ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Urban Expansion and Gentrification: Risks to the Continuity of Cultural Heritage in Malaysian Cities

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 06 | URBAN CULTURES AND LIVED HERITAGE

Speaker

Ms MEIZHEN LI (student)

Description

Urban sprawl and gentrification have become important forces shaping Malaysia's urban landscape, especially in culturally rich cities such as George Town, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. With the rapid development and modernization of these cities, traditional communities are increasingly displaced due to rising property values, redevelopment projects and the expansion of tourism. This shift has often led to the commodification of cultural heritage sites, with Spaces that were once integral to community life being rebranded as tourist attractions, diminishing their original social and cultural functions.

This study examines the socio-economic and spatial impacts of gentrification and urban sprawl on Malaysia's cultural heritage. The study draws on historical districts in Malacca and case studies in Kuala Lumpur to highlight the fragile balance between heritage preservation and urban modernisation. The analysis highlights the complex interplay between policy priorities, economic pressures, and local cultural identity, revealing the vulnerability of intangible cultural elements such as traditional trade, local languages, and public rituals.

The findings advocate for a more inclusive approach to urban planning that prioritizes cultural sustainability and community engagement. By fostering heritage-sensitive development models, cities can support the preservation of their cultural fabric while meeting the needs of urban development. This approach requires collaborative frameworks that enable local communities to become key stakeholders in heritage conservation efforts, ensuring that cultural landscapes remain vibrant and meaningful amid the pressures of urban transformation.

References

1.World Heritage Cities Programme (UNESCO). "Historic Cities and Sustainability in Asia: The Case of George Town and Melaka." UNESCO Reports on Heritage Conservation, 2019.
2.Lim, K. Y., & Samsudin, S. (2020). "Gentrification and Social Displacement in Malaysian Urban Centres." Journal of Urban Heritage Studies, 15(4), 102-120.
3.Hamzah, H. & Yusoff, R. (2018). "Tourism vs. Tradition: Balancing Economic Growth and Heritage Conservation in Melaka." Southeast Asian Heritage Review, 23(1), 88-109.
4.Said, S., & Omar, A. R. (2021). "Community Voices in Heritage Conservation: A Case Study of Kampung Baru." Malaysian Urban Development Journal, 5(2), 43-67.
5.UN-Habitat. (2021). "Urban Expansion and Cultural Identity in Southeast Asia." Global Urban Studies Report, Chapter 3.