Changes and Threats in the Preservation of the Traditional Malay Landscape

Abstract

The cultural landscape is regarded as being of the most complex designs which involves interactions between man, nature, cultural values and the associated built environment. Issues relating to the degradation of the cultural landscape are often caused by rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. The traditional Malay Landscape exists through harmoniously balanced interactions between man, nature and culture together with the traditional house, and contains unique and interesting features that have to be preserved as one of the most important cultural heritage sites. However, the preservation of heritage in Malaysia tends to focus more on architectural buildings rather than adopting a holistic approach that includes the surrounding environment of where the building is located. The absence of such approach has contributed towards the loss of the traditional Malay Landscape. This study highlights the changes and threats in the preservation of the traditional Malay Landscape by focusing on the preservation of a traditional house compound. The research employs a qualitative approach which involves site visits, interviews, and document analysis concerning the research topic. The old Malay villages located in Tumpat, Kelantan and Alor Gajah, Melaka have been selected as case studies. The findings reveal that the changes and threats include four underlying aspects; Unsuitable and inappropriate uses, Ownership Problems, Inadequate fund and consultation and Current development trends. The study concludes that the traditional Malay Landscape is facing numerous changes and threats in terms of its physical characteristics, environmental aspects and cultural values. In addition, the study reveals that traditional Malay landscape is not seen here as an integrating, holistic concept.

Implementing the Malaysian Heritage Garden as the Identity for National Landscape: Case Study in Putrajaya

“…The cultural landscape is regarded as being of the most complex designs which involve interactions between man, nature, cultural values and the associated built environment (Harun et al, 2017). According to Sumardjo (2000), culture is a system of symbols which rely on the wearer, an organisation symptom (behavioural), objects (woodworking tools and production ideas (beliefs and knowledge) and sentiment (attitudes and values).…”

The Recognition of Fragrant Plant Characteristic in Enhancing the Place Image for Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak

“…Some studies found that fragrant plants are mostly used and adopted in the traditional Malay landscape to portray Islamic concepts and elements (ibid). Moreover, Harun, Mohd Ariffin, & Abdullah (2017) found that diverse species of plants are related to everyday activities in a traditional Malay house. Whereby, Ramle, Shuaib, Abdullah, & Mat Rasat (2014) states that the type of plants growing in the Malay village has specific functions that are beneficial in the Malay daily of life such as fruit trees, herbs, or medicines.…”

The Importance of the Conservation/Preservation Works: A Challenge Towards the Future of National Heritage

“…On the other hand, archaeological research usually will only cost less than 5% of the total conservation cost of the building. Thus, it is misleading for many to consider archaeological research is expensive and hence to be omitted from conservation work (Caple, 2000;Harun, Ariffin, & Abdullah, 2017).…”