HOW CONSERVATION WORKS TAKE PLACE IN MALAYSIA

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER 1
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Building Conservation 1-2
1.2 Conservation Process 2-3
1.3 Conservation Framework in Malaysia 4-7
CHAPTER 2
2.0 Type of Conservation Work 8
2.1 Restoration of Istana Bandar , Jugra , Kuala Langat, Selangor. 9-10
2.2 Adaptive reuse of Istana Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang 11-12
2.3 Rehabilitation of the Mulong Old Mosque, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. 13-15
CHAPTER 3
3.0 Conclusion & Recommendation 16
REFERENCE

1BSS653 BUILDING DESIGN & CONSERVATION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Our country, Malaysia has many settlements and issues of historic and cultural
significance that are worthy of preservation for sustainable development. However, many of
them subjected to urban modernization. Therefore, the heritage buildings should be
documented as it is to conserve old buildings for the future generation. Heritage buildings are
part of human creation, which produces icons for a country, provides local identity, reflects the
cultural values and background, represents a source of memory, historical events, and
contributes to the tourism industry. A heritage building consist sentimental value for the new
generation to be remember.
1.1 BUILDING CONSERVATION
Conservation of heritage buildings is a general term referring to the activities of
conservation on buildings, monuments and sites include some other activities such as
maintenance (preservation), restoration (restoration), overhaul (repair and rehabilitation),
reconstruction (reconstruction) and adjustments to (adaptively reuse) or any combination of
them. It is also called the "conservation" that combine remedial action and maintenance.
ICOMOS (Burra Charter Article 1.4, 1999) has defined as the process of conservation
conserve cultural significance of a place that can preserve. National Heritage Act, 2005 (Act
645) states that "conservation" includes preservation, restoration, reconstruction,
rehabilitation and reconciliation or where affiliates. "Maintenance" under Act 645 are measures
aimed to stop further deterioration, decay or dilapidated to buildings, monuments and sites. It
includes:
i. Mechanical or slowing the process of deterioration, decay or worn condition of
an item or structure;
ii. Improvement of structural conditions to make a structure safe, habitable, or
otherwise useful;
iii. Regular maintenance and minor repairs that do not change or harm the
appearance of the fabric or the history of a structure.

Accordingly conservation initiatives or conservation of the building is intended to:
1. Maintain and strengthen the heritage and history of the buildings, monuments
and sites;
2. Protect and ensure the buildings, monuments and heritage sites are safe and
remain for the period beyond a few generations to become a reference,
education and memories of the generations present and future;
3. Buildings, monuments and heritage sites are part of evidence to an event or
historical importance. He became a physical background to the story of the
history that will be presented to future generations. This historical background
that will shape the face and identity of Malaysia.
4. Heritage will be an important asset for the country, whether for education and
for the return of the economy through the tourism industry, the reference R &
D and dignity in the eyes of the world. An important heritage to be shared with
the citizens of the world as a world heritage recognition universal as the
UNESCO World Heritage List.
1.2 CONSERVATION PROCESS
The implementation of a conservation project involving various professional fields and
specialties such as architects, building surveyors, quantity surveyors, engineers, scientists
and conservators building. Not forgetting historians and art experts whose role is to translate
the historical background and works of art (sculptures, murals and decorative elements)
related. Meanwhile, building conservation work should be done by a contractor building a
credible and relevant experience to the work of the conservation of heritage buildings. This
includes craftsmen, sculptors and artisans were able to preserve the building, and decoration
elements without affecting the originality (authenticity) in respect of heritage buildings.
A conservator will distinguish good building conservation measures and restoring the
building's original authenticity versus cosmetically beautify the building. Add a little treatment
and repairs to buildings that look more beautiful is a big mistake because it is not genuine and
confuse the real historical facts. And it works the way conservation will eliminate intergrity,
authenticity and heritage value of the building.
Conservation of heritage buildings can sometimes be harmful than beneficial to the
heritage building if its implementation is not in accordance with the principles and approaches
to conservation that right because the building will not only be affected in terms of authenticity,
lost the heritage but more unfortunate heritage buildings suffered damage, permanent

