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ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue

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Realities and Challenges of Digitizing Malay Manuscripts

Hasanulddin Mohd

, Wan Mohd Khairul Firdaus Wan Khairuldin

, Mohamad Nurul Hafiz Bin Ab

Latif

1,2

Department of Shariah, Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin,

Malaysia

Department of Da’wah and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti

Sultan Zainal Abidin Malaysia.

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.930000074

Received: 10 December 2025; Accepted: 16 December 2025; Published: 27 December 2025

ABSTRACT

The Malay manuscript heritage, a highly valuable treasure, faces continuous destruction due to the sluggishness

of digitization initiatives, affecting access and long-term preservation. This issue is compounded by

infrastructure failures and a systematic lack of expertise, leaving a large portion of important materials in fragile

analog formats. Previous studies often focused solely on technical aspects but less on the holistic challenges

from interconnected socio-technical and governance political perspectives. This conceptual analysis, based on

in-depth document analysis, delves into the root causes of this crisis. Findings reveal three main themes: a

significant digital divide between institutions, vague and inconsistent national policies, and the erosion of

manuscript literacy in contemporary society. This study posits that without an integrated strategy binding

technology, policy, and community involvement, this heritage is destined to vanish, demanding immediate and

bold policy action.

Keywords: Digitization, Malay Manuscripts, Cultural Heritage, Digital Conservation, Manuscript Literacy

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a library on fire, but slowly, each manuscript is left to be destroyed by time and neglect. This is the

haunting reality of Malay manuscripts. A valuable treasure, containing wisdom from various fields; religious

literature, medicine, law, general literature, now faces a real threat of extinction. Ironically, in an era where

digitization technology should be the savior. This bitter reality is not merely a narrative of sadness. It reflects a

profound collective failure in safeguarding our cultural heritage. The lack of sustainable infrastructure, limited

technical expertise, and, most alarmingly, the lack of seriousness in national policies are often underestimated.

Ad-hoc and fragmented digitization efforts are incapable of addressing the growing scale of the problem, leaving

thousands of manuscripts vulnerable to physical destruction and collective oblivion.

Therefore, this study aims to delve into this critical gap, uncovering the various layers of complexity that hinder

the digitization of Malay manuscripts. It will expose not only technical problems but also weaknesses at the

policy, governance, and societal awareness levels, offering a new lens to understand this increasingly critical

crisis.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Discussions surrounding the digitization of cultural heritage are often colored by optimism, as if technology

itself is a magical solution. However, the literature review reveals a far more complex reality. Some early

researchers, for instance, emphasized the technical efficiency of digitization (Smith, 2018), arguing that image

resolution, file formats, and metadata are key. The importance of these aspects is undeniable. However, they

often overlook the real difficulties faced by heritage institutions, especially in developing countries, which

struggle with scarce resources. This narrow focus, arguably, creates an illusion of progress without addressing

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue

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the root problems. Subsequently, another group of scholars emerged, beginning to view digitization from the

perspective of governance and funding. Norhayati et al. (2020) and Yahaya (2021) separately suggested that the

failure to secure adequate funding and the absence of a clear policy framework are major obstacles. This

argument is quite convincing. Unfortunately, they sometimes get trapped in problem analysis alone, offering

fewer pragmatic solutions frameworks. Such an approach, while important, seems to place the blame solely on

authorities, neglecting the role of society and universities.

Furthermore, the debate about digitization standards is also a frequent topic. Some parties insist on high

international standards (UNESCO, 2015), while others (Abdullah, 2019) suggest a more flexible approach,

adapted to local realities. This divergence indicates no single consensus on the "best way." It is as if each

institution has to reinvent the wheel, wasting time and energy. This is a significant challenge. Ironically, when

standards are too strict, they hinder many small initiatives that actually have potential. However, if too loose, the

quality of digital data becomes questionable. Indeed, some argue that digitization itself can be a form of digital

colonialism (Ramli, 2022), especially when technology and platforms are dominated by global players, causing

local heritage data to be trapped in foreign ecosystems that benefit them. This view, while perhaps slightly

extreme, forces us to rethink the issue of digital sovereignty. Undeniably, copyright and intellectual property

issues also frequently become stumbling blocks. Who is the rightful owner of old manuscripts? Can they be

freely published after digitization? These questions, as discussed by Hassan & Karim (2018), do not have easy

answers, leading many projects to be abandoned or forced to operate in legal grey areas.

Then, there is the aspect of manuscript literacy and paleography. Even if manuscripts are digitized, who will read

them? Many scholars, such as Hashim (2017), lament the decline in the ability to read Jawi script or old

characters among the younger generation. Digitization without efforts to build the capacity to read and interpret

is like building a digital library without readers. It is a futile endeavor. The literature also touches on preservation

technology aspects. Microfilm, for example, was once considered the ultimate solution (Jones, 2005), but we

now know that it also has a lifespan and requires specific maintenance. Thus, digitization is not a permanent

solution. It requires continuous data migration, something often overlooked in initial planning. The absence of a

long-term strategy for digital data preservation, as emphasized by Brown (2023), can lead to 'digital destruction'

as severe as physical destruction. This is a tragic irony.

