Full 46.1 - Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia

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THE MALAYSIAN SURVEYOR | Vol.46 | No.1 | 2011 PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN Maintaining Heritage Buildings in Malaysia Dr Sr Syahrul Nizam Kamaruzzaman 1 Building Surveying Department, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya Dr Emma Ahmad Zawawi 2 & Aiman Omar Department of Building, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Mara 1 syahrulnizam@um.edu.my 2 emmamarinie@salam.uitm.edu.my As more new buildings are being built, the chances of old valuable buildings to be demolished and abandoned are high. Furthermore, it will create future generations who neglect and ignore the value of heritage buildings. Some of the many issues related to maintaining heritage buildings involve the feeble and vague legislations towards preserving these buildings, poor awareness and knowledge among parties involved and the lack of availability in obtaining materials for maintaining heritage buildings. The objectives of this research include identifying the problems involved in maintaining heritage buildings and identifying the significance of maintaining these buildings. The case studies include buildings that fall under Category 1 buildings within primary zone as stated by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall 2008 Development Plan. This case study revealed that the lack of detailed and specific guidelines seem to be the major problems in maintaining heritage buildings followed by the lack of availability in obtaining similar building materials, the lack of awareness among parties involved in maintaining heritage buildings and insufficient amount of in-house maintenance staff. This research offers strong reference and base for future research by highlighting the issues that need to be emphasised in maintaining heritage buildings. 30
The Professional Journal of The Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia …heritage conservation is important for historical evidence, architectural values, education, local pride and tourism. Introduction It is no surprise that heritage buildings around the world including Malaysia play an important role in the history of nations. Furthermore, historical buildings are valuable because they are important to the economy in terms of tourism revenue. Therefore, the urge for adequate maintenance and preservation of historical buildings is essential not only for cultural development but also for economic demands. According to Ahmad ((a)2009), heritage conservation is important for historical evidence, architectural values, education, local pride and tourism. He said tourism is the second most important sector in Malaysia’s economy, with 22.5 million foreign tourists visiting Malaysia in 2008, bringing in RM49.1 billion (USD16.2 billion) in revenue. Some of the influences of Malaysia’s heritage structures came through the colonial British and Portuguese influences. Other than introducing new economic patterns, they have eventually left their marks and impact on Malaysia by constructing buildings that reflect their architectural value, for instance in cities such as Kuching, Sarawak; George Town, Penang; Malacca etc. In Malaysia, historic buildings can be found in most urban areas and some in rural areas. The historic buildings can be categorised into several types such as traditional architecture (the traditional timber Malay houses), shop houses of inimitable architectural styles (the Early Permanent Style, Straits Eclectic Style or the Art Deco), colonial influence (railway stations, old government buildings, mansions and courthouses); and religious buildings (traditional and Moorish-influence mosques, churches and temples) (Ahmad,1998). Today, some of these buildings still remain undamaged and maintained their inventive characters even as others have been repainted for several times or have new accessories to the buildings. Sadly, a few have been left redundant or demolished to give way to modern development (Ahmad, 1998). Current Scenario of Heritage Buildings in Malaysia Recently in Malaysia, UNESCO has declared George Town, Penang and Malacca as UNESCO Heritage Sites thereby making historical building maintenance more important. This status has brought the country involved in what would be the biggest conservation project known (Khor, 2009). Today, the Federal Government is doing a lot more to help conserve heritage buildings in Malaysia. Efforts are now underway to restore historical buildings in Perak. According to the Archaeologist Division Principle Assistant Director, Mat Nasir Baba in the Star Online, Perak heritage buildings are being restored. The efforts to restore old buildings in the state will not only preserve the country’s heritage but also make them a tourist attraction (Bernama, 2009). He further explained that the department is now actively carrying out research on several more historical sites in Perak that can be included in the restroration programme (Bernama, 2009). (a) Lack of Funds It is not possible for a heritage building to be free from decay and deterioration. Maintenance work does not only involve time and inspection but it also engages — most importantly — money. Most of the tenants of shop houses in Kuala Lumpur are of low income status. Therefore, they face maintenance issues with their decayed buildings. Moreover, certain tenants do not take any action or initiative to remedy it and some move out of the old buildings Peer Review 31
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Page 3 and 4: The Malaysian Surveyor is a quarter
Page 5 and 6: Celebration Activities for the 50 t
Page 7 and 8: Launching of the 50 t h Anniversary
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Full 46.1 - Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia

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