Challenges in Conserving Heritage Buildings in Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Conservation of heritage buildings is a new phenomenon in architecture in Malaysia. The state of Terengganu is especially famous for its wealth of traditional cultural heritage and heritage treasures left behind, especially old buildings that have high cultural value and symbolize the identity of a nation. Its existence greatly benefits the community, nation and even the country. Efforts to preserve historical heritage buildings from the threat of destruction are carried out comprehensively and committed by all parties including the government, NGOs and even the local community. This study aims to discuss the challenges faced in conserving heritage buildings in detail. In this study, three historical heritage buildings in Terengganu were chosen as the study location, namely the Tengku Long Palace, the Chinese Village Building, and the Bukit Besi Museum. This study uses qualitative research methods and the data is analyzed using NVIVO software. A total of 30 respondents consisting of the local community and also experts in the heritage department were interviewed in depth about the challenges in conserving heritage products in Terengganu. The results of the study found that some of the problems and challenges encountered in the conservation carried out on the heritage tourism products involved are definitional confusion, difficulties in the matter of announcing a heritage building, new building projects around the construction site, vandalism activities, high land value to be developed , difficulty in obtaining spare materials, lack of experts, documentation, lack of some additional provisions and lack of cooperation of privately owned building owners.