CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
The historical buildings in Malaysia are unique and attractive. Their designs
can be traced from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, European and Middle Eastern
cultures brought by traders who came to migrate or trade in the 16th century [1]. These
buildings are valuable assets to this country for their historical values and tourism
potential.
Historical buildings in Malaysia may possibly be classified into six
categories; namely shop houses, commercial buildings, religious buildings, private
houses, palaces and institutional buildings[2]. Most of these buildings are located in
the commercial or highly populated areas like major cities and towns in Malaysia.
Studies have shown that the structures of these buildings are still solid and intact, and
safe for occupation until today.
A survey carried out by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1993 on pre war
buildings in Malaysia had shown that there were about 37,000 units of historic pre
war buildings built between 1800 and 1948, in which most of the buildings have not
been properly preserved[3].
2
Poor maintenance has resulted in the damage of the structures of these
buildings, which ultimately caused rapid deterioration of the buildings. With poor
maintenance, pre war buildings have become difficult to be conserved. These poorly
maintained buildings become unsafe and unfit for occupation that often resulted in
demolition.
As we know historical buildings are important item to be prevent. It gives so
much benefit for education where appropriate with our historic, society and a vibrant
tourism industry where it is attributed to the country’s unique brand of culture in
Malaysia.
The public attitudes towards building conservation have gradually changed
ever since the successful adaptation of the Central Market project. The Central
Market project was started in August 1985 by refurbishing, renovating but yet still
retaining original façade, exterior and all its unique features. The once “wet” market
selling fresh meet, vegetable and fish was transformed, in a record of time nine
months, into a vibrant shopping, cultural and festival central right in the hearth of
Kuala Lumpur. [4]
The approaches on how the conservation practices by the organisations can
be moderate the consequence of the project successful. By the right implementation
on the conservation methods and management, the strange and weakness between the
organisations can be improved.
In other ways, the best practice for conservation by the conservation
organisation in Kuala Lumpur will be archived. In future, the refurbishment of the
building through conservation process has shown that adaptive re-use is possible.
The local authorities, government bodies, non-governmental organisations,
private sector and individuals spearhead conservation activities in Malaysia. Some of
these organisations are provided with manpower, authority as well as legislative
power to implement conservation activities. Some even have access to financial aid
from the international aids agencies like UNESCO and The World Monument
Watch[5].
3
These organisations are entrusted with the task of protecting and conserving
the pre war buildings. The Malaysian government has appointed these organisations
to preserve the cultural heritage of these buildings. The government had also
implemented new laws, carried out campaigns to create public’s awareness and
organised technical courses for the conservation work.
However, the effectiveness of the organisations’ involvement in conserving
the pre war buildings is still questionable. There is little evidence on their success in
conserving these buildings. Generally, there are still numerous pre war buildings that
are still left without proper maintenance and activities in these buildings are still
going on as usual.
This study will explore the weaknesses of the current practices of the
organisations involved in the conservation activities. It will also study the process
adopted by each organisation.
1.2
The Objectives of the Research
This study/research is aimed to investigate the current conservation practices
of conservation organisations in Kuala Lumpur. It will mainly focus on the following
areas:
1.
To identify on the conservation practices of the organisations in the Nongovernmental organisations, government bodies and local authorities.
2.
To identify the differences and problems of conservation process between
that organisations.
3.
To recommend the best conservation practice for the conservation
organisations in Kuala Lumpur
4
1.3
Methodology
For the purpose of research, methodology is a part of process to get
information and data collection. The research is on organisation that’s involved in
conservation practice in Kuala Lumpur. The following actions have been taken:
1. The literature review in chapter 2 and 3 is based on the readily available
books or articles that revolve on the building conservation subject. This is
to judge the whole idea of building conservation.
2. The semi-structure interview and questionnaire survey have been
administrated to the respective organisations of the Malaysia Heritage
Trust, National Museum and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. The standard
questionnaire had been prepared as to fulfil the objectives of the study. It
is only to be answered by project managers or who are directly involved
in monitoring the conservation work of each organisation.
