Sufficiency of Technology Adaptation in Risk Monitoring Criteria for Heritage Sites Management in Malaysia: Site-Based Classification

Abstract. Cultural heritage sites worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to disasters and climate-related risks, threatening their physical integrity and cultural value. In Malaysia, iconic sites such as Masjid Kampung Laut and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad have experienced the impacts of such hazards. However, heritage conservation efforts in the country still largely rely on conventional methods, lacking the integration of advanced technologies like Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). These tools offer significant potential for comprehensive disaster risk assessments and proactive site management, yet their application remains limited. The absence of GIS and BIM in Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) has resulted in reactive conservation practices that leave heritage sites susceptible to irreversible damage caused by environmental threats and urban encroachment. This study investigates the sufficiency of technology adaptation in the monitoring criteria of Malaysia’s heritage management plans, particularly for sites located in disaster-prone areas. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducts a detailed content review of selected CMPs and on-site observations of the two heritage sites. The findings reveal a significant gap in the incorporation of technology-driven risk assessment, indicating an urgent need for reform in the monitoring and conservation practices. The study highlights the importance of GIS in spatial risk classification and BIM in structural analysis and mitigation planning. Aligning with UNESCO’s “Managing Disaster Risk for World Heritage” manual, the study advocates for a technology-enriched conservation framework that promotes data-driven, predictive, and resilient strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage in Malaysia.