disability or destroyed. Thus, it is very important to know, understand and practice the basic
principles of conservation so that it does not damage the heritage buildings which usually is
unique and cannot be searched instead when devastated. Among the basic principles of
conservation of heritage buildings and agreed international practice, particularly UNESCO
(Malaysia is a member state of UNESCO) are as follows:
i. Minimize interference (intervention) such as repairing only the structure and
fabric of historic buildings damaged only, while still intact authenticity must
be maintained.
ii. Applying scientific research and laboratory tests to determine the content
and nature of the construction materials and the level of damage. Results
of scientific research and laboratory tests can be used as supporting
evidence in making decisions about the conservation work that will be done
later.
iii. Carry out documentation of conservation work before, during and after.
Documentation is very important not only as a medium in the decision-
making but also as a record and reference materials in the future.
Condition of “dinding kelarai” of the Masjid
Ihsaniah Iskandariah building in Perak
Conservation work on the building including
replacement of new “dinding kelarai”
The conservation work finished with a new
painting finishes

1.3 CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK IN MALAYSIA
In a heritage building conservation project, a specific framework should be designed
and followed to ensure implementation is comprehensive and systematic. Basically there are
at least five important stages observed in this framework, namely:
Stage One: Preliminary investigation
Preliminary investigation stage is to obtain information on the building to be conserved
and the environment covers the history, architecture, building owners or occupants and also
any maintenance work related. All information gathered will then be presented in a full report
Preliminary Study. The preliminary report of which will be explained in relation to the
justification of a building that needs to be conserved. This report is a guide to the decision
maker to determine whether the building should be preserved or otherwise.
Second stage: Study Damage (dilapidation survey)
Study Dilapidation (dilapidation survey) is a study carried out on the building to be
restored with the aim of identifying the level of disability of the building. Dilapidation study also
aims to identify the causes of defects in the building as well as a proposal and suitable
conservation methods. In this study the use of certain equipment and methods proper
documentation is essential to ensure that the results of this study can be used as a backup to
the next action or decision regarding the proper approach to conservation. This stage is
sometimes require study science lab when certain tests are needed.

Third Stage: Preparation of Tender Documents
The tender document preparation stage is very important stage where all decisions
relating to the conservation approach has been made by professional members involved in
conservation projects. In this level quantity surveyor will work with the architect and consultant
conservator building in determining the scope of work and the appropriateness of the methods
and techniques adopted conservation building. As a result of discussions with, quantity
surveyor can ensure conservation project cost estimate of the proposed building. This stage
is considered critical in building conservation framework for the failure of the consultant to
determine the estimated cost of the whole project properly will cause the cost implications of
a conservation project.

Stage Four: Building Conservation Work
This stage is the stage of actual implementation where conservation activities will
occur. Building contractors selected to carry out the conservation work necessary building
consists of a group of highly trained and experienced in the field of conservation of heritage
buildings. This is because this level requires expertise and technical skills in implementation.
The close collaboration of all parties, especially the group of consultants and contractors are
indispensable to ensure that the work done by the contractor an appropriate action as
decisions have been made. This stage also requires systematic documentation of activities by
recording condition of the building in three stages before, during and after the conservation of
the building using the method of Historical, Architectural and Building Survey (HABS).

Stage Five: Management and Maintenance of Heritage Sites
Conservation of heritage buildings is essentially a continuous process and not a one
off. It requires a comprehensive planning and action through the conservation of cultural
heritage management plan. Professional management not only required during conservation
work on the building site but also after the completion of the building restored and working
again as normal. It involves the efforts of the care, maintenance and repair of heritage
buildings from time to time and carried out periodically. Therefore, to keep the heritage
buildings continue to be preserved and maintained as well as can be appreciated by future
generations, an action plan on conservation management of heritage buildings should be
established effectively.
Figure 1 : Conservation Works Process

2.0 TYPE OF CONSERVATION WORK
Preservation – Places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through
conservation, maintenance and repair. It reflects a building’s continuum over time, through
successive occupancies, and the respectful changes and alteration that are made.
Rehabilitation – Emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude
provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to
work.
Adaptive reuse – Refers to the process of reusing old and existing site of building for a
purpose other than which it was built or design for. Along with brownfield reclaimation,
adaptive reuse is seen by many as a key factor in land conservation and the reduction of urban
sprawl. However adaptive reuse can be controversial as there is sometime a blurred line
between renovation, facadism, and adaptive reuse. It can be regarded as a compromise
between historic preservation and demolition.
Façadism – the practice of demolishing a building but leaving it façade intact for the purposes
of building new structures in it or around it.
Restoration – Focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a
property’s history, while permitting the removal of material from other periods.
Reconstruction – established limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site,
landscape, building, structure or object in all new materials.

