Malacca - The state, through its Museums Corporation, will set up a RM2mil museum on Pulau Besar off Umbai to feature the history and legends of the island.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the museum would be established with the help of Safuan Abu Bakar, 50, better known as Uztaz Ana Faqir, who had amassed a large collection of articles and artifacts on the island.
“For the first time, it will exhibit items associated with the island,” he told reporters after officiating at the History and Mystery of Pulau Besar Exhibition at Bastion House here on Sunday.
He urged those who had recorded information on Pulau Besar to assist in making the museum more interesting.
The 169ha island, known for its myths, dates back to the 15th Century Malay Sultanate and was documented by ancient Arab, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese mariners.
Mohd Ali said that Pulau Besar had potential as a commercial and recreational area following a RM700mil plan to develop the region`s first seaport and refined oil storage facility in the island by 2010.
Safuan said he came to the island in 1985 and spent several years learning its history and legends before setting up a private museum in Selangor.
Among the items to be displayed at the museum are manuscripts, old coins and a collection of keris. By CHEN PELF YEEN
Source:
http://thestar.com.my (November 13, 2008)