INVENTORY OF MALAY ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE IN GOMBAK DISTRICT, SELANGOR

Abstract

Gombak District in the Klang valley contributes considerable importance to the history of Malay settlement which traces back to hundreds of years. This led to the existence of Malay architectural heritage in the Gombak district. Hence, this research seeks to discover the Malay architectural heritage that still retains the Malay traditional features and design identity. The traditional Malay buildings in Gombak were identified and later documented in an inventory form. The research involved a combination of literature review, onsite inventory, and face to face semi-structured interview methods. Thirty-nine (39) Malay traditional houses and masjids from 13 villages in Gombak are identified, which were built more than 80 years while a few were 140 years old. The research also revealed that 35 of the heritage buildings are still sturdy and preserved. Proactive preservation initiatives and conservation efforts need to be carried out immediately to conserve the traditional Malay houses and masjids to be appreciated by future generations.