TWO WATERFRONTS, TWO STORIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TANJUNG CHALI AND THE MELAKA RIVERFRONT

Abstract

Urban heritage waterfronts are essential elements for shaping place identity, preserving historical narratives and memories, and supporting local tourism development. This study compares two heritage waterfronts in Malaysia, namely Tanjung Chali in Alor Setar and the Melaka Riverfront in Melaka, to evaluate the role of physical landscapes, conservation policies, and the implications of development for heritage sustainability. Tanjung Chali reflects Kedah’s early identity as a traditional trading hub, yet it has received comparatively less attention in conservation efforts. In contrast, the Melaka Riverfront has undergone rapid transformation through conservation and commercialisation projects, making it an iconic world heritage-based tourism destination. The study employs document analysis, historical maps, secondary data, and field observations to identify the similarities, differences, and key challenges faced by both waterfronts. The findings reveal that although both sites share historical value and strategic riverfront locations, differing management approaches have produced divergent development trajectories: the Melaka Riverfront emphasises the commercialisation of heritage, whereas Tanjung Chali remains localised and underdeveloped. This article underscores the need for a balanced management model that reconciles conservation and development, thereby offering policy recommendations to strengthen Tanjung Chali’s potential as a sustainable heritage destination without compromising its original identity.