ANCIENT MALAY ARTIFACT EXHIBITION FEATURING 400-YEAR-OLD 'MERIAM CETBANG' OPENS AT BERUAS MUSEUM

IPOH, May 31 (Bernama) -- A 400-year-old cannon (Meriam Cetbang) is among 100 ancient Malay artifacts and illustrations believed to be relics from the Gangga Negara, Beruas and Manjung kingdoms that will be showcased to visitors starting tomorrow (June 1) at the Beruas Museum in Manjung.

Perak State Museum Board director, Mohamad Amir Mohd Dahalan, said that the main purpose of the exhibition is to provide visitors with exposure and further knowledge about the displayed artefacts.

"The Meriam Cetbang was discovered on Nov 25, 1991 in the Beruas River after being informed by local villagers. According to studies, the cannon was widely used during the era of the Majapahit Empire (1293-1527) and the Malay Nusantara kingdoms at that time.

"In addition, we also have an illustration of the Avalokitesvara statue, which was found in a tin mine in Bidor around 1936 and is estimated to have existed from the 7th to 12th century during the Hindu-Buddhist civilisation in the Malay Peninsula," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohamad Amir added that all the artefacts and illustrations are also believed to have been found in the areas where the three ancient Malay kingdoms had ruled.

"All the items and ancient exhibits on display were also found through private individuals, museum searches, and other means," he said.

In a related development, he added that no admission fee will be charged to visitors, and the exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

"I hope the public, especially youths, will take the opportunity to closely observe these ancient items. These are valuable treasures that are rare to find and provide valuable knowledge to everyone," he said.

-- BERNAMA