KANGAR: The Museums Department is currently trying to reclaim national historical artefacts abroad to protect and conserve Malaysian cultural heritage and history.
Its director-general, Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim, said the department, with the cooperation of the National Unity Ministry, is identifying various important collections, including historical documents, manuscripts, and archaeological items, such as ancient human skeletons, in countries like the United Kingdom and Holland.
"This process requires time and in-depth detail. We are studying whether the collections were taken out as gifts, seized, or stolen. The approach used includes digital technology to copy the documents as a first step,” he told reporters after officiating the Nostalgia Anak Kampung: Dunia Anak Bendang programme at the Kota Kayang Museum in Kuala Perlis near here on Saturday (Nov 16).
He added that the complete data on the number of collections abroad was still being studied but expressed confidence that it would strengthen national identity and benefit historical research.
He added that the initiative also involved cooperation from various international parties to ensure that every collection returned can be managed properly based on the government's allocations.
"The historical collection from Sarawak was successfully returned to the country previously, proving the department’s continuous efforts in restoring national heritage rights,” he said. – Bernama
