Assessing the socio-cultural impact of the declining customs in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, with its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions, is experiencing a significant decline in traditional customs due to urbanisation, modernization and changing generational choices. This decline poses a threat to the community's social and cultural identity, raising concerns about preserving intangible cultural heritage. This research assesses how the declining traditions in Kuala Pilah are affecting community identity and cultural continuity, focusing on socio-cultural impacts. The objectives of the study include identifying key traditional that declining customs and practices in Kuala Pilah that are diminishing, exploring the factors contributing to their decline, and evaluating the socio-cultural impacts of this decline on the local community. To explore the impact of cultural heritage loss, the study will use primary data collection methods, including a questionnaire with 30 local respondents from diverse demographic groups to obtain a comprehensive perspective. The survey will measure the community's perceptions of the loss of cultural heritage on identity and economy. Participant observation will provide further insights through engagement with local traditions, festivals and daily practices. This analysis highlights that older, long-term residents of Kuala Pilah have stronger ties to traditional customs, including food, marriage practices and architecture, while younger, short-term residents show a significant decline in these customs.