Rethinking kampong authenticity: the Malay landscape deficit in Perak Tengah

This paper investigates the emerging condition of authenticity deficit within the Malay landscape, focusing on rural settlements in Perak Tengah, Malaysia. The term refers to the measurable decline of spatial traditions, vernacular architecture, land-use patterns, and communal values that once shaped the Malay kampong as a living cultural landscape. The study objectives are to (1) identify the extent of transformation in the traditional Malay kampong environment, (2) examine the social, cultural, and ecological implications of this transformation, and (3) propose strategies to restore landscape authenticity through sustainable and heritage-based approaches. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research integrates field observations, archival analysis, and demographic data between 1990 and 2020. Findings reveal that more than 45% of traditional timber houses have been replaced or heavily modified, orchards have declined by 35%, and communal spaces are increasingly privatized. These transformations indicate not only physical loss but also a weakening of social cohesion and ecological balance. The paper argues for a holistic rethinking of the kampong as a living heritage system through adaptive reuse, orchard revitalization, and vernacular-friendly design aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).