Issues and Challenges of the Conservation

of Buildings in Malaysia
Architectural Conservation
Abstract

The research investigates and describes the challenges and issues

that occur in architecture conservation in Malaysia. The study
examines the types of issues that they belong to and how it affect
its context and how government bodies such as UNESCO help to
solve conservation issues and whether they are effective in solving
them. Case studies are done to compare between conservation
methods and what are the solutions that are provided to counter
the issues that incurred.
Introduction

Malaysia’s history is largely embedded in its architecture, social

and cultural fabric, and of these the architectural fabric is
probably the most enduring one. In fact, heritage building is an
important element in town development which can be seen in
some cities in the world. It plays an important role in defining the
landmark within the urban area as well as generating income
and boosting the tourism industry.
Objective of Study

1. To understand issues that occur during conservation activities in

Malaysia
2. To identify the cause of these issues and how to prevent them in
the future of conservation
3. To identify solutions through comparison of case studies of
other successful model of architectural conservation in Malaysia
 Architectural conservation
describes the process through
which the material, history
and design integrity of
mankind’s built heritage are
prolonged through carefully
planned interventions.
What is Architectural conservation
Architecture deals with issues of
prolonging the life and
Conservation? integrity of architectural
character and integrity, such
as form and style, and/or its
constituent materials, such as
stone, brick, glass, metal and
wood.
Data Collection (Survey)

1. What is your own view on architecture conservation in

Malaysia?
“ Honestly it isn't implemented heavily enough, or widely appreciated by the general
public. A lot of practicing architects down to first year architecture students notice
its importance, but the public doesn't, not really at least. It's sad issue that our
heritage buildings are only protected by a simple label and as soon as that label
disappears, it gets immediately destroyed by some development company. We're a
very greedy and capitalistic society and that's unfortunate. “
Data Collection (Survey)

2. Awareness of conservation issues in Malaysia

 Common Issues
Architectural Conservation
Common Issues

1 Environmental

2 Organizational

3 Human

4 Financial

5 Technical
Data Collection (Survey)

3. Issues known to public.

• They are not maintained and preserved properly
• Lack of funding to maintain them
• Lack of cultural awareness on the importance of conservation
• Lack of public support and participation
• Lack of required professionals
• Heritage buildings are bought over by developers to be redeveloped which results in
the demolishing of heritage buildings.
Data Collection (Survey)

4. Which group(s) if issue does it belong to?

Data Collection (Survey)

5. In your opinion, which issue is the most significant in architectural

conservation in Malaysia?
Data Collection (Survey)

6. Reasons why Human and Finance is one of the significant groups.

Humans
• The public doesn’t appreciate things that they weren’t alive for. (awareness)
• Preservation and restoration of these buildings must be acknowledged as many
would then aid in the cause.
Financial
• Development over land
• Lack of funds result in abandoned buildings or demolition
• The owner has to bear the cost of preservation

“Humans are the source of both finance and development that would influence
whether conservation works will or not happen.”
Data Collection (Survey)

7. Are the issues that you know off being solved?

Data Collection (Survey)

8. The effectiveness in countering the issue.

Data Collection (Survey)

9. Suggestions to resolve the issues that are not being

solved.

• Having a significant united design into incorporating greenery

• Organize a fundraising campaign
• Reinforcement of laws
 Environmental

1 Economic Pressure

2 Building Condition

3 Building Location

4 Business Opportunity

5 Third Party Influence

Economic Pressure

Continuous change
in economy and
development patterns
create development
pressures in urban
and rural areas.
Building Condition

Functional and physical

obsolescence hinder
building capacity to
accommodate
households and firms
comfortably and
efficiently.
 Building Location and Business Opportunity

Buildings outside central areas are faced with issues of survival in

terms of business efficiency. While poor relative location may
ease the threat of redevelopment, poor proximity to markets,
competitors and pedestrian volumes will make it more difficult for
customer-oriented businesses to survive.
Third Party Influence

A row of shophouses
significant to Penang’s
past at the Sia Boey
Market site appears to be
on the brink of collapse,
despite assurances to
restore them back in
2015 by the Penang
government.
Case Study

Murals and Graffiti

Penang VS Klang
Case Study

• On 26th July 2017, Penang island’s

street art, especially its famous murals,
had become the targets of vandals.
• Among the worst affected was the
“Little Children On A Bicycle” street art
in Armenian Street where a bright
yellow “#4.0” was sprayed on the
painting of the children and some parts
of the bicycle too.
• The council had spent about 25% of
its RM100,000 annual maintenance
allocation to restore vandalised street
art pieces in 2017.
Case Study

• South Klang is also a place for artists

to portray their talents through street
art.
• However due to poor maintenance
and negligence, it also becomes a
meeting ground for alcoholics. They
are the cause for rubbish and clutters
of alcohol bottles making the alley
unpleasant and unsafe.
• This issue hasn’t been solved where it
is still prevailing on a daily basis.
 Organizational

