Inclusive heritage tourism built environment in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Abdul Rahim, Asiah, Abd Samad, Nur Amirah
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University 2024
• Subjects: BPN66.5 Islam and architecture. Sustainable architecture.; NA2542.36 Sustainable architecture; NA2545.A1 Architecture and people with disabilities
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/113111/1/113111_Inclusive%20heritage%20tourism%20built.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/113111/; https://stm.fsm.edu.tr/Tum-Haber-Arsivi/sanat-tasarim-ve-mimarlik-fakultesi

The tourism industry is one of the main sectors in Malaysia’s economy. Heritage tourism in specific relies greatly on architecture. Malaysia achieved independence in 1957 and most of the buildings and infrastructures built are not accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The provision of infrastructure for PwDs as a means to address the phenomena of ‘ageing society’ must also be considered. As succeeding to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related in adhering to reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and promote peaceful inclusive sustainable development, inclusive built environment is important to country. The intention is to distinguish the prevalent universal design trends and the elevated public and professional awareness towards inclusive development especially Malaysia. Every Local Authority is required to play an important role in providing comprehensive support to people with disabilities, particularly in public areas, as well as promoting social inclusion and ensuring security, accessibility, and integration of the PwDs in the society can be improved. The objective of this paper, i) To evaluate the existing facilities for PwDs in heritage tourism area, ii) To suggest the solution to upgrade the facilities for PwDs in achieving barrier-free facilities for each new development or retrofit of heritage areas. In this paper, four (4) case study will be shown which are Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor Bahru to show how heritage areas to be transform for tourist both locally and abroad. The methodology using both primary and secondary data based on access audit and case studies. Those local case study cities consisting of local authorities of Putrajaya Corporation, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Historical Melaka City Council and Johor Bahru City Council were investigated. A thematic analysis elicited data creates listings of accessible city’s inclusive strategies that categories legislation, perception, and action response.