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.

Tabulation and Landscape Characters of Lenggong Valley’s Malay Traditional Houses

“…Landscape plays an important role to support the traditional composition of Perak Malay traditional houses. According to Harun et al (2017), the traditional Malay landscape is the balanced interactions between man, nature, and culture in tandem with traditional houses which is critical to preserve as one of the cultural heritage sites.…”

“…Preservation of heritage in Malaysia is weighted more on the architectural buildings than the support system provided by the environment where the building is located (Azizi et al, 2015). This subsequently caused the loss of the cultural landscape (Harun et al, 2017) especially taking into account the influence of historical information and the setting of locals' daily routine that can be reflected through the landscape. The traditional Malay landscape provides historic information and the reflection of daily life and the principle of the Islamic religion of Malay communities.…”

Exploring the Guideline Criteria for Malaysian Garden Design Concept

“…The MGC is strongly connected to the cultural landscape theory, which views landscapes as a product of human interactions with the natural environment. The cultural landscape is the most intricate design involving interactions between man, nature, cultural values, and the associated built environment [3]. It goes beyond the mere physicality of the land and encompasses the intangible aspects that contribute to a place's overall character and identity.…”

“…This historical context has helped to solidify the Malay Garden concept as a prominent feature in MGC design. 3 Government policy…”

Landscape and Plants Profile Analysis in Rural Perak

“…Today, the criteria continue to be sufficient and exhibit the landscape implications. In planning, sustaining landscape profiles are important in; (i) preserving the authenticity of tradition, (ii) establishing the expertise of the field, (iii) managing natural resources and (iv) conserving the heritage (Harun et. al (2017), Harun et.…”