Factors shaping the public’s disinclination towards residing in Malay Traditional Houses: villagers’ perspectives / Miza Zulaikha Safri and Hikmah Kamarudin

The Malay traditional house, designed to meet the cultural and practical needs of the Malay community, is endangered due to factors like modern construction methods, scarcity of raw materials, local land developments, affordability issues, and a lack of conservation awareness. This qualitative study investigates villagers’ perspectives why the public refuses to reside in Malay traditional houses in Pasir Salak, Perak. Using on-site observation and interviews, the study explores the benefits and challenges of living in these houses and examines factors contributing to their declining popularity. To preserve these endangered houses and their cultural significance, raising public awareness is crucial. Effective preservation strategies, such as advocacy, systematic conservation efforts, integration into school curricula, and promotion through media platforms, are recommended. These measures can generate public interest and ensure the enduring cultural significance of Malay traditional houses. This research contributes to the discourse on architectural preservation and cultural heritage management, emphasizing the need for sustainable strategies to safeguard vernacular architecture amid contemporary challenges.