The soul of the Malay Kampung: preserving cultural heritage identity in Kampung Morten, Melaka

The rapid pace of urbanization in Malaysia presents a significant challenge to the conservation of traditional cultural landscapes. Traditional urban villages, or kampung, situated within city confines, are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of modern development. This paper examines the experience of Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village located in the heart of the historic city of Melaka, Malaysia. Designated a heritage village in 1989, Kampung Morten serves as a living heritage site, where a community continues to reside within a landscape of over 100 traditional Malay houses. This study explores the unique architectural characteristics of the Melaka Malay house, the socio-cultural significance of the village, and the multifaceted issues it faces, including infrastructural decay, economic pressures, and conflicts with urban development agendas. Furthermore, it analyses the conservation approaches employed, involving both area-based and building-specific strategies, and the roles of various government agencies. The paper concludes that a holistic approach, integrating technical, planning, management, social, and economic dimensions, is crucial for the sustainable future of Kampung Morten. It highlights the necessity of robust community engagement and participatory planning to ensure that preservation efforts are resilient and meaningful.