KUALA LUMPUR: More than 11 million images have been digitised by the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) to strengthen efforts to preserve and expand access to the nation’s historical heritage.
ANM director-general Zaidin Mohd Noor said the achievement as of November reflects the department’s continued commitment to ensuring archival materials remain accessible to both present and future generations.
“The digitisation project, which began in 1997, involves files, audiovisual materials and objects of enduring value, aimed at preservation, reference and sustaining the nation’s heritage,” he said in an interview on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Thursday night.
Zaidin explained that ANM’s audiovisual collection comprises recordings of events, oral histories, historical narratives, interviews, conventions, workshops and seminars in various formats, including photographs, cassette tapes, VHS, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and Betacam recordings.
He said these efforts have made it easier for the public to access documents and historical materials reflecting Malaysia’s journey and social diversity through platforms such as the Online Finding Aid portal, Virtual Exhibition, Galeri Maya Negarawan, and the Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah programme.
In addition, ANM conducts outreach initiatives including exhibitions, history forums and collaborative educational programmes with schools and institutions of higher education to instil patriotism, mutual respect and understanding among Malaysians.
Zaidin said ANM also manages 11 memorials dedicated to national figures, including the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, Tun Hussein Onn Memorial, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s birthplace, the P. Ramlee Memorial Library, and Galeria Sri Perdana.
“ANM’s role is not merely to preserve historical records, but to serve as a platform that unites the people through appreciation of the country’s history and heritage, thereby fostering a sense of togetherness and national identity.”
He added that the Archives@Schools programme, launched on May 5 at SM St Mary in Sandakan, Sabah, will be expanded next year to bring archival materials closer to students and promote historical awareness, identity and patriotism.
Activities under the programme include the Malaysia Tanah Airku exhibition, archival preservation demonstrations, history quizzes, crossword puzzles, as well as Archives@Schools Exploration, and Nationalist Exploration initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Community Archives programme, launched in Klang on May 17, will also be expanded nationwide next year to encourage community participation in the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of local heritage.
Zaidin said the programme also helps nurture patriotism, strengthen unity in Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society, and has the potential to be developed as an edutourism initiative.
