Zumahiran Kamarudin

Terminologies that characterize the visual and physical properties of wood carving as cultural heritage

This study aims to investigate the physical and visual properties of the traditional Malay wood carving as cultural heritage component, which has been inherited from the old generation of carvers since 16th century. The objectives of this study are: 1) to identify the tangible and intangible attributes of the wood carving components that denote its cultural heritage value, and 2) to analyse the characteristics and physical properties of the wood components. Personal interview with Malay carvers, field observation, visual and laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the selected wood carving components from Terengganu and Kelantan. The result of analyses characterized the traditional concepts of carving into transfiguration, transformation, translation, transference, transcendence, transmission, translocation, and transition. Also, the result of laboratory test shows that different types of wood especially Meranti and Cengal were used for the fabrication of carving components. The study found that Cengal-based wood carving has distinctive physical and chemical characteristics thus distinguished it from those found in Meranti-based wood carving. The study suggests the visual and physical characteristics of the carving components characterize their heritage values. These characteristics determine the distinctiveness of the carved components that has become the key determinants to their heritage attributes resulting to significant pieces of work. Future research could be conducted to determine the suitable method for preserving the wood carving as cultural heritage. The Malay traditional wood carving need to be protected to ensure its cultural heritage values are maintained in good condition.

Analytical study of ablution platforms and spaces in selected mosques of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur

This research aims to explore the various ablution platform found in Malaysian mosques focusing on those located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas as case studies. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to determine the existing types of ablution platforms and spaces, and to analyze the design features and criteria of ablution platform and areas. Observation on physical studies of the collected samples from case studies has been done regarding its physical elements found at the mosques. Data collection has been analyzed by photo elicitation and line-up studies on the physical elements including design forms, dimensions, materials and safety. The results showed that there are two types of ablution platform; with seats and without seat. Both types of ablution platform are not user-friendly to the users especially PwDs. These includes inappropriate position of the seats and materials used at the ablution platform. In addition, the ablution platforms are lack of safety, cleanliness and hygiene.The study found that the ablution areas are not ergonomic and not well accessible for users particularly for elderly. This study recommends to improve the ablution platform to be more user-friendly facilities including the designs and arrangements of seats to ensure the smoothness of ablution activity.