Guidelines introduced to preserve identity of royal towns

The Royal Town Planning and Development Guidelines were introduced today to preserve the identity of royal towns as a symbol of national sovereignty.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the guidelines would be used by the nine royal towns in Peninsular Malaysia and were approved in a cabinet meeting on May 17 as a development guide that includes aspects of heritage, identity, economy, and tourism.

The royal towns are Arau, Perlis; Anak Bukit, Kedah; Kuala Kangsar, Perak; Klang, Selangor; Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan; Muar, Johor; Kubang Kerian, Kelantan; Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; and Pekan, Pahang.

"The royal towns boast the culture and civilisation of the Malay sultanate which is a national heritage asset that must be preserved for future generations.

"The adoption of the guidelines can ensure that the value of the nation's heritage is preserved by making the towns a national heritage and a symbol of national sovereignty," he said in a press conference to announce the guidelines in Putrajaya today.

The guidelines also outline the control on the intensity of development in the royal towns, the provision of the main components and supporting elements such as galleries, museums, squares and sculptures as well as building and landscape architecture to further enhance the town's potential, image and identity.

According to Nga, royal towns can be branded as the latest tourist attractions by highlighting their identity, uniqueness, and heritage.

He said the guidelines would be presented at the menteri besar and chief minister's meeting next Tuesday (July 11) and the 262nd Conference of Malay Rulers meeting on July 12 to convey the efforts to dignify the royal institution in this country, adding that he had sought an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to inform His Majesty about the guidelines.

"With careful planning, I expect the nine royal towns can use (the guidelines), to be promoted by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry," he said.

When asked about development projects in royal towns, Nga said it will not be limited but certain controls will be imposed, adding these projects must reflect the uniqueness and beauty of the country's heritage.

- Bernama