1) Restoration of Istana Bandar , Jugra , Kuala Langat, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Condition of the building during year
1986
Roof structure of the building Condition of the building after
conservation works
History of the building
From a distance it looks great range, high and large, clearly shows this is not a common
mansion but a palace. City Palace is an imposing palace complex in the city that was the
center of early administration of Selangor state government. Building with 40 rooms, is also
known by the name of Alaeddin Palace, built in 1899 during the reign of the late Sir Alaeddin
Sulaiman Shah (Sultan of Selangor to 5). The palace was used as the residence of the sultan
with his consort Hajjah Safiah. He stayed at the palace for about 35 years until he died in
1938. The castle is also the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Ibni Sultan Hishamuddin Alam
Shah, Sultan of the seven ruling Selangor Darul Ehsan was crowned in 1926. After
independence, the Palace the city was abandoned due to the administrative center moved to
Kuala Lumpur. The building later became the Regional Handicraft Centre and Tahfiz Institution
for several years.
Almost the entire structure of the building is made of bricks and mortar of lime and
stairs and doors made of wood “Chengal”. The entire top floor is a wooden floor while the
ground floor was concrete floor. There pinnacles / spike jeweled located at the top of the tower
as decoration in the Sultan Abdul Samad building in Kuala Lumpur. Its structure also vary in
height because it is said to reflect the hierarchical structure of the palace administration. In
addition, there is a small building in the middle of the roof called the show pavilions decorated
beautiful sky and boards in roof cornices complete the construction of the Malay palace.
Openwork carving and cross perforation is between exciters demonstrate precision and
artistry of skilled artisans prior to ventilation. The palace building was built together with skilled
Chinese artisans who apply elements of sculpture and decorative arts of China. Besides
building construction palace has attractive landscaping and pools are located in the front of
the palace.

Scope of conservation work
Building conservation project was implemented in December 2008 until mid-2009 by
the National Heritage Department after conducting a preliminary study in 2007 and found that
the building should be repaired and restored for the sake of history and heritage for future
generations. Among the works undertaken include repair works of the roof structure and roof
and Plamen - building elements made of organic materials such as wood and board. Moisture
problems are also treated using the technique of cocoons and chemical injection. The work of
scraping, treating and repaint the walls, floor and ceiling are also implemented in the entire
building. Replacement and maintenance work roof tiles India also implemented gradually. New
works only involve landscaping work including building walkways, planted grass and built a
paved parking area for visitors' vehicles.
During the preliminary study carried out in 2007, many
elements of which the building has been damaged
doors and windows. The situation was resolved by
replacing wooden windows with new ones using the
same materials
The windows have been replaced and restored and
painted
Condition after coating carpet floor space is open
during repair works are being carried out. This space
was originally Balairong Seri
The floor boards were repaired and painted with shellac
layer not covered with carpets as it can damage the
floor boards. Based on the study carpet installed when
the building was used Tahfiz Institution

