By Aida Aziz
BERUAS: After being closed to visitors for several years, the Beruas Museum, which houses particularly interesting artifacts such as the Meriam Cetbang (cannon), has reopened to the public starting from June 1st.
The museum under the Perak State Museum Board has also been given a new look, while providing information about the ancient kingdom’s glory such as Gangga Negara, Beruas, and Manjung.
According to the Secretary of the Perak Heritage Association, Nor Hisham Zulkiflee, after more than 30 years of establishment, the effort is timely in providing information in a more engaging manner to the public.
“It has been over 30 years since this museum was established. It now has a new look. Since its inauguration, its concept has never changed, including its materials and presentation style.
“This museum is unique because it specifically highlights the ancient kingdoms in Perak. It is the result of collaboration between the state government and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and local historians in 1990.
“There are about 15 sites around Beruas involved in the study. The research findings were then collected and exhibited here,” he said when met here.
Among these 15 sites are Kampung Che Putih, Bukit Shamsul Bahrin, Kampung Pecah Batu, Gua Kelawar, Kampung Tanjung Ara, Kampung Pulau Meranti, and Sekolah Rendah Gangga.
What’s particularly interesting here is the presence of the Meriam Cetbang, found in the Beruas River area by locals around 1991.
The cannon is made of brass and measures 19.7 meters long and 2.3 meters wide.
It was used to fire at enemy troops on ships and was mounted on merchant ships to fend off pirate attacks.
“Actually, it is said that there are still many artifacts yet to be discovered from the research conducted in 1990. What is exhibited here is only a small part.
“My hope is that this museum receives more appropriate promotion from the authorities.
“Additionally, there may be further research after Phase 1, conducted over 30 years ago, along with the addition of exhibition materials and museum signage for the convenience of tourists,” he said.
For those who have the leisure and want to delve deeper into the history related to ancient kingdoms in Perak, they can visit Jalan Besar, Beruas here.
Admission is free, and the operating hours are daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays, from 10 am to 12.15 pm, and reopening from 2.45 pm to 5 pm.
