SUNGAI PETANI – The impact of national and international heritage listings, and the potential of these on the economic growth of the country are often overlooked, untapped and threatened by development, as well as apathy for its value.
National Heritage Department Heritage Commissioner Mohd Azmi Mohd Yusof said: “In 2008, the city of Melaka, which was jointly listed with Penang as Historic Cities of the Straits of Melaka in Unesco’s World Heritage list, saw an increase in tourist from about five million arrivals in 2007 to more than 18 million arrivals in 2019.”
As a result, the city has seen a surge in economic activity, with an increase in job opportunities and demand for accommodation, transportation, handicraft and souvenirs among others, he said.
Neighbouring cities and states have also benefited from the spillover of tourist arrivals and demands in Melaka, he added.
The National Heritage Department’s inventory records a total 1,168 archeological sites all over Malaysia, which includes 1,006 archeological sites and 162 maritime archaeological sites.
There are 15 gazetted national heritage sites, seven listed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) World Heritage and Global Geopark lists, and five sites are listed as protected zones. More high potential sites are being earmarked for listing.
“Once listed, a site is included in the global map which catapults its visibility and profile internationally, making it a priority destination for travellers with an interest in culture, art, history and heritage.”
Azmi said as part of a large network under global organisations like Unesco, places, spaces and activities in these areas are also actively promoted via published materials and other projects and international programmes.
He added that these listings are often accompanied by much-needed global expertise and technical support to conserve and protect the sites, as per stipulations in conventions that Malaysia is a signatory of, including the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972, and the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003.
These listings also activate effort and interest amongst local agencies to step up initiatives to preserve, conserve, market and develop local heritage structures and sites, he said, adding that it is essential to ensure coordination and collaboration between the stakeholders at the state and national levels.
Azmi was speaking at the ‘National Archaeology Convention: Strengthening Professionalism and Knowledge’. The convention was held from November 4 to 6 at the Park Avenue Hotel here.
He said there are a multitude of threats to heritage properties and sites in the country including from climate change, physical development, looting by treasure hunters, clash of opinions and scholarly differences among others.
Azmi added that it is crucial for state governments to be supportive of listed heritage sites within their purview, however this is sometimes an uphill task, especially when plans are already in place for housing, commercial and office space developments.
“There are times when gazette sites are included as part of long-term state development plans, but because of the laws in place, there is pressure to de-list spots that are protected under the National Heritage Act 2005 – which goes against the spirit of this act.”
One example is the ongoing Nenggiri Dam project in Kelantan, where a network of caves rich in artefacts are located, including a 14,000-year-old human skeleton found in Gua Keledung Kecil.
“In such cases, we have to look at striking a balance between heritage conservation and development needs, whereby approvals for the dam include funding for archeological excavations on-site and the building of a gallery to house the findings at the site which will be flooded soon.”
Citing another example, he said, in Melaka, despite the city’s Unesco heritage listing and gazette under National Heritage Act, plans are being made to develop a gazetted underwater archaeological site along the city’s shoreline. This site is protected because of the multitude of artefacts and shipwrecks it contains – remnants of Melaka’s maritime legacy.
“It is an uphill battle for us to protect and maintain even sites listed in the heritage register, but we have to make tough decisions and be firm in enforcing the National Heritage Act.”
Other issues in the heritage sector include the lack of funding, expertise and scientific equipment to carry out research and developments in our heritage sites.
These were among the key issues discussed at the convention attended by policy-makers, scholars and other stakeholders in the heritage sector. – November 17, 2023