Print this article
Email this article
At one time, Hj Mahmud Muhammad had dreams and high hopes to expand his Kg Saba Mini Museum which is located in Kampong Ayer.
But now, after nearly 10 years since the official opening of his mini museum, he plans to sell it for $1 million after realising his dream was just a mere fantasy.
"In most museums elsewhere visitors are not allowed to take pictures, but at mine you can. You can even touch the artefacts to have a closer look."
"I have spent so much to make a part of my dream a reality, but now it is as if my efforts have no meaning. This museum which is also my house is on sale for $1 million except the pictures," said the 70-year-old avid antique collector.
Although the Kg Saba Mini Museum was officially opened on September 15, 2002, it has been around since 2000.
Since then, his mini museum has received visitors from countries as far away as Australia, Africa, Palestine, Iran, Afghanistan and Japan as well as neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. His visitors not only comprise tourists, but also local and foreign researchers.
His hope to expand the museum then was supported by government authorities where his application was given approval. "Even with the approval, there have been no further developments. The plans to expand have somehow fallen on deaf ears," he told The Brunei Times. The unfulfillment of plans had forced him to shut down his establishment for two years.
According to Hj Mahmud who is also known as "Hj Mahmud The Collector", the expansion of the museum could create ease for researchers to carry out their research as the current state of the museum is much cluttered. "Authorities have been coming in and out of this museum to carry out their research to investigate the museum's infrastructure. I was surprised when news of development was not forthcoming."
"I have lost interest because I believe there is nothing more to look forward to. The plan has not and will not be fulfilled," he said. "It is a shame not much is being done about these valuables. When I closed the mini museum for two years it has made me think that I might as well make every effort to reopen the museum."
"It would be more of a loss if the museum suddenly collapses," he said adding that the cluttered state of the museum poses a risk to the various valuable items housed there.
Haji Mahmud charges $3 for each visitor. He will then take time to entertain his visitors about the history and source of his artefacts. "I spend $100 a year to keep the licence but I don't get consistent number of visitors everyday," he said.
The news of the Kg Saba Mini Museum being put up for sale has spread. "The Museums Department has bought some of my artefacts for $30,000. But they can't afford to buy the whole mini museum for $1 million because they have their own allocated funds."
"There are interested buyers but the problem is always funding," he said noting that the money he received had helped him make the mini museum bigger.
Haji Mahmud has a range of collection from artefacts that could go up to $25,000 a piece, to old records and cameras from the 1960s. The artefacts also include pots, coal irons, ancient grinders and many more. He said the olden day grinders were bought by the Museums Department for $5,000. The mini museum also houses old coins and ceramics. Some of the ceramics originated from the Sung and Ming dynasties.
Hj Mahmud noted that the artefacts not only come from Brunei but also come from countries like Malaysia. "The artefacts I have are important to Brunei as they are part of its heritage and history," he said.
The Brunei Times