1 Opposing Conservation Philosophies

2 Confusing Laws and Guidelines

3 No Standard Method of Conservation

Opposing Conservation Philosophies

Some architects believe

that old buildings are
not environmentally
friendly and functional
in this age and day.
Consumption of energy
also increases with the
usage of older buildings.
Confusing Laws and Guidelines

The change of guidelines

are not standardized
between international
organizations and local
organizations. Also,
architects that are
trained specifically for
conservation are lacks
in number.
No Standard Method of Conservation

The resultant of different

laws and regulations
create a realm of a
variety of methods
used in conservation
which are not
standardized. Many
problems arise such as
materiality issues,
decaying of materials
due to the chemical
reaction, etc.
Types of Organizations

1 Jabatan Warisan Negara

2 Badan Warisan Negara

3 UNESCO
 Jabatan Warisan Negara
(Local Government)

• National Heritage Department was established on 1st March 2006 to

conserve, maintain, protect and promote the rich treasures of
Malaysia’s heritage.
• The department plays a role in accordance to the National Heritage
Act, Akta Warisan Kebangsaan 2005 (Akta 645).
• Based on this act, the department executed researches, archeological
studies, conservation of buildings and monuments, publicising and
reinforcing the intangible and natural heritages.
 Jabatan Warisan Negara
(Local Government)

The main functions of the National Heritage Department are:

1. Maintaining and conserving the national heritage
2. Registering national heritage into the List of National Heritage
3. Operating researches and developments related to heritage
4. Documenting results as well as reference materials of heritage and publishing them
5. Planning, administering and coordinating heritage-related activities
6. Coordinating nominations and recognitions of national heritages in the world rankings
7. Monitoring the World Heritage Sites in Malaysia
 Badan Warisan Negara
(Local Private)

• Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is the

leading national heritage NGO with a reputation for
excellence services spanning nearly 30 years.
• As an independent registered charity our role is to raise
awareness of heritage issues and advocate for a
conversation-friendly environment in Malaysia.
 UNESCO
(International)

• A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is selected by

the UNESCO as having cultural, historical, scientific or other
form of significance, and is legally protected by international
treaties.

• To be selected, a World Heritage Site must be an already

classified landmark, unique in some respect as a
geographically and historically identifiable place having special
cultural or physical significance

• As of July 2017, 1,073 sites are listed: 832 cultural, 206 natural,
 UNESCO Heritage Sites: Penang and Malacca
Inscription Year: 2008 Type of Site: Cultural Inscription Criteria: II, III, IV

The properties were celebrated for the following outstanding universal

value:
1. Melaka and George Town represent exceptional examples of multicultural trading towns in
East and Southeast Asia. They were established by trading activities that result in the blending
of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures with three successive European colonial powers, over a
period of 500 years. This creates a lasting imprint on their architecture and urban form.
2. Melaka and George Town are a living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage and
tradition of Asia, and of the European colonial influences. The tangible as well as
intangible heritage of the two cities are expressed in its religious buildings of different
faiths, ethnic enclaves, spoken dialects, festivities, dances, attire, artform, cuisine
and lifestyle.
3. Melaka and George Town reflect the blend of influences that result in a unique form of
architecture, culture and cityscape incomparable elsewhere in East and South Asia. The
 Inscription
Criteria

1. "Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance"

2. "Exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time, or
within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or
technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design"
3. "To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to
a civilization which is living or which has disappeared"
4. "Is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or
technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in
human history"
5. "Is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use
which is representative of a culture, or human interaction with the environment
especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change"
6. "Is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with
beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance"
Data Collection (Survey)

10. Do you think that a heritage UNESCO title would

helped in solving and preventing further issues to occur?
Data Collection (Survey)

11. Why.
Yes

• “ I think it draws the right attention and saliency/relevance to the public. ”

• UNESCO provides firmer strategies towards conservation
• “ It is not easy to earn the UNESCO title, so people would try to conserve “
• UNESCO helps to put a certain value upon the building and this will in turn raises
public awareness.
• UNESCO provides world-wide recognition to the area, turning it into a tourism spot,
which helps to fund conservation practices.