2) Adaptive reuse of Istana Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang
Before Conservation Work During Conservation Work After Conservation Work
This historic building was constructed in 1929 as the residence of the Resident Britsh to
replace the original wooden building was built in 1888. During World War II, the building was used
as the residence of Japanese officers. In 1948, the building was renovated and turned into a palace
residence of the late Sultan Abu Bakar. He makes it as the Official State Palace and given the title
name "Castle Beram" replace Istana Sri Terentang. Istana Kota Beram was amended in 1954 with
the construction of a building for use as the "Throne Room". In 1959-1965, a new palace was built
near the palace for the funeral D.Y.M.M Terentang Sultan of Pahang. Therefore, Pahang State
Museum took over the building on March 17, 1976 to serve as the State Museum and officially
opened on 21 October 1976 by His Majesty Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah with the name "Sultan Abu
Bakar Museum".
In general, building structures of Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is combining structures which
is Load Bearing Wall and Alang. Load Bearing Wall System is a wall system that is commonly used
in building construction before concrete pile technology introduced. In the museum building's
structural system applied in the main part of the building. The wall thickness is between 12" to 14"
and it is built of bricks plastered bond. While Alang system is applied to support the verandah and
also especially on the first floor porch. The building-sized pillars 1'6" used to support the structure
of the beam on it.
The roof structure of the building is divided into two types: the steep roof and flat roof.
Steep roofs cover the entire living room and porch roof with red clay tiles while the flat roofs of
reinforced concrete located at the back porch. There are two types of stairs in the building of the
stone steps and wooden stairs. Built of stone stairs at the main entrance and there is a new built
stone staircase at the back where it used to connect these buildings and offices while the wooden
staircase was built to connect between level one and level two. All the doors are wooden including
porridge and a height of 90 "and the width varies depending on the type of door and space. All
elements of the windows including frames and shutters are made of wood. The windows are
divided into two parts, that is made of pieces of glass while the under the hardwood.

Throughout the building, whether used as a palace or a museum, some of the elements in
this building has undergone changes according to the needs at that time. Among the most obvious
is the loggia on the upper floor where the space between the pillars were covered with wood ram
windows along the front facade. Among the scope of work for the conservation of the
Sultan Abu Bakar Museum of view of the main street sculptures that have the characteristics
of residential British Colonel still clearly visible view of the left side of the building facade
Hallway at the upstairs was install with clear glass for the purpose of air conditioners,
existing wooden staircase was shellac for the purpose of aesthetic value. The verandah
upstairs window closed with a wooden ram along the façade.
Component of the windows in the room off the corridor as a whole to restore the original
look of the building. However, as the building was used as a museum gallery, the building air
conditioning needs to be considered. As a solution, this part will be covered with clear glass
for the cold. In addition, other components that involve major conservation work scope is
replacing floor boards with timber type and size of the board is the same as the original for the
two-storey building because most of the floor was damaged.
Istana Sultan Abu Bakar Front View Sculpture has features residential
British Colonel still clearly visible
The view from the left side of the
building facade
Hallway upstairs covered with clear
glass for the purpose of air-
conditioning
The main wooden staircase existing
in shellac to highlight its originality
The verandah upstairs window
closed with a wooden ram along the
facade

3) Rehabilitation of The Mulong Old Mosque, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Condition of the building before work
begins. View from the front.
Condition of the building while work
is carried out. Views from the front.
Condition of the building after the
work is completed. View from the
front.
This old mosque building was not originally built as a mosque but is building a Throne
Room is used for women 'King of Kings. Kings is a title to Tuan Zainal Abidin who was a son of
Sultan Muhammad III and brother of Sultan Muhammad IV. This building is the original position in
the village of Kota Bharu located near Istana Jahar and Istana Balai Besar. But in 1958, it was
bought by the residents of Kampung Kedai Mulong RM 1000 and moved to Kampung Kedai
Mulong to be used as a prayer to this day. Floor and roof structure has been cut in half to facilitate
transfer to Kampung Kedai Mulong. Throne Room are then reassembled in a joint effort with the
addition of the mihrab room and porch.
Some new additions are carried out from time to time until it looks like a real change. But
the results of the visit by Dato 'Commissioner of Heritage in 2007 and after seeing how beautiful
crafts of Malay that can be displayed to the public today, and also in terms of its history, which is
part of the palace of the Royal Kelantan, National Heritage Department, took the initiative to carry
out conservation work on the building.
Conservation work was initiated in late 2008 and was completed in early 2009. Given the
many changes and new construction is less suitable to be staggered over this building,
conservation implemented to restore the overall appearance of the original. The initial process is
to scrape and repaint the pole, inner and outer walls, ornate panel widow, a net-like motif and
change to brick asbestos roof tiles type Singgora Thailand. Some new work was also carried out
of the front facade, roof and ridge fascia board concrete form of 'ducks' unspecified again with a
new design based on the architecture of the Royal Kelantan. During the work of scraping the old
paint on the top panel or the original walls decorated widow Throne Room, workers found the mural
painting ornate gold florets. These flower motifs maintained that history of Balairong Seri is not
lost. Three pillars supporting the new and changed using six pillars added to strengthen the
structure.

