The National Archives of Malaysia was established in 1957. Emergency operations were immediately begun to rescue those records which had survived but were in deplorable condition. In 1962 a bindery was established. In 1965 the National Archives and Library of Malaysia established the Preservation Division. In 1966 a microfilm unit was established. The initial effort was directed mainly towards microfilming newspapers, important records, brittle books, and other materials. The main problem in Malaysia, is the absence of centers for formal training in document restoration and book binding, facilities for research in conservation techniques and testing of repair materials, etc. In an effort to solve the problems, the National Archives and Library of Malaysia initiated and successfully established, with the support of Unesco in 1968, the Southeast Asian Regional Branch of the International Council of Archives (SARBICA). See also <i>AATA 12-48. -- AATA