The seen and unseen: Exploring place identity of market place in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The roles of the marketplace in promoting place identity have been the central focus of the UN- Habitat and stakeholders around the globe. The notion of marketplace relating to place identity, place attachment and sense of place have gained attention by Malaysian researchers but much focused on the overt of the marketplaces compared to the covert. This study aims to explore how the seen and unseen elements coexist and enhance place identity. The objective is to discover the influence of overt and covert parameters on marketplace identity through the cultural mapping among four different regions in Peninsular Malaysia. This study employs a qualitative approach through direct non-participant observation and cultural mapping at the four selected marketplaces: Pantai Suri floating market in Tumpat, Kelantan, Pasar Bisik in Penaga, Penang, Pasar Jerami in Sungai Besar, Selangor and Pasar Borneo in Masai, Johor. The overt and covert of each market were carefully observed and mapped, where three substantial outcomes were revealed. First, the social interaction and transaction, social activities and social connectivity at the market portray the covert aspect as vital for place identity. Second, marketplaces have the potentials as dynamic community public spaces to get fresh daily products and promote local heritage and tourism. Third, marketplaces face threats from climate change, pandemic Covid-19, and the diminishing local culture and traditions. In conclusion, the covert and overt of marketplaces should be equally preserved as they become primary components for developing a regional place identity.