A Study of problems involved in the conservation of historic settlements in Malaysia, case study : Kuala Selangor, Selangor

Abstract

In recent years certain circumstances occurring in the historic settlements of Malaysia have been having an adverse influence on some of their particular attributes. Such attributes give the historic settlements their special character and are of significant cultural and historic importance, perhaps even irreplaceable. Their loss is a matter of serious consequence. The major objective of the study is to develop a better understanding of the processes and repercussions of change in the historic settlements by studying them in some detail and to put forward suggestions for the improvement of the present planning process. To achieve the aim the special attributes of the historic settlements were identified. They were examined in a numbers of historic settlements of Kuala Selangor, Selangor in order to determine their past and present characteristics and the nature of the effects to which they have been subject. The role of the planning process in anticipating and reacting to such changes was examined. A broad range of information was collected from various sources and through a field survey carried out in the selected settlement. The collected information was analysed with particular regard to the special attributes. It became apparent that the special attributes of the historic settlement are being adversely affected to varying extents because of the changes occurring. The legislation procedures though found to be fragmented, however, appear to be appropriate protection of the identified special attributes. It is also evident that the planning policies as contained in the Structure Plans/Local Plans have generally proved unsuccessful in arresting the present trends. In the long term it may be possible to reduce the scale of the adverse effects, though this is likely to take a fairly considerable period of time, significant resources and a substantial commitment to certain managerial measures and other planning requirements. Detailed conclusions have been arrived at and specific suggestions are made for the formulation of guidelines to improve the planning process in Malaysia with regard to its operation in the historic settlements.