Maintenance Consideration It is important that during the design stage , considerations take into account future maintenance of buildings . In the case of the Parliament House , although there were many good design considerations for maintenance , there were also some design areas that could be improved for future project implementation . Among them were the difficulty to maintain the Pinnacle roof of the Dewan Rakyat and the public gallery at the Dewan Negara from the inside due to its high ceiling , which did not have easy access . Several times , massive scaffoldings had to be erected over the different levels on the ground level of the Hall to access the ceiling when repairs were required or lighting fixtures needed to be replaced . Another consideration is to avoid a massive pool system directly above the roof level of such a significant hall like the Dewan Rakyat . Although the concept and intention of the reflective and cooling pool system were amazing ideas , the expertise for such maintenance complexity is not easily and readily available .
Heritage Building Works According to the National Heritage Act 2005 ( Act 645 ), any development on the listed heritage buildings and / or sites must refer to JWN for submission and approval . However , if the buildings are not in the JWN heritage list but have significant historical and / or aesthetic value , project implementers or building owners , must enquire about the building status with JWN before any works are done on the building . Some developments may require a Heritage Impact Assessment ( HIA ) to be submitted to the authorities especially any development that falls under the Georgetown World Heritage Incorporation ( GTWHI ) and Malacca Historical City Council . Even rail and road projects like the Mass Rapid Transit ( MRT ) that have impact on the surrounding urban landscape , were also required to do so . In some projects , conservators registered with JWN are required to be appointed to undertake conservation services and works in accordance with JWN guidelines during design and construction stages . These requirements and scopes of work must be clearly stipulated in the tender documents .
PWD has formed a Conservation Unit to ensure Government and public buildings of heritage value are safeguarded and protected and in compliance with the National Heritage Act 2005 ( Act 645 ). For the Parliament projects after the gazette , the services of Conservators to be appointed by the Contractor were clearly spelt out in the tender requirement .
CONCLUSION
All parties , especially those involved in the services , infrastructure and construction industries have their role and responsibilities to safeguard heritage buildings and sites for our future generation . As time goes by , more buildings and urban landscapes depending on their significance and intangible value , may acquire historical and heritage status . However , we may need to strike a balance whether to preserve them in their original state or to further develop for the sustainability of the community , based on current laws and regulations .
REFERENCE
National Heritage Act 2005 ( Act 645 ) Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia Jabatan Warisan Negara , JKR Contract 203A ( Revised 1 / 2010 ) PAM Contract 2006
CIDB Standard Form of Contract For Building Works 2000 Edition
Garis Panduan Pemuliharaan Bangunan Warisan , Jabatan Warisan Negara
Draft Guidelines For The Preparation of Heritage Impact Assessment ( HIA ) Report For World Heritage Cities of Melaka and George Town
Uniform Building By-Laws 1984
The Merdeka Interviews , Lai Chee Kien , Ang Che Cheong
Town and Country Planning Act 172 , 1976
UNESCO : Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention , World Heritage Centre , WHC . 19 / 01 , 10 July 2019
ICOMOS : Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties 2011
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