| 总结: | Every town has beauty, unique and distinct characteristics of its own. Unfortunately,
despite having rich historical and architectural reserves, towns of a small scale in South-
East Asian countries including Malaysia have been overlooked. Thus, this research
aimed to examine the protection measures with regard to sustaining the unique features
and identity of small towns in Malaysia. This research seeks to identify place
attachment indicators and characteristics of small towns in Malaysia based on case
studies of Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor, Sungai Lembing in Pahang and Kampung
Kepayang in Perak. The study also critically analyzes the existing plans, policies and
legislation impacting development of small towns in Malaysia and recommends
protection approaches to enhance and sustain the towns’ unique features and identity.
The research adopts mixed methods approach as the appropriate research technique.
Quantitatively, the study draws on questionnaire survey with residents and nonresidents
of the towns. A total of 637 respondents were involved and different
perceptions on elements and qualities associated with the towns’ identity were observed
in the survey. The qualitative approach involves field observation and a series of semistructured
interviews with nine key stakeholders from a range of organizations involved
in heritage matters. The study also draws on a review of relevant international charters
and guidelines as well as national, state and local approaches to built heritage
protection.
The findings highlight the physical built environment including both man-made and
natural features, human activities as well as meanings and associations as the most
fundamental components influencing the identity of small towns in Malaysia. However,
this research reveals that the existing protection mechanisms have only limited impact
on the locally significant places. Although there are provisions for protecting the places,
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the research concludes that the existing legislations, policies and plans are lacking and
insufficient with regard to the protection of built heritage at the local level. Accordingly,
the protection is solely based on discretion of the local authority and hence, creates
faultiness about the place. In this regard, this research provides recommendations that
take into consideration the existing character of a place for effective protection and
enhancement of unique features and identity in small Malaysia towns. This approach
requires greater cooperation between key stakeholders, financial assistance as well as
the integration not only between tangible and intangible components of place identity
but also integration of built heritage within the overall planning system.
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