KUALA LUMPUR: The National Art Gallery is prepared to receive four international masterpieces acquired with 1MDB funds that have been repatriated to Malaysia.
The National Art Gallery said that the handover process for the four artworks, to be received in phases next week, would be carried out with utmost care.
“Meticulous preparations involve storage and conservation facilities including a specialised conservation room equipped with stable temperature and humidity control systems.
“These are crucial to ensure compliance with established conservation standards so the artworks remain in optimal condition.
“Security aspects are also prioritised with strict controls to guarantee that each artwork remains safe and well-preserved,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (May 6).
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the four artworks worth an estimated US$198,125 (RM786,556), are among 12 pieces believed to be linked to the misappropriation of 1MDB funds.
The four masterpieces are L’Ecuyère et les clowns (1961) by Pablo Picasso, Montmartre (1934) by Maurice Utrillo, Etude pour femme couchée (1948) by Balthus and Composition (1953) by Joan Miró.
“We will periodically update the public on developments regarding plans to exhibit these works,” the statement read. – Bernama