By Yasmin Ramlan
SINCE taking office in 2020, state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah has envisioned Selangor as a cultural hub that prioritises heritage preservation, and artistic and cultural development.
Indeed, from the majestic Istana Bandar in Kuala Langat to the stately, old buildings in Royal Klang Town, Selangor’s historical sites will educate and intrigue any visitor passing by.
Present-day Selangor is also a racial melting pot, a place of convergence of Malaysia’s varied ethnicities, each contributing to the rich, cultural tapestry of the land through their unique cuisines and art forms.
In a move to recognise and protect these historical and cultural assets, the Selangor government has initiated programmes that aim to elevate their status — either as Unesco World Heritage Sites or as a celebration of the state’s diversity.
To Borhan, this move will also prosper the tourism industry and be a major economic contributor to the local communities.
Sites of value
Topping the list for preservation are the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium in Sungai Buloh and the state’s Sri Banting Tin Dredge in Dengkil.
According to Borhan, the state government is multiculturally planning to develop Dengkil at an estimated cost of RM30 million — with RM10 million set aside for preserving the dredge and another RM20 million dedicated to the building of a National Tin Mining Heritage Park.
“The Sri Banting Dredge, built in 1974, holds significant heritage value as the largest dredge in Malaysia, alongside the Tanjung Tualang dredge in Perak. The National Tin Mining Heritage Park, once developed, is poised to become a high-impact tourism product, promising substantial returns,” he told Selangor Journal, recently.
“This initiative is particularly vital due to its connection to Malaysia’s tin mining past and the industrial revolution, as well as its strategic proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA),” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium has also received a budget allocation of RM4.25 million under the 2024 Federal Budget initiative.
The process for the centre to obtain Unesco World Heritage listing is lengthy and complex, and may take several years. It is, however, included in Malaysia’s 2019 Unesco Tentative List.
Borhan explained that the state government is facing challenges in maintaining existing Unesco-listed sites due to the need to coordinate land ownership and difficulties in determining the boundaries of the buffer zones.
Uncontrolled development, high maintenance costs, and the limited availability of expert manpower also impede efforts for progress.
“Often, during discussions, we find that heritage sites are located on land that belongs to someone else. This complicates our preservation efforts,” he said.
To address the challenges, Borhan said local authorities and land offices jointly review land records and documents and conduct boundary measurements for gazetting to ensure the sites are gazetted under the National Heritage Act.
He also expressed hope that adequate funding will be provided under the 13th Malaysia Plan for such maintenance. There is also a need to increase the number of registered conservators to protect both physical and intangible cultural heritage.
Among other places in the state that have been listed for nomination as world heritage sites are the FRIM Selangor Forest Park, the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge, and the Gombak-Hulu Langat (GHL) Geopark.
Living traditions
Borhan also aims to recognise and promote the culture of the different communities in Selangor through their cuisine, dances, music, and handicrafts, which they showcase at festivals.
“Selangor continuously leverages its economic strength while fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere by elevating its creative and cultural identity. This includes showcasing traditional handicrafts, music, cuisine, and art that celebrate the state’s diverse communities at festivals and cultural events.
“Programmes such as the Selangor Heritage Food Fiesta, a festival that celebrates the state’s multicultural identity through its diverse heritage cuisines, highlight the rich cultural tapestry of Selangor,” he said.
Borhan said the promotion of cultural tourism has increased community involvement across all levels, giving the example of the Sekolah Angkat Seni programme which has been popularising cempuling music.
“Such cultural exchanges can elevate Selangor’s identity both locally and around the world,” he stated.
Aside from food and music, Borhan suggested other heritage items of value, such as village handicrafts, can be included in goody bags at state events as a way of promoting them.
However, Borhan emphasised that to implement this initiative effectively, all relevant parties, including state agencies, must give their full support, particularly at events where the state’s cultural identity can be showcased. At present, promotional efforts are only at 40 per cent, he added.
Spotlight on museums
Another way to promote culture and heritage and to make it more accessible is through museums. An initiative currently being undertaken in Selangor is to enhance the current exhibitions at its museums and galleries through technology.
The Sultan Alam Shah Museum, currently undergoing upgrades and set for completion in November, will soon feature a gallery dedicated entirely to culture and traditions. The Galeri Adat dan Kebudayaan, as it will be named, will stand alongside Galeri Sejarah and Galeri Alam Semula Jadi, attesting to its importance.
Among its highlights are wedding traditions of the various ethnic groups in Selangor, royal wedding preparations, and life ceremonies, including those for births, tahnik , circumcisions, and funerals.
Additionally, Borhan said a Laman Kraf has been established in collaboration with art activists to promote traditional sewing and crafts like kelingkan embroidery, batik , and telepuk.
“The organisation of programmes featuring celebrities and public figures has also been enhanced, which include the Anak-Anak Sidek exhibition, which celebrates our badminton legends and serves as an attraction to bring people to museums and galleries,” he said.
After the completion of the Sultan Alam Shah Museum, the state government will shift its focus to finalising the Gedung Raja Abdullah exhibition in Klang, which will highlight the history and significance of the building.
“This site has witnessed numerous important events in Selangor’s history, including serving as the location for the first state assembly in 1877.
“It also served as the headquarters of the Klang District Police for 100 years until 1980, in addition to being a Raja Abdullah stronghold during the Selangor Civil War (or Klang War) and a tin ore storage centre in Klang.
“Then, we will focus on Istana Bandar, which is being planned as a living museum once the conservation and renovation work on the building is completed,” he said.
Borhan added that a once-popular ghost exhibition might also be brought back to educate the younger generation on local folklore.
As with all big endeavours, finding the right budget and funds is often the most challenging, and the upgrading efforts of the state’s museums are no different.
“To generate an income, we cannot rely solely on visitor admissions. We also need financial support, which is why we are urging Selangor agencies and subsidiary companies to contribute through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Additionally, we plan to set up kiosks in each museum to sell souvenirs that will help generate revenue,” he said.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal October 2024 special edition, published on October 12, 2024, titled ‘Timeless treasures’.
