This study presents a metadata framework for the digitisation and accessibility of Malaysian historical newspaper collections. It employs a design-based methodology guided by two research questions: (i) What are the metadata requirements and challenges specific to Malaysian historical newspaper archives? and (ii) How can a metadata framework be designed to support effective digitisation, preservation, and user access? The research comprises three essential components: (i) selection of a policy framework; (ii) assessment and evaluation of metadata standards; and (iii) construction of a metadata framework tailored to the requirements of Malaysian historical newspapers. The proposed framework combines standard features with custom fields for cultural and linguistic significance through a comparative analysis of metadata standards, including Dublin Core and its extended DCMI Metadata Terms (ISO/NISO standard), MODS, METS, ALTO, and PREMIS. The prototype, implemented in Omeka, demonstrates a scalable and locally relevant method for cataloguing and conserving Malaysian newspaper information. The framework strengthens efforts to refine metadata practice in heritage digitisation by integrating global standards with national and institutional requirements.