National Archives Identifies Over 2.45 Mln Digital Images Of Historical Documents In UK- Yuneswaran

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- More than 2.45 million digital images of historical documents belonging to the nation currently housed in prominent archives and libraries in the United Kingdom (UK) have been identified by the National Archives as part of an effort to expand access to the country’s historical records.

Deputy Minister of National Unity R. Yuneswaran said these materials include hundreds of thousands of colonial-era newspaper collections, as well as official documents from previous administrations, which have been digitised for preservation and historical reference purposes.

“The National Archives has identified a collection at the British Library, the ‘British Library Newspaper’ digital collection comprising 553,000 images. Additionally, through a collaboration between the UK’s National Archives and Gale Cengage, we have access to a ‘Colonial Office’ digital collection containing 1.9 million images,” he said.

He made these remarks when winding up the committee-stage debate on the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates for the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) in Dewan Rakyat today.

Yuneswaran noted that efforts to locate and research the nation’s historical records internationally are actively ongoing, involving various countries such as the United States, France, Türkiye, Egypt, and Norway despite the significant costs involved.

Meanwhile, he encouraged the public, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to contribute historical materials of documentary value to the National Archives, ensuring that the nation’s heritage is preserved for future generations.

“If there are local collections pertaining to customs, culture, or religion, please consider submitting them to the National Archives so that they may be documented for our future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yuneswaran said a library will be built in Negeri Sembilan, with an allocation of RM94.7 million under the development expenditure of the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) for next year.

“For 2027, two extension projects and one new project have been approved for the PNM under its development expenditure. This includes the construction of a new library in Negeri Sembilan, with an estimated cost of RM94.7 million,” he said.

The Dewan Rakyat subsequently approved the 2027 operating and development expenditure estimates totaling RM793,039,400 allocated to the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) under the 2027 Budget by a majority voice vote, following a debate involving 13 Members of Parliament.

-- BERNAMA