The building is also shifted forward as far as six meters long and three meters to the right
by using the chain-lock the base out of the lot donated land. The legs are pillars of the mosque
was lined with iron rods and pipes to move with the utmost caution. The building is also removed
and placed on a concrete pillar liner to maintain the integrity of wooden pillars supporting the
building from being damaged. Among the other works of this building is the perfect place to build
on the right side and the left side of the toilet at the mosque, the work of fencing the area and
beautify the landscape that looks different from the previous situation. Now after eight months
undergoing conservation work, Kedai Mulong Old Mosque appeared with beautiful faces his past
and re- opened to prosper by visitors. The highlight of the legacy of the mosque it was inaugurated
by the Minister of Information , Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais
Yatim on July 5, 2009 .
Mural painting ornate gold water
found on fruit Buton
Fruit Buton installed on the roof
frame beams
The work of scraping and treating
ongoing net-like openwork panels
A net-like conditions openwork panel
is ready to run after work treat
Mural painting ornate gold water
gold was discovered in the wall
panels decorated with a widow at
work scraping paint
Damaged wood have been identified
and marked for the new changed

Job cuts and replace the damaged
wood is being done.
Work on building the transition is
carried out using the services of
manpower.
The work of building a chain shift-
lock those drawn by workers.
The work of building up ongoing. The work of laying the concrete liner
under underpinning buildings.
Senggora part tiled roof looks ready
to be installed.
Work on installing the fascia board
on the roof structure.
Ablution area was built in the right
part of the building for use by the
men.
Toilet for the use of the men was set
at the top left of the congregation
while the women in the hurdles.

3.0 Conclusion and Recommendation
As a conclusion, there a many more heritage building that is abundant and not maintain
by the government. A part from that, there are also heritage building and memorial statues
that already collapsed and structurally failed in dealing with our modernization. Building
conservation plays a very important role in our life. Without conservation of building, we cannot
identify and learn about our own cultural, behavior, ancestors, architecture and social
interactions.
It is suggested that we preserve our heritage such as cultural, building, social, etc in
order to improve awareness to the public and to our community. It can be done by developing
a curriculum or syllabus in our educational institutions through formal education across our
country. Without a proper education, the new generation might not know the leftover historical
value in our country.
We can also donate a fund and share our knowledge or participate in associations that
contribute or link with workshop or museums that help to educate others about historical value
in our country. It is probably the best ways to educate others about the history of our ancestors.
A historian or craftsmen should discuss and express their feeling in saving our
heritage. They can talk to each other and sit on round table to manage on the problem and
issues that happen in Malaysia.
Last but not least, the authorities in Malaysia should be the first line in preserve and
conserve historical places and values systematically. Without a proper management and
system such as online system, CMMS system, tendering system, and customer service
system, the process to conserve the historical building cannot be happen.

REFERENCE
Hasbollah, Hasif Rafidee. (2015). A Conceptual Framework for Conserving Heritage Buildings
in Malaysia from the Perspective of Facilities Management. International Journal of
Economics and Financial Issues, 5(Special Issue), 45 -51.
Jabatan Warisan Negara. Retrieved March 25, 2017, from http://www.heritage.gov.my/ms/
Majid, N. H., & Denan, Z. (2014). Cultural Preservations through Digital Reconstruction of
Bytul Anwar, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia. International Journal of Social Science
and Humanity, 4(5), 387-390. doi:10.7763/ijssh.2014.v4.384
Ismail, F. (2016, March 10). Why preserve historic sites and structures. Retrieved March 25,
2017, from http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/03/131950/why-preserve-historic-sites-
and-structures
ICOMOS. (1999), The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural
Significance. Available from: http://www. australia.icomos.org/wp-
content/uploads/BURRA_CHARTER.pdf.

HOW CONSERVATION WORKS TAKE PLACE IN MALAYSIA

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