Kedah Sultan gives nod to UUM’s RM15m Kedah Tua Museum plan

The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has consented to Universiti Utara Malaysia’s proposal to build a Kedah Tua Museum. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 15 Nov 2026 3:54 PM MYT

SINTOK, Nov 15 — The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has consented to Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) proposal to build a Kedah Tua Museum to preserve and promote the state’s historical treasures and heritage.

His Royal Highness said the museum project would require an allocation of RM15 million, covering the construction of a new building, public exhibition areas, digital exhibition spaces, a conservation laboratory, artefact storage, research and management facilities.

He said the museum would showcase the grandeur of the ancient Kedah civilisation for the appreciation of younger generations, including its governance, topography, history and the Sungai Batu civilisation.

“The museum will also house various historical artefacts, including swords, iron ore, iron furnaces and a collection of currency,” he said.

His Royal Highness said this in conjunction with UUM’s 39th Convocation Ceremony here today, where he also conferred degrees on 105 graduates.

He hoped the government would give due attention to the project and consider making it one of the state’s tourism products. He also expressed hope that philanthropists would come forward with contributions to help make the project a reality.

His Royal Highness said Kedah had a long history of civilisation, having emerged as a prosperous kingdom based on trade and the iron industry from the early days of civilisation in the region.

“Iron smelting activities that flourished in the Sungai Batu and Bujang Valley areas not only met local needs but also attracted traders from various regions, making Kedah one of the major economic centres in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Meanwhile, he reminded the graduates that the degrees they received did not merely mark the end of their academic journey, but also the beginning of new duties and responsibilities.

A total of 6,442 graduates will receive their degrees during the convocation, which runs from Nov 15 to 19 at UUM’s Dewan Mu’adzam Shah.

The Royal Education Award was presented to Irfan Umar Mohd Nor Fazly, 24, from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and Ooi Sze Qin, 24, from Cheras, Selangor, while the Chancellor’s Gold Medal was awarded to Aina Najihah Safaruddin, 24, from Kuala Kangsar, Perak.

Recipients of the Royal Education Award received RM7,500 in cash and a certificate, while the recipient of the Chancellor’s Gold Medal received RM5,000 and a certificate. — Bernama