The Borneo Cultures Museum will start selling tickets online via two websites from today (Dec 1), said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the decision was made following reports from visitors that it took a long time to queue just to buy tickets at the museum.

“Once the sale of tickets online is implemented, visitors can purchase tickets from the comfort of their homes or while on the go. Upon purchasing tickets, visitors are able to make payment through online banking, credit card or S Pay Global e-wallet,” he told a press conference after attending the 2023 Sarawak Heritage Council Meeting here yesterday.

He added visitors would receive their QR code tickets instantly via email or the Sarawak Gov mobile app, and simply scan them for entry to the museum.

This mechanism, he pointed out, would eliminate the need for visitors to stand in long queues or be limited by specific operating hours.

“This gives visitors the freedom to plan their visits according to their schedules, thereby enhancing the quality of their experience. This initiative aligns with the state government’s aspiration to position Sarawak as one of Malaysia’s top tourism destinations.”

Online ticket purchase can be done through the official website of the Sarawak Museum Department at museum. sarawak.gov.my, or the Sarawak government website at www. sarawak.gov.my.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim informed that the Sarawak Museum Department has received donations of 41 valuable heritage items and antiques.

The items include two Orang Ulu parangs obtained by officials during the Brooke era in the 1920s; a piece of antique Pua Kumbu; 19 ritual items of the Bidayuh tribe, namely the Dayung Borih; 19 old photographs of the Sarawak community; and three beaded accessories.

“Due to its excellent reputation in collection care, the Sarawak Museum has successfully instilled confidence among donors and source communities, resulting in the return of various Bornean objects from different parts of the world through donations,” he said.

Also present were Abdul Karim’s deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting.