Tiles have been removed from the roof of the old prison which now stands bare. The external walls surrounding the old prison quarters have already been demolished. |
SUNGAI BULOH: Historical buildings at the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement are being torn down even before a decision to develop the area has been reached.
| Datuk Prof Dr Zuraina Majid says site has historical value |
| A perimeter wall at the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement has been demolished, while roof tiles on some buildings have been removed. |
National Heritage Commissioner Datuk Professor Dr Zuraina Majid rushed to the site yesterday on getting information that buildings were being demolished and tried to prevent workers from continuing.
"They should not begin demolition while negotiations are going on. All related parties are seeking a balance between heritage preservation and the need for development.
"We want an amicable solution. Our main concern is preserving the site, which is of historical value," she said.
Non-governmental organisations and concerned individuals are supporting efforts to preserve the site, which was a leprosarium for more than 70 years. The key buildings were built in the early 1900s.
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia researcher Lim Yong Long, who had studied the settlement, said the site had significant historical value because it used a garden city concept to create a modern community.
"The concept boasts extensive multiculturalism from the different cultures and races, to the places of worship evident till today."
Leprosy settlement committee member Lee Chor Seng said 45 lepers on the east section would face eviction if the demolition continues.
"In this community, there are 306 patients between the ages of 60 and 80 who have lived here all their lives. Many are too old to move around and depend on the sales of their plants for income," said the 70-year-old resident.
Lee hopes the government would intervene and save the site not only for historical reasons but to consider the plight of the people who live in some of these buildings.
It is learnt that the 16ha east section of the settlement would be redeveloped for a Universiti Teknologi Mara hospital. The east section is believed to be the oldest and most historically precious site.
About 10 workers were seen removing the tiles from the roof of a former prison and two chalets, which were once inhabited by lepers. The external walls surrounding the old prison quarters have already been demolished.
The site was the pioneer leper settlement that used a self sustainability concept and also a reputable research centre for leprosy. It used to be the second largest such settlement in the world.
Source: NSTonline
No comments:
Post a Comment