Hanifah Mahat

The Traditional Malay Houses in the District of Muallim, Perak: A Lost Legacy

This study aims to describe traditional Malay houses that still exist in Muallim district, Perak. The research methodologies used were field observation methods and structured interviews with the owners/residents of the houses. The findings showed that there were 29 traditional Malay houses. Among these, seven are more than 80 years old. Meanwhile, 12 houses were uninhabited, neglected, or abandoned. In terms of physical condition, 17 houses were not preserved. The findings show that the district of Muallim has a legacy of Perak traditional Malay houses. The poor physical condition of the houses, however, may result in the loss of valuable assets whereas those traditional Malay houses have the potential to be turned into a culturebased tourism attraction in Muallim district.

Water Quality Assessment of Former Tin Mining Lakes for Recreational Purposes in Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia

A study of the water quality of the former tin mining lakes in Ipoh City was carried out to determine the Water Quality Index (WQI) and classification based on the Malaysia National Water Quality Standards, in order to determine its suitability to be developed as a water recreation area. Five former mining lakes were chosen: Gunung Lang, Taman Indah, Kg. Temiang, Lahat and Kg. Engku Husin. The parameters measured were pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and ammonical nitrogen (NH3N), while the heavy metals measured were lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As). The analytical study shows that four former mining lakes in this research are suitable to be developed for water recreation purposes as they are classified under class II with a WQI greater than 81, which holds a clean status. Only one lake, Kg. Engku Husin, is categorised as class III, which requires an intensive treatment before it can be used for recreational purposes. Meanwhile, heavy metals such as Zn, As and Cu were at the standard level except for Pb, which exceeded the set guidelines. The local authorities and project developers should take appropriate measures to ensure that this former mining lake is well maintained and managed so that it is preserved and suitable to be developed as a recreational area.

Issues of Rural-Urban Transformation on the Fringe of Metropolitan Region: Several Findings from the Selangor Northern Corridor, Malaysia

This article discusses the issues that arise from the spatial transformation process along the Selangor Northern Corridor that have resulted from spill over of the Klang Valley-Langat Metropolitan Region. By using the data gained from the field study and questionnaires distributed to 355 heads of household, three findings were obtained, namely (i) an increase in population is occurring at a rapid pace in several small towns in the study area, (ii) the functions and roles of small towns in the study area have started to change and (iii) the wellbeing of the residents have started to be affected. These findings are important clues about how the rapid urbanisation of the metropolitan area phenomenon has affected small towns and people living in peripheral areas. This conclusion is important as a guide in the planning development of the fringes of the metropolitan region in the future. This is because the transformation process intensified by economic globalisation will continue and without good planning, it is feared that its consequences will worsen.