Community roles in preserving cultural identity for heritage tourism at Teluk Intan Waterfront

Teluk Intan’s waterfront in Perak is a historic waterfront that embodies a special cultural landscape cultivated over a few centuries of trade, communities, and overseas interactions. A long time ago, this area was a toll for the Admiral to collect boat taxes and it was an important place for the economy of the state of Perak. This also because the area around Durian Sebatang and Teluk Mak Intan has indeed been a focus for the British since their early arrival in the state of Perak. For the colonial authorities, this area was suitable for development to facilitate their administration and trade. This is due of the special geographical factors which the location near the mouth of the Perak River and also because Teluk Mak Intan where it has deep waters, making it easier for large ships to anchor. Further from its tangible landmarks, like the famous Leaning Tower, colonial-era shophouses, and riverside markets, the waterfront stands for intangible cultural values: oral histories, communal traditions, festivals, and collegiality among its residents. However, the speedy urban development, modernization, and varying socio-economic dynamics threaten the perpetuation of these cultural values. This research aims to assess the role of community in in preserving cultural identity for heritage tourism within Teluk Intan’s historic waterfront area. There are various method for data collection that will be applied which are information from official document and archival review, site observation and semi-structured interviews to identify key cultural treasures, assess the community's perception of heritage significance, and consider preservation challenges. The findings are expected to contribute towards a deeper understanding of how cultural values can inform sustainable waterfront planning and heritage conservation strategies. Ultimately, this study seeks to support the integration of cultural identity into urban development policies, ensuring that Teluk Intan’s waterfront remains a living cultural heritage for future generations