Greater effort needed to conserve historical buildings - Expert
Such initiatives are vital and must be pursued with greater effort to preserve the architectural and aesthetic value of historical buildings.
KUALA LUMPUR - Conserving historical buildings in Malaysia is not only about preserving the physical evidence of national identity and culture but also about showcasing the development and progress of local communities.
Universiti Malaya, Faculty of Built Environment, senior lecturer Dr Zuraini Md Ali, emphasised that such initiatives are vital and must be pursued with greater effort to preserve the architectural and aesthetic value of historical buildings.
"When we look at a historical building, we are simultaneously uncovering its history.
"Through the building's design, we can trace how it has evolved from one era to another," she said during her appearance on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia recently.
She noted that under the National Heritage Act 2005, a historical building is not evaluated based on mere age but also other criteria such as historical significance, design, and aesthetic features, as well as scientific and technical innovations or achievements.
She added that efforts to preserve historical buildings initiated by past figures should also be recognised, such as the National Museum Department’s first director-general Tan Sri Datuk Mubin Sheppard, who established early initiatives to preserve dilapidated buildings with architectural value.
"Beyond technological value and knowledge, these buildings also impact the heritage of a place, particularly in economic terms.
"Preserving historical buildings can also inspire the public to participate in maintaining the architecture of these historical structures,” she said. - BERNAMA
