Conservation Potential and Impact of Heritage Buildings in Terengganu, Malaysia

Society in Malaysia is increasingly aware of the importance of preserving heritage buildings. Efforts to preserve historical heritage buildings from the threat of destruction are carried out comprehensively and committed by all parties including the government, NGOs and even the local community. This is because the heritage treasures left behind, especially old buildings, have a high cultural historical value and symbolize the identity of a nation. The impact that arises as a result of the conservation that is carried out also gives many changes, especially to the socio-economics and culture of the local community itself. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the potential of some heritage buildings in Terengganu and also the impact of the conservation of these heritage buildings on the socio-economic and cultural transformation of the surrounding community. Three heritage buildings in Terengganu were chosen as study locations, namely the Tengku Long Palace, the Chinese Village Building, and the Bukit Besi Museum. This study uses qualitative research methodology and the data is analyzed using NVIVO software. A total of 30 respondents consisting of the local community and also experts in the heritage department were interviewed in depth about aspects of the potential of heritage buildings and socio-economic changes which are related to the level of employment, demographics, employment, and the formal and complex organization of the community. While socio-cultural aspects are also taken into account, namely the relationship between society and culture such as ways of life, customs, customs, morals, arts, beliefs and others. Gerth and Mills' Theory of Social Change (1964) was used as a guide in analyzing this study. The results of the study found that heritage buildings have high potential and are able to provide various benefits to the local community, the state and the country. The conservation of heritage buildings has a positive impact on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the local community in Terengganu as opposed to a negative impact. The changes in the community's economy that can be identified are the improvement of the local community's standard of living, the existence of job opportunities, as well as the increase in community income. While in terms of social change is the ability to develop the community's potential, especially in the context of communicating in a foreign language (English) with tourists, as well as being able to improve the quality of life. From a cultural aspect, it leads to the strengthening of the community's culture and has the opportunity to maintain the identity of the local population.