Butterworth: Marking Malaysia Day 2025, visitors step back in time today at the 'Menelusuri Zaman' (Tracing the Times) exhibition, which brings the nation's proud history to life at the PICCA Convention Centre Butterworth Arena concourse.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the exhibition is organized by the Penang government and aims to bring the public closer to the nation's heritage. It features a rich collection of artefacts, original documents, replicas, and traditional tools that evoke memories of Malaysia's past.
Azizah Zainon, the spokesperson for the Malaysia Day 2025 Exhibition Committee, stated that the event showcases a wide range of exhibits, including video screenings, interactive audio features, old maps, and original documents relevant to Malaysia Day and Penang's history. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations of traditional dishes such as cassava, glutinous rice, salted fish, and kuih.
The exhibition further highlights traditional attire and equipment, such as charcoal irons, vintage lamps, typewriters, and the 'sahara' container, popularly known as the 'tong haji,' used by Malaysian pilgrims traveling by sea to the holy land. A notable display by the Penang Public Library Corporation includes old artefacts like a vintage map of George Town and a copy of The Straits Echo newspaper dated Sept 16, 1963, marking the historic date of Malaysia's formation.
The event also offers family-friendly activities, including a colouring contest starting at 10 am and an interactive Kahoot quiz with a variety of souvenirs for winners. The Information Department (Japen) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) participate by showcasing historic Malaysia Day photographs.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) contributes with an Internet Safety Campaign booth, while Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) presents antique audio equipment, including vinyl records and classic record players. Azizah Zainon emphasized the historical value of these items, stating that they help the younger generation appreciate the past hardships compared to modern conveniences.
Running from 9 am until the peak of the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration tonight, the exhibition allows visitors to explore the Thematic Exhibition Zone. The zone is divided into three sections: Zone A focuses on the pre-independence era with artefacts and daily life videos; Zone B highlights the independence era with key figures, the historic Merdeka proclamation, and newspaper cuttings; and Zone C covers the post-independence period to the present with photographs of national development and articles on Malaysia's formation in 1963.