BETONG: Malaysia’s royal heritage is being brought to life through immersive digital experiences and rare historical collections at the ‘Raja Kita 2026’ Exhibition, which opened on Thursday (June 11) here and is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors over four days.
Held in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII, the exhibition at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall combines royal history, cultural heritage and modern technology to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the nation’s constitutional monarchy system.
The exhibition was officiated by Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports Development), Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, representing the minister responsible for the celebration, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai.
Organised through a collaboration between the Betong Resident’s Office, the Sarawak State Office of the Department of Information Malaysia, and the Department of Museums Malaysia, the programme aims to strengthen public appreciation of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and its role within Malaysia’s Parliamentary Democracy as a constitutional monarchy.
Among the exhibition’s key attractions is the exclusive display of the Tengkolok of the Nine Malay States, showcased outside the National Museum for the first time.
Visitors can also explore exhibits on royal customs and traditions, ceremonial regalia and the responsibilities of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the exhibition are seven static information panels featuring the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, as well as five LED motion graphic displays highlighting royal regalia and ceremonial insignia.
Interactive elements include a virtual reality (VR) experience that presents three-dimensional representations of royal regalia and a History Gallery chronicling official visits by Malaysian monarchs to Sarawak since the 1960s.
Senior Assistant Director of the Communications, Visual and Design Division of the State Department of Information Malaysia, Muhammad Syazwan, said the exhibition serves not only as a showcase of royal heritage but also as an educational platform to increase public understanding of the monarchy and the nation’s governance system.
He said the programme provides younger generations with an opportunity to better understand the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, appreciate the legacy of the Malay Sultanates, and recognise the values of unity fostered through the constitutional monarchy system.
Throughout the four-day event, visitors can participate in educational sessions on the royal institution, sampin-folding demonstrations, Kahoot-based digital quizzes, and online knowledge challenges linked to exhibition content.
The exhibition is expected to reach its peak on June 14 with an official visit by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The closing night will feature a concert showcasing performances by popular Malaysian artistes, including Aina Abdul, Mawat and Ramles Walter, among others.
