Abstract:
Malaysia has an array of Heritage Building’s (HB’s) most of which have been standing for centuries
that are exceptionally valued from the point of view of Architecture and History. Valuable as they are,
these HB’s are thus assets legally declared to be strictly protected (otherwise termed conservation)
according to statutory guidelines. The National Heritage Act among others is a statutory document
guiding conservation of HB’s in Malaysia superintended by The Ministry of Culture, Arts and
Heritage. This study reviewed the benefits and hindrances to the sustainable conservation of HB’s in
Malaysia. This study shows that while there are enormous benefits reaped from conservation of HB’s,
there also exist hindrances to the conservation process that could be attributed to planning and
implementation at a policy, program and project level. These hindrances ultimately poses challenges
to conservation of HB’s thereby making conservation of HB’s in Malaysia unsustainable. A way
forward lies in the need for immediate action to addressing such challenges through sustainable
processes, principles and policies. One that strives to strike a balance between environmental,
economic, social cultural benefits for all generations. One that is sustainable. As such, a prompt need
for Malaysia to benchmark world’s best practices in the conservation of HB’s that will address
notable challenges was recommended. Furthermore, owners of HB’s (public and private) must make
continuous implementation of the results on such best practices a core priority thus making the
conservation process sustainable.