No

• Achieving the title doesn’t mean it can’t be revoke if the criteria is not up to par.
Hence, once the title is achieved many would abused the UNESCO title to profit from
them instead of conserving and raising awareness.
Case Study

Street Life by UNESCO

Penang VS Klang
Case Study

• Under the efforts of international

(UNESCO) and local organizations
(Badan Warisan Negeri Pulau Pinang),
there are certain streets that have
become prominent in today's heritage
scene- such as Armenian Street in
Penang.
• In comparison, streets that exude
similar characteristics and charm such
as Jalan Stesen 1 in Klang are not as
prominent due to lack of guidelines that
are needed to be followed by the local
forces.
Case Study

• Both these streets have both similarities such as coffee culture

and pre-war shophouses that comprise the street, however the
main difference is that Armenian Street is located in the core zone
of UNESCO therefore must comply to the guidelines unlike Jalan
Stesen 1.
• By not following any guidelines, heritage buildings in Jalan Stesen
1 are cannibalised and renovated by modern means, thus
diminished the heritage value of the buildings.
 Human

1 Poor Communication

2 Poor Knowledge

3 Stringent Bylaws Requirement

Poor Communication

Miscommunication
between professionals,
craftsmen and general
labourers. The
complicated and
unpredictable nature of a
conservation project
creates a fertile ground
for disputes.
Poor Knowledge

Blurred boundaries
between what is
conservation,
preservation,
restoration,
maintenance and
refurbishment. Lack of
awareness in
conservation knowledge.
Stringent Bylaws Requirement

While bylaw requirements,

building codes, and
conservation guidelines are
intended to ease the
conservation process with
minimum interventions,
many organisations and
individuals found adhering to
these a hassling feat
without suitable
experience and
expertise.
Who’s Involved?

1 Tourism Operators

2 Heritage Managers

3 Local Community
 Tourism Operators

• Need to make a profit

• Need for a competitive advantage over other products
• Size of investment required and difficulties in raising finance
• Cost of establishing and managing operations
• Long lead time to receive approvals Long lead time to foster and
develop a target market especially an international market and
reach profitability
• Cost of providing service infrastructure in remote locations
• Cost of continuing to develop and service markets.
 Heritage Managers

• Tension between the need to protect the site and the pressure to
provide for public access
• Pressure for scant resources for conservation to be diverted to managing
tourism
• Assessment of the impacts tourism might have on the site and fear for
the impacts that may be difficult to predict
• Sensitivity regarding the information about the location, direction of
heritage site which public access may be undesirable
• The effect of increasing visitor to the surrounding areas, wildlife and
vegetation
• The physical capacity of the site to handle visitor
 Heritage
Managers

• Cumulative effects of tourism growth over time

• The need to provide visitor facilities
• Fears of loss of control of interpretation and inaccuracy and
manipulation of messages
• Effect and influence of volunteers and sponsors on the
management of the site
• The cultural and intellectual property implications of tourism such
as respect for sensitive information, copyright and use of
images in marketing and promotion
 Local Community

• Whether the visitor attraction is presenting a local community

perspective
• Whether community leaders have been identified and actively
consulted
• Whether religious or cultural sensitivities associated with the
use or presentation of heritage site have been adequately taken into
account
• How local people can take an active role in negotiating the
presentation, management and operation of the attraction
• How tourism industry give benefits for local people in maximized
• How negative impacts of tourism development can be reduced
Financial

The unpredictable nature

of conservation work, the
final cost of conservation
projects is often difficult to
ascertain. Unless the right
support is provided for
conservation projects, the
financial stakes are usually
high and therefore,
unattractive from a
business point of view.
 Technical

1 Poor Financial Support

2 Shortage of Material and Labour

Poor Financial
Support

Insufficient resources to
fully redevelop the building
into an appropriate new use
left the building to remain
vacant.
Shortage of material and
labour

To reproduce composite
materials and replicate crafts.
Due to lack of conservation skills
for the repair and maintenance of
historic architecture and the lack
of personnel trained in
preventive conservation. As a
result, conservation of such
historic buildings is discouraged
by the lack of manpower to
facilitate good maintenance.
Reversible Intervention
Architectural Conservation
 Reversible
Intervention

• Reversible Intervention is the ability to remove any

infrastructure that has been added onto site.

• Reversible Intervention must be able to be portable and

removable in a short period of time if requested.

• It is used as a way to save time, cut cost whilst simultaneously

caring for the surrounding environment and context.
Case Study

Reversible Intervention
Penang VS Malacca
Case Study

• In the core and buffer zones of a UNESCO Heritage Site, deep

piling and construction is not permitted due to the extreme
vibrations caused that may cause destruction to the surrounding
context.
• Reversible Intervention is a way to overcome this problem as we
may improve facilities without the probability of damage to other
buildings.
Case Study

• For example, the Menara Taming Sari, located in the buffer zone of
the Malacca Heritage Zone, arised many problems as it did not
comply to a ‘no piling’ rule.
• The 100 metre tower contributed slight damage to historical
landmarks around it such as A’Famosa and St. Paul Hill.
Case Study

• In comparison, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansions, located in the

buffer zone of Penang uses reversible intervention as a method of
improving facilities.
• An above ground pool allows new activities to run in the same
area without the probability of damage to the surrounding
historical context.
Approaches on Countering Issues
Architectural Conservation
Approaches on Countering Issues

1 Adaptive Reuse

2 Restoration and Preservation

3 Campaigns
 Adaptive
Reuse

• Adaptive reuse refers to the process of reusing an old site or

building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed
for.

