Badan Warisan Malaysia is a heritage center at Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur. This building was set up by a charity-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1995. The NGO’s members have been active in the preservation and conservation of heritage buildings and sites in Malaysia since 1983. They were closely involved in the restoration efforts of Stadium Merdeka for the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence in 2007 and the preservation efforts of Central Market (Pasar Seni). Housed in a restored 1925,tudor-styled bungalow, the center continually receives visits from both tourists and locals. It was set up for a fairly worthwhile cause; to preserve Malaysia’s architectural heritage and to reflect the nation’s unique identity.

See Also: What is the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia?

The bungalow that houses the center used to be occupied by several British officers and local civil servants from 1948 up to 1983. After that, it was occupied by two companies before it was taken over by Badan Warisan Malaysia (also the name of the NGO that set up the place) who restored the building to its original state and made it the headquarters for their conservation efforts. Presently, the bungalow is a cultural heritage tourism destination. It is one of the few remaining representations of a British colonial style residence in Malaysia.

One of the main attractions of this center is the Rumah Penghulu, which is located right next to the colonial-style bungalow. Rumah Penghulu is a kampong-style house made of timber. It has the characteristics of the traditional Malay house with a tinge of Siamese and Chinese influence. This house was once inhabited by a village chief by the name of Abu Seman, and his two wives. The house was relocated all the way from Kedah – where the chief resided – to the heritage center’s compound, so that it could be maintained and preserved. A visit to the house will deliver some insights into the culture and way of life of the village chief and his family that is representative of the culture and traditions of the traditional Malay society. Guided tours are available here with a minimum donation of RM10 per person. The house administrators also frequently organize educational visits and workshops for students.

Within the center is a reference library known as the Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre. The library features a comprehensive collection of print materials that are relevant to the conservation and preservation of Malaysia’s architectural heritage. You can find books, periodicals, documents, journals, etc from a range of genres as follows:

• Architecture
• Built Heritage
• Conservation
• World Heritage Sites
• History
• Culture
• Southeast Asia Region
• International Heritage Organizations

The library resources are mostly educational making them useful references for academicians and students. They also provide useful information to anyone who is interested in preservation and conservation efforts, and cultural heritage. A nominal fee is charged for the use of the library according to the following categories:

1. Members: Free
2. Non-members:
   •Category A-Students (through to Form 6):RM2
   •Category B-Students (tertiary):RM5
   •Category C-Researchers (academic/government officials):RM10
   •Category D-Others: RM20

Apart from housing a library and a cultural exhibit in its compound, the center also functions as a venue for various talks and seminars pertaining to topics such as conservation, history and national identity.The center also holds exhibitions and bazaars especially the ones showcasing antique goods. For instance, they once held an exhibition and sale of an antique collection of Yunan wear from Southern China. Another popular exhibition organized at the center is known as Warisan Kertas. The interesting exhibits showcased here include beautifully-designed maps from periods between World War 1 and World War 2, documents from the Malayan Emergency Period and fine engravings from the 1800s.

The heritage center’s administrators are also committed in providing heritage education to the younger generation. The center is frequently used as a venue for educational workshops organized by the centers education team after closely working with participating schools. Workshops are held for students from kindergarten up to tertiary level. For updates on the latest events being held at the center, you can visit their Facebook page here.

At the end of their visit to the heritage center, visitors are encouraged to drop by the center’s gift shop which sells a variety of merchandise from accessories to shawls, candles, decorative items, paintings, postcards and books. Many of the items sold are hand-made with a personal touch. The proceeds of the sales of gift shop items are used by Badan Warisan Malaysia in their heritage conservation efforts.

Opening Hours:
Secretariat: Monday to Saturday (9am to 5.30pm)
Exhibition Centre: 10am to 5.30pm
Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre: Tuesday to Saturday (10am to 4pm )
RumahPenghulu Tours: Monday to Saturday (1 am and 3pm only)

*Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Contact Details:
Address: No. 2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 (0)3 2144 9273
Fax: +60 (0)3 2145 7884

General E-mail: [email protected]

For more information, visit the Badan Warisan Malaysia website by clicking on the following links:
•http://badanwarisanmalaysia.wordpress.com/
•http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/links.php

Read more:

• Malaysia’s Old Palace Converted into Museum
• The History of Money in Malaysia