New Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Penang links northern Malaysia’s prehistoric sites, featuring the 5,700-year-old ‘Penang Woman’ skeleton.
KEPALA BATAS: The newly opened Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery is set to strengthen the prehistoric tourism network in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the gallery is a comprehensive economic initiative to create jobs and boost local community income.
Approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan with a RM10 million allocation, it reflects federal support for Penang’s heritage-based tourism development.
“Guar Kepah is more than just a historical site; it is a treasure that holds evidence of early communities,” Akmal Nasrullah said at the opening ceremony.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening, joined by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The gallery will link key prehistoric sites like Perak’s Lenggong Valley and Kedah’s Sungai Batu.
Akmal Nasrullah said this aligns with the national strategy to attract history enthusiasts and researchers.
The gallery is built on a gazetted heritage site and was developed by NCER, Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Penang Chief Minister’s Incorporated.
Its main exhibit is the “Penang Woman,” Malaysia’s first complete Neolithic skeleton, repatriated from the Netherlands.
Chief Minister Chow said the gallery symbolises the state’s commitment to preserving national heritage.
“This site reveals evidence of early prehistoric settlement, highlighted by a 25-foot-high shell mound,” he stated.
The site was gazetted as a National Heritage Site last year, confirming its historical and scientific importance.
Chow reiterated the state’s commitment to making Guar Kepah a hub for archaeological and education-based tourism. – Bernama
