A quick search on the Information Department of Malaysia’s MyFoto website showed that the oldest photo in the system is that of Hospital Sungai Petani, Kedah.
It was taken on May 8, 1948, by Chia So Ho.
Beyond the colonial building, it shows an era when trishaws and bicycles ruled the streets.
From photos of people working at an oil mill in Kanchong Darat, Selangor, in 1949, to present-day images of frontliners setting up vaccination centres nationwide, MyFoto’s image bank has documented every important milestone in the country.
This provides a comprehensive and authoritative platform for history buffs to better understand the country – from the vehicles of the period, the fashion trends, to decorative styles and architectural elements of the day.
Several other platforms that allow people to search for images and even purchase them, include the New Straits Times Press’ Klik, Bernama, and the National Archives of Malaysia.
MyFoto is described as a data bank of official functions and important milestones that have been recorded by the Information Department since the late 40s.
Its resource centre also provides reference services, bookings, and sales of images. The Information Department also distributes official portraits of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong, and the prime minister, for free.
To know more about MyFoto, call 03-89117412 or email libfoto18@gmail.com.
