Preserving and Conserving Malay Royal Towns Identity in Malaysia

Abstract

Malay Royal towns in Malaysia are the best evolution examples of Malay towns dating from the 16th century which have a strong related history of old Malay Kingdom that are worthy of preservation. This paper aims to discover the significance of the royal towns so as to ensure its preservation. This research managed to identify the townscape characteristics that shaped the identity of Malay Royal towns in Malaysia. Based on the historical and physical evidences that are still exist, five (5) royal towns that gazated will be selected as study area namely; Anak Bukit (Alor Setar), Klang, Sri Menanti, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu. This study utilized a series of qualitative approaches that included literature reviews of scholarly articles, historical map overlay, semi-structured interviews and site observations. The findings from this research expose that Malay Royal towns have a great significant in the development of Malay towns in Malaysia. These towns also reveal a few of townscape characteristics that are associate as an urban heritage, rich with identity, cultural and architectural significance. The paper concludes that a conventional conservation approach it seems insufficient to preserve and maintain the whole ideas of a Malay Royal town identity. A new comprehensive method of preservation and conservation will be generate in order to sustain the identity of the Malay Royal towns that represents the local and national identity.