3. Data derived from the reading materials and data collected from
questionnaires and interviews will be analysed in order to identify the
processes involved in the conservation work. The re-interview will be
done again to the respondent for the conformation of information.
4. The finding and recommendations will be made based on the analysis of
the data and the comparison to that practice in the United Kingdom.
The research methodology used to achieve the objective of the research is
depicted in Table 1.1. A brief guideline of the research methods is explained in this
section and the details research methodology is represented in chapter 4
5
Table 1.1 Research objectives methodology
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
1. To identify on the conservation
practices of the organisations
in
the
Non-governmental
organisations,
government
bodies and local authorities
2. To identify the differences and
problems of conservation
process
between
that
organisations.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Literature Review
CHAPTER 2: HISTORICAL BUILDING
IN MALAYSIA
CHAPTER 3: CONSERVATION
PRACTICE IN MALAYSIA
Questionnaire Survey
CHAPTER 4: COMPARATIVE STUDY
OF ORGANISATION INVOLVED
IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
IN KUALA LUMPUR
CHAPTER 5 : DISCUSSION ON THE
COMPARISON OF
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
3.To recommend the best
conservation practice for the
conservation organisations in
Kuala Lumpur
1.4
CHAPTER 6 : CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Scope of the Research
This research is focused on the conservation being implemented by the
Malaysia Heritage Trust but other organisations such as National Museum and the
Kuala Lumpur City Council will be mull over too. This study concentrates on pre
war buildings in areas gazetted by Kuala Lumpur City Council and pre war buildings
built between 1800 and 1948 gazetted by the National Museum.
This study is limited to comparison of conservation techniques and method
undertaken by:
i. The Malaysia Heritage Trust (Badan Warisan Malaysia)
ii. The National Museum – Museum and Antiquity Department
iii. Kuala Lumpur City Council – Conservation and Townscape Unit
6
1.5
Expected Findings
All the analysis based on the current conservation practices of the
conservation organisation in Kuala Lumpur. The expected findings will produce
from this study are:
1. Try to find out a standard process for the conservation activities.
2. A common understanding in conservation should be achieved so that all
organisation could work collaboratively towards for improve a common
conservation practice.
3. As a value added for best conservation practice, TPC practiced in the
United Kingdom should be ideally adapted since it has proven as efficient
and the works are more effectively done.
1.6
Organization of the Research
Table 1.2 Organization of the Research
CHAPTER
SUMMERY
Chapter 1
The synopsis of idea regarding to the conservation process
including the background, objective and scope of the research,
methodology, expected finding
Chapter 2
A brief historical preview of the historical building in Malaysia and
also type of defect of historical building in Malaysia.
Chapter 3
Definition of Conservation and Maintenance. Some of Policies and
Legislation Aspects for Conservation for categorised of historical
building. Also introduction to The Typical Conservation Process
(TCP) Practised in the United Kingdom.
Chapter 4
Comparative study of organisation involved in conservation
activities in Kuala Lumpur and involvement of the organisations in
conservation activities in Malaysia
Chapter 5
Discussion on the comparison of conservation practices among
three conservation organisations
Chapter 6
Conclusion and recommendation
7
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
Gurstien, P (1985) Malaysia Architecture Heritage Survey – A Handbook, Malaysia Heritage Trust. Page 2
Kuala Lumpur City Council (1996). Kajian Pengekalan Bangunan Di Dalam Kawasan Pusat Bandar Kuala Lumpur,
Conservation and Townscape Unit, Planning and Building Control Department, Kuala Lumpur City Council.
Syed Zainal Abidin, I (1997) Permeliharaan Warisan Rupa Bandar, Malaysia Heritage Trust. Page 194
http://www.centralmarket.com.my/history/index.asp
Malaysia Tourism Board (1998), Kampung Cina Kuala Terengganu, Pamphlet Malaysia Tourism Board – Malaysia
Heritage Trust (Badan Warisan Malaysia – BWM).