Designation of Batu Arang, Selangor as the coal mining and Geological Heritage Site: issues and challenges

• Published in: Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
• Main Author: Ramele Ramli R.; Ali M.H.; Anas Abu Bakar A.; Widyawati Madzhi N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Publishing 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85144013537&doi=10.1108%2fJCHMSD-06-2022-0102&partnerID=40&md5=5236c70a1427a679d91dc8b7b67a951a

Purpose: The paper explores the roles of involved organizations in the designation of Batu Arang in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia, as the Coal Mining and Geological Heritage Site, the heritage significance selected as the elements of its designation and the challenges faced by the involved stakeholders during the designation process. Design/methodology/approach: The primary research material is derived from the documentation review on the final draft of the Special Area Plan (RKK) of Batu Arang and the final draft of the Geopark Management Plan, field investigation on the heritage significances and interviews with the involved organizations: the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the State of Selangor Malay Custom and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) and the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) of Batu Arang. Findings: This paper found that Batu Arang has the potential to be developed as an important heritage mining site and heritage tourism destination; however, many of the heritage significances are being demolished, invaded and abandoned due to human aggression or effects of nature. In addition, it reveals the roles of each involved organization, issues that occurred and challenges faced by the organizations during the designation process as a heritage site, namely in terms of management, property ownership and promotion. Originality/value: The paper outlines that a heritage mining site like Batu Arang should be considered an important heritage as well as other heritage sites in Malaysia, and issues and challenges faced during the designation process should be discussed critically to ensure that these heritage significances will not be neglected and abandoned. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.