ASSESSING CONSERVATION APPROACHES FOR SUSTAINING HERITAGE BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY OF IPOH OLD TOWN, PERAK, MALAYSIA

The worldwide emphasis on heritage building conservation has become one of the strategies to effectively conserve the values of heritage buildings and preserve their historic significance. Heritage buildings, acknowledged as vital assets for local development, particularly in the realm of tourism and cultural enrichment, require conservation efforts aligned with urban regeneration initiatives. Despite these international efforts, challenges persist in implementing effective conservation strategies, resulting in continuing deterioration. Therefore, a better understanding of the approach needed to conserve heritage building is important for its long-term sustainability. This qualitative study, involving site observation and semi-structured interviews with the Ipoh City Council and caretakers of selected heritage buildings, focuses on Ipoh Old Town as a case study as it is a historical area abundant in heritage and cultural elements. The findings highlight preservation and rehabilitation as prevalent conservation approaches, while restoration poses notable challenges in sustaining heritage buildings in Ipoh Old Town.