Assessing the heritage significance and conservation challenges of Beting Beras Basah, Perak

This study explores the heritage significance of Beting Beras Basah, a historically significant coastal site in Bagan Datuk, Perak, closely associated with the royal coronation ritual of Tabal Pusaka. The study examines the site’s historical, cultural and symbolic significance, highlighting its role in reinforcing Perak’s royal identity and sustaining intangible cultural heritage. Guided by qualitative site observation and document review, the research assesses the physical and environmental dimensions of Beting Beras Basah to identify factors affecting the preservation of its heritage significance and key conservation challenges. The results show that the heritage value for the site, Beting Beras Basah, is more evident and realized through its natural landscape, practices and symbolic relationships and less through its physical structure. Although it has great values of culture and history, this site, nevertheless, must encounter challenges regarding the preservation of this site, that is, dealing with maintenance, processes of the coastal environment and the lack of documentation of the site regarding the non-material heritage of the place, particularly the ceremonial. Because of these, possible threats can be identified to the continuities of the site regarding its significance as a heritage. Within the framework of achieving the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Particularly Goal 11 and Goal 15 it can be said that the site of Beting Beras Basah has great potential regarding the sustainable management of this site as a living heritage landscape.