Finally, community involvement. Most digitization projects are institution-driven, with minimal involvement

from local communities or the heirs of original owners. This, according to Azman (2020), leads to a lack of

ownership and support from those who should be the primary beneficiaries. Without them, digitization projects

will remain academic endeavors detached from their cultural roots. Overall, the literature review reveals a

perplexing reality. Despite numerous efforts and debates, we have yet to weave together a holistic solution that

can truly protect Malay manuscripts from the threat of extinction in the digital age.

METHODOLOGY

This study is based on a conceptual analysis methodology. This approach was carefully chosen, and indeed can

be said to be the only appropriate path, given the complex issue of digitizing Malay manuscripts, which cannot

be captured through conventional empirical methods in a short timeframe. It is not merely about collecting data;

it involves the process of dissecting ideas, weighing conflicting arguments, and constructing a coherent

framework of understanding. In other words, we do not just look at what has been said, but also what should

have been said, and the existing arguments presented. Thus, this method allows us to deeply explore the

complexity of the problem, excavate layers of meaning, and expose assumptions often hidden behind technical

or policy debates.

The research process began with the selection of critical documents. It was not a random search; instead, a strict

screening was conducted to identify journal articles, research reports, conference papers, and book publications

from related disciplines such as library science, digital humanities, heritage studies, and Malay history. Works

that were too prescriptive without strong theoretical support, or that merely reiterated old narratives, were

rejected. The focus was on texts offering new perspectives, challenging the status quo, or highlighting neglected

problems. This step involved repeated reading, examining the core arguments, methodologies, and conclusions

of each source.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

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Data, in this context, are concepts and ideas, not numbers or interviews. Each text was divided into conceptual

units; themes, arguments, examples, then reassembled to find clear patterns, contradictions, or gaps. For instance,

when examining discussions about technology, not only were the types of technology used noted, but discussions

about the accessibility of that technology, its cost, and the capacity of local institutions to manage it were also

scrutinized. This is a time-consuming process, requiring meticulousness and intellectual acuity. The main

objective of this analysis is to construct a theoretical synthesis that can comprehensively explain the complexities

of digitizing Malay manuscripts, far beyond mere technical discussions. We argue that this problem is the result

of a complex interaction between technological, policy, economic, and sociocultural factors.

By critically analyzing existing literature, it is hoped to identify recurring causes of failure and propose a more

pragmatic framework for solutions. This approach enables the development of a richer narrative, which not only

explains 'what' happened, but also 'why', and 'how' we can move forward. It requires the ability to see beyond

facts and statistics, interpret nuances, and integrate various perspectives into a cohesive view. This conceptual

analysis methodology, while not generating new empirical data, provides significant value in formulating a more

robust theoretical framework, which can then serve as a basis for future, more focused and directed empirical

studies. It is a process of enlightenment, not merely information gathering.

FINDINGS

The issue of digitizing Malay manuscripts does not merely lie in the absence of tools. It is deeply embedded

within a fragile systemic framework. The first problem, clearly, is the digital divide that exists between

institutions. Large libraries and archives in the capital may possess some advanced equipment; high-resolution

scanners, robust data servers, but small institutions in rural areas, which often house equally important

collections, have nothing at all. This is a painful injustice. They are forced to rely on outdated methods, or worse,

allow manuscripts to simply perish, while the knowledge contained within them may be irreplaceable.

This complexity is further compounded by the failure of national policies that are cosmetic and inconsistent.

Various agencies and ministries may have their own digitization initiatives, but they are not well-coordinated,

sometimes even competing for the same resources, an inefficient situation. No strong master policy—one that

binds all efforts, provides uniform standards, and guarantees continuous funding—exists, causing digitization

efforts to become a collection of small, directionless projects. This leads to resource wastage and continuous

confusion.

More alarmingly, the problem of manuscript literacy is becoming increasingly acute. What is the use of digitizing

thousands of manuscripts if no one is capable of reading and interpreting their content? The younger generation

is increasingly alienated from Jawi script, Rencong script, and traditional writing methods. This is not just a

technical problem; it is a serious cultural problem. We digitize materials, but we do not digitize the ability to

understand them, like building a bridge without an access road.

Furthermore, technical challenges persist, not at the initial stage, but at the long-term preservation stage. Digital

data, unlike physical manuscripts, needs to be constantly migrated and updated. Old file formats become

obsolete, storage hardware fails, and technology continues to change at a dizzying pace. There is no clear strategy

to ensure that this digital data can be accessed in one hundred or two hundred years, a clear planning failure.

hundreds of years ago? Can they be freely published online? This legal ambiguity hinders many initiatives, as

institutions fear legal implications. This creates a dilemma: preserving heritage with legal risks, or letting it

perish to avoid legal problems. Not to mention, there is also the reluctance of the community to be actively

involved.

