Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) has launched a digital museum utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. This initiative is part of the digitalisation programme for the Natural History Museum Collection Digitisation and Virtual Exhibition Programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, the secretary-general, stated that the initiative under the Malaysian Museum Department (JMM) marks a significant step in transforming museum institutions to adapt to the digital era. This development enables visitors to explore collections in a 360-degree format.

The JMM has digitised 255 collections, which include valuable artifacts and flora and fauna specimens. Among these, 135 units are ethnological collections representing the various races and ethnicities in Malaysia. The remaining 120 collections are flora and fauna specimens. Iconic artifacts digitised include the first flag of the Federation of Malaya, the HMS Malaya Cup, the Cupak Sirih Sultan Abdul Samad, and numismatic collections such as gold coins from the era of Sultan Zainal Abidin II.

Hazlina further elaborated that the natural specimens include 32 mammals, 35 birds, 20 insects, 14 herpetofauna, six marine specimens, and 13 botanical specimens, all produced through 3D scanning.

JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim mentioned that the transformation programme involves a substantial allocation, with several large-scale digitalisation initiatives valued at around RM5 million by 2025. This encompasses the comprehensive development of the digital ecosystem under the department.

The KPN aims for 7,000 to 10,000 visitors to engage with the virtual exhibition. The ministry remains optimistic that the number will increase due to the more open and inclusive digital access provided to all segments of society.