By Ma Chee Seng
KUCHING, Aug 6: The famed ‘Simunjan Butterfly’ and historical records related to renowned naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and his local aide, Ali, sourced from the United Kingdom (UK), are among the rare documents that will be preserved in Sarawak’s upcoming climate-controlled archival facility, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed today.
He said these precious materials, retrieved from the British National Museum, form part of Sarawak’s identity and scientific legacy, and will be stored in an environment that mirrors the preservation standards of top institutions abroad.
“This project is our effort to ensure historical documents, including those that we have sourced from abroad, are stored in the best environment possible,” he said during a working visit to the Sarawak Archives Building project site and the soft launch of 50 Digital Community Centres (DCCs) in Petra Jaya here.
Abang Johari shared that the archive initiative was decided two years ago with a clear mission to safeguard vital records, books, and agreements, not only from the period surrounding Malaysia’s formation but also from the British colonial era and even earlier.
“I sent a team to the Historical Museum in London, and we discovered many documents related to Sarawak’s past that we did not have.
“Thanks to cooperation with the institutions, copies from the museum, some of which are certified by British authorities, have been brought back to Sarawak,” he said.
Among the materials retrieved are documents related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), British colonial administration, and scientific records tied to Wallace’s expeditions in Borneo, including those involving Ali, his local assistant who played a pivotal role in specimen collection.
“We even retrieved documents and information related to what they call the ‘Simunjan Butterfly’. These are not just scientific materials but part of our Sarawakian identity and knowledge,” he said.
Abang Johari further highlighted the importance of maintaining optimal storage conditions to ensure the longevity of such delicate historical items, citing the British example as a model.
“In London, these original documents are well preserved because of strict climate control. We are doing the same here. I think this will make our archive one of the most advanced in Malaysia,” he said.
The Sarawak Archives Building, once completed, will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), to systematically manage and protect the State’s archival materials.
It was reported that the Sarawak Museum Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the British Museum in London to undertake a study on Borneo and Sarawak artefacts housed in museums across the United Kingdom (UK) and at the Sarawak Museum.
The MoU was signed by Sarawak Museum Director Nancy Jolhi and British Museum Director Dr Nicholas Cullinan during a ceremony held at the British Museum in London on Nov 6 last year.
Also present during the visit and event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and other officials. — DayakDaily
