In another development, Aaron revealed that the proposed Malaysia Museum Bill had already received approval in principle during the Cabinet meeting on April 29.
He said the legislation would become the country’s first federal law specifically focused on regulating museum establishment, registration and management.
The proposed Act will cover the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, including provisions for the establishment of the Malaysia Museum Council, governance of museums and official museum collection registration systems.
Meanwhile, Aaron described Unity Week as an important national platform introduced in 2023 to strengthen understanding of cultural diversity and enhance unity among Malaysians.
-wilayah.com.my