Digitization projects are often seen as 'academic affairs' or 'government affairs,' not as important collective

endeavors. Without community involvement, which can contribute local knowledge, oral histories, or even

personal manuscripts, digitization projects will remain isolated efforts, not rooted in the society they are

supposed to serve. This reality, indeed, proves that the digitization of Malay manuscripts is far more complex

than merely scanning paper; it requires a comprehensive paradigm shift.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

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DISCUSSION

So, what does all this mean for the future of our heritage? In reality, the findings regarding the digital divide and

policy failures are not merely a reiteration of existing problems; they demonstrate how deep and entrenched

these complexities are.

We are talking about a national treasure that cannot be saved, not because of a lack of technology, but because

of systemic barriers and an inability to think in an integrated manner. This explains why digitization initiatives

often get stalled or fail, they are surface manifestations of more severe underlying policy and administrative

problems. It is entirely reasonable to assume that without a clear national policy, one that binds all authorities,

academic institutions, and civil society, any digitization effort will remain temporary, wasting time and resources.

Theorists like Foucault might argue that knowledge itself is power (Foucault, 1972), and the failure to effectively

digitize these manuscripts is a loss of power over the historical narrative and identity of the nation itself.

Collective memory is left to an uncertain fate. This leads to a fundamental question of who is responsible. Should

small institutions with limited budgets be expected to tackle this national-scale issue? That is unfair. The

seemingly fragmented governance structure often leads to overlapping jurisdictions and a lack of clear

accountability. This is not just an issue of efficiency; it is a matter of integrity and commitment to heritage. The

existing approach, which relies too heavily on isolated initiatives, seems to validate the view that cultural heritage

is merely a side project, not a cornerstone of nation-building. We should aggressively question this view. The

finding about the decline in manuscript literacy, furthermore, signals a greater danger.

Digitization without readers is a futility. This is not just about technicalities; it highlights the failure of our

education system to foster paleographic skills and understanding of old scripts. Imagine having all the world's

information online, but no one is capable of understanding it—it is a terrifying post-literacy scenario. It might

suggest that universities and higher education institutions need to seriously overhaul their curricula to include

these elements, not as peripheral subjects, but as core components of cultural identity building. It is reasonable

to speculate that if this situation persists, we will witness a generation literally unable to connect with their

intellectual roots, becoming blind to the richness of written heritage. This also indicates that existing theories of

digital accessibility (e.g., Heim, 1993) may need to be expanded to include "intellectual accessibility," i.e., the

ability to understand content, not just access its format.

Furthermore, the issue of long-term digital preservation has not yet received due attention. Many people assume

digitization is a 'one-time' solution, whereas in reality, it is a continuous process requiring significant resources

and expertise. This is a black hole in our planning. If we do not invest in sustainable digital preservation

infrastructure, we are only postponing destruction, not eliminating it. Digital data can also be corrupted, lost, or

become completely inaccessible, perhaps even faster than physical manuscripts if not managed correctly. There

is a poignant irony here: we worry about physical manuscripts decaying, but we worry less about digital data

that can be lost with a single mouse click.

Finally, the failure to involve the community is also a strategic weakness. Heritage does not belong only to

institutions; it belongs to the people. Without their involvement, the legitimacy and long-term support of

digitization projects will always be questioned. We need to rethink how we can empower local communities to

be part of this process, not just as recipients, but as active contributors. Perhaps we need to create

communitybased digitization models, where technology and expertise are brought to them, not the other way

around. This approach might be somewhat radical, but it is the only way to build a true sense of ownership.

Without these changes, the digitization of Malay manuscripts will remain a beautiful d6/3*ream difficult to

realize.

CONCLUSION

The journey to protect Malay manuscripts through digitization is more than just a technical endeavor; it is a

battle against apathy, policy fragmentation, and continuous cultural erosion. We have seen how the digital divide,

fragmented policy failures, and the decline of manuscript literacy collectively threaten this invaluable treasure.

Ironically, in an era where information access is becoming easier, our most important heritage remains confined

in fragile collections, or trapped in unsustainable digital initiatives. This indicates that we need to radically

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rethink how we approach heritage preservation. We can no longer accept piecemeal approaches. Instead, a

holistic approach that integrates technological, legal, educational, and community involvement aspects is the

only way forward. It demands high political commitment and deep collective awareness.

A comprehensive national policy framework, supported by consistent financial resources and managed by a

single coordinating body, appears to be the only way to overcome these oppressive challenges. This is not an

easy task. This study argues that immediate action is needed to prevent irreversible loss. It is as if we stand on

the edge of a chasm, and before us is the last chance to save a part of ourselves, our memory. Failure to act now

does not only mean the loss of manuscripts; it means the loss of a part of our identity, history, and the soul of the

nation.

Future research should examine the direct impact of implementing centralized digitization policies on the rate of

grassroots community involvement, especially in rural contexts, to assess the effectiveness of top-down versus

bottom-up models. If we continue to ignore the silent cries of this heritage, we will not only lose old documents;

we will lose our collective memory, and perhaps, a part of who we are as a nation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study is part of a research entitled Pendeskripsian Dan Pengkatalogan Manuskrip Melayu (Al-Quran & Al-

Sunnah). This study received funds from a special research fund from the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

(Project Reference No: UniSZA/2025/PPM08/RO101). Heartfelt gratitude to Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin for

the extended funds.

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