• It can be regarded as a compromise between

historic preservation and demolition.

• It is seen as an effective to reduce overcrowding of buildings,

reducing urban sprawl and environmental impact.
UAB Building, Penang
 UAB Building

• Previously used as a bank then a warehouse, The UAB Building

is the home of Khazanah Nasional Penang Branch and the
Penang Office for Think City.

• The UAB Building won a LEEDS Gold Certification for its usage in
passive design strategies; one of the first heritage buildings in
the world to be given this award.

• The UAB Building is a perfect blend- a space for modern times

in a place of historical means.
 ThinkCity

• Established in 2009, its first task was to rejuvenate the historic

city of George Town, Penang.
• The success of this led to the expansion into 3 other cities,
Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur, and most recently Johor Bahru.
• Today, Think City works closely with local governments,
international agencies and various local communities, building
effective partnerships and enhancing capacity along the way.
• Through this, they hope to be able to deliver long-term holistic
and sustainable solutions for generations of today and
tomorrow.
UAB Building, Penang
 Restoration and
Preservation

• Conservation is the pure process by which individuals or groups

attempt to protect valued buildings from unwanted change.

• It is a pure act of protection and maintenance of a building in

their usual state.

• Unlike adaptive reuse, conservation of a building is to maintain

the same function as it previously was.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion,
Penang.
• Built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of the 19th
century, the mansion has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved
courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 vernacular timber louvre
windows.
• Previously used as a resident for his 7th wife but was then used
to house 30 different squatter families
• It took six years for the conservationists to repair The Blue
Mansion through a tedious process to preserve and restore as
much of its original fabric and structure.
 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion,
Penang.

In line with the restorative philosophy of ‘treading lightly and

touching softly’, the following methods were implemented with
strict and detailed attention:
● Restrained repairs – changing only what required changing
● Replication of the old – using only traditional methods and materials
● Re-use and recycling – little was discarded, particularly the timber and tiles
● Practicality and attention to details
● Research, consultation and networking with other conservation consultants and
artisans
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
 Campaigns

• Conservation Campaigns are political and public advocacy

campaigns to generate funding and policy outcomes.
• Penang Heritage Trail consists mainly of physical routes that a tourist
can take to explore historical areas in the city on foot. The trail is
divided into several routes and they are given descriptive names such
as Food Trail, Heritage Building Trail, Chinese Kongsi Trail, Old Trades
Trail, The Clan Jetties and Muslim Heritage Trail.
• Project Occupy Beach Street initiatives temporarily close streets to
automobile traffic so that people may use them for healthy and
fun physical activities like walking, jogging, biking dancing and
social activities- this project occupies many spaces of the Penang
Heritage trail.
Occupy Beach Street, Penang
Georgetown Festival, Penang
Data Collection (Survey)

12. Model example of architecture conservation in Malaysia that

are known to public.

• Kota A Famosa. It protects the history and brings more value to the state.
• Central Market. It's probably because there's an abundance of souvenir shops and
clothes; which attracts tourists.
• Jalan Laksamana old shophouses, they are well preserved by the organisation with
some modern architectural elements added.
• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Despite being almost demolished, this building was
restored from its poor condition and is now in use as a museum, guesthouse, etc.
• In Ipoh and Muar. The amount of restoration and efforts to conserve the
architecture has been amazing and effective in drawing tourists.
• Khoo Kong Si Temple in Penang, serves as a function and a heritage momento.
 The Board
Architectural Conservation
Conclusion

In conclusion, the study has proven that issues and challenges

are sourced mainly from the lack of availability in conservation
knowledge. More factors should be taken into when concerning
the issues of conservation such as educate the public about
heritage conservation, especially with those who are involved
in the fields of architects, engineers, historians,
archaeologists, chemists and environmentalists
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built-heritage conservation: Two controversial cases in Hong Kong. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from Science Direct
website:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197397510000871
3) Irene C. (May 2, 2016). Accounting: Facing up to challenges in preservation of heritage.
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http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/02/facing-up-to-challenges-in-preservation-of-heritage/
4) World Heritage Challenges for the Millennium.
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http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/world-heritage-challenges-for-the-millennium-2007-en.pdf
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042816302944
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https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2014/09/shsconf_4ictr2014_01059.pdf
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Chang Jing Jun 0326762
Chin Shee Wei 0322499
Foo Ji Sun 0323550
Lim Woo Leon 0322180
Premdyl Singh Shadan 0321979
Quah Keng Yew 0322893