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Preserving Traditional Malay Houses |
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Traditional Malay houses are among the earliest architectural structures that
served as the traditional dwelling place of the indigenous Malay ethnic
community in the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. To this
day, we can still see these traditional houses standing strong in rural areas or
the hinterlands. The craftsmanship has been passed down from generation to
generation and has undergone a transformation process over the years to keep up
with modernization. Traditional Malay houses also have various elements that
were considered before the construction process, and they have received
attention worldwide due to their unique features based on the religion and
culture of the community at that time. However, what are the steps needed to
preserve these traditional houses from being lost in time?
The main initiative in preserving traditional Malay houses is to identify the
characteristics and criteria of the architectural structure. Many of us are
familiar with the saying "you cannot love what you do not know." Therefore, the
authorities, in collaboration with historians and architectural experts, should
identify and establish the characteristics that are solid in categorizing a
traditional Malay house. For example, traditional Malay houses in Negeri
Sembilan have a different roof structure compared to those in other states,
while in Melaka, there are stairs decorated with colorful tiles. The
identification and research process can be used by scientists to make
traditional Malay houses a learning element at every level of the educational
institution. As a result, the younger generation will be exposed to the unique
architecture of traditional Malay houses and foster a love for this cultural
heritage.
Furthermore, preserving traditional Malay houses can be done by assimilating the
architectural structure into new buildings. The reality today is that
development in the country is progressing rapidly and growing like mushrooms
after the rain. However, most of the architectural designs do not have
traditional characteristics that can showcase the wealth of cultural heritage
that we possess. If we look back at the time when our country was colonized by
the Portuguese and British, they built buildings that had their country's
characteristics in Kota Melaka, such as the Stadthuys building that still stands
today. Therefore, as a nation that was once a major trading center in the world,
we need to have a higher vision than foreign colonizers. The National Museum is
the best example of assimilating traditional Malay architecture into iconic
buildings. It is hoped that architects and engineers assigned to build buildings
or housing projects will incorporate traditional Malay elements so that this
cultural heritage will not be lost due to modernization.
The next step in preserving traditional Malay houses is to promote them as
tourist attractions. This concept is a way to showcase the uniqueness that we
have to foreign tourists. Recently, the concept of homestay tourism has received
attention from the authorities. Foreign tourists will stay and enjoy the life of
the village community for several days to experience the culture and traditions
of the Malaysian community. On that occasion, well-maintained and beautiful
traditional houses should be their choice of accommodation. This can provide a
different experience for them while preserving our culture and national
heritage. It can also inspire them to add traditional elements learned to
decorate their homes there. Therefore, the homestay program needs to be
strengthened and promoted to attract more foreign tourists to experience
traditional Malay architecture.
In conclusion, preserving traditional Malay houses requires various initiatives
to ensure that this cultural heritage is not lost in time. Identifying the
characteristics and criteria of traditional Malay houses, assimilating
traditional architecture into modern buildings, and promoting traditional houses
as tourist attractions are among the steps that can be taken to preserve
traditional Malay houses. |
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