Publications
Land Use Change Detection and Prediction Around Lenggong UNESCO World Heritage Site Using ANN–CA Modelling
A significant increase in built-up areas, from 3.6% to 10.5%, has been detected within the 1 km heritage buffer of the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site between 2000 and 2020, with projections suggesting this trend will continue, reaching 13.2% by 2040. This study utilized an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) combined with Cellular Automata (CA) modeling to analyze historical land use changes and predict future patterns in the Lenggong catchment. The model demonstrated high accuracy, achieving an overall Kappa value of 0.71 and validation accuracy of 83.1%. While forest and agriculture remained dominant land uses, the study highlighted a concerning decrease in forest cover (from 58.9% to 54.4%) and an increase in built-up areas, posing potential threats to the heritage landscape's authenticity and environmental quality. These findings underscore the need for proactive heritage-sensitive planning and conservation strategies to mitigate development pressures.
Design and Evaluation of a 2D Educational Game on Malaysian Cultural Heritage: Travel Game – Heritage Quest Journey to the Past
A 2D educational game, 'Travel Game: Heritage Quest – Journey to the Past,' effectively enhances awareness and understanding of Malaysia's tangible cultural heritage, particularly the Lenggong Valley and Perak Man. The game, developed using the Godot Engine (v4.0) under Agile methodology, combines interactive storytelling, puzzles, and NPC dialogues to promote heritage learning through exploration and problem-solving. Usability testing with 21 participants revealed high engagement scores (mean ≥ 4.6/5), with qualitative feedback highlighting appreciation for its visual design, narrative structure, and cultural content. Participants demonstrated improved knowledge of Malaysian prehistoric heritage post-gameplay, suggesting that serious games can transform passive learning into interactive, meaningful experiences. This study offers a localized model for integrating educational games in both academic and tourism settings.
Geoheritage Tourism in Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia: Local Community Involvement
A study on the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley demonstrates that local communities have successfully integrated into geotourism activities, significantly empowering heritage tourism while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research highlights how stakeholders and locals have collaboratively developed tourism initiatives, including certified geoguides, traditional food services, and homestays. By employing survey and participation-based methods, the study systematically documented the involvement of communities in organized tourism programs, mapping site conditions and facilities while training locals to lead heritage tours. This approach not only safeguards Lenggong Valley’s geoarchaeological sites but also showcases a model for inclusive, community-driven geotourism that leaves no one behind.
Anthropology and History in Local Wisdom
Anthropology and History in Local Wisdom highlights the profound contributions of indigenous knowledge systems to regional development, demonstrating how local wisdom has persisted across diverse fields. The book explores 15 interconnected themes, including nomadic traditions, socioeconomic changes, language dynamics, maritime technology, and cultural assimilation, all rooted in anthropological and historical research. A key insight is the resilience and adaptability of Malay and Orang Asli communities, showcasing their cognitive and psychological influences on cultural stability. Methodologically, the work synthesizes academic research across disciplines to reconstruct the epistemological foundations of Islamic Malay worldviews and other traditional practices. This synthesis underscores the enduring value of local knowledge in shaping societal structures, economic systems, and cultural identities in Southeast Asia.
Financial Management Policy and Governance for the Preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia as a Tourism Attraction
A comprehensive policy and governance framework is essential for balancing economic development with sustainable tourism, particularly in preserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study highlights the need for Malaysia to revise its current policies to ensure effective management of heritage assets, such as the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, through sustainable tourism practices. To achieve this, the research proposes a benchmarking approach comparing Malaysia's documentation with that of Indonesia, aiming to assess the adequacy of existing policies and governance structures. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating financial management strategies to safeguard these sites while promoting their development as tourism attractions.
Pengaruh Alam dan Budaya dalam Pembentukan Makanan Tradisional di Lembah Lenggong, Perak
Lenggong Valley's traditional cuisine reflects the region's natural and cultural heritage, shaped by generations of ingenuity. This study reveals that the valley's food traditions stem from abundant local resources and diverse cultural influences, offering a tangible link to its history. Researchers used qualitative methods—semi-structured interviews with 10 experts, snowball sampling for saturation, and participant observations at restaurants, events, and homestays—to uncover two key themes: resource-driven cuisine and the impact of cultural diversity. Findings highlight Lenggong's culinary heritage as both an intangible treasure and a potential tourist draw, urging preservation efforts to sustain its uniqueness for future generations.
Tabulation and Landscape Characters of Lenggong Valley’s Malay Traditional Houses
Lenggong Valley's Malay traditional houses, particularly the Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Kutai (RK), are concentrated near caves and the Perak River, reflecting historical human settlement patterns from Paleolithic to Malay sultanate eras. A study of 108 houses using Kernel Density Analysis revealed that most retain vernacular or semi-vernacular architecture, underscoring their cultural significance. The landscape distribution supports Lenggong's potential as a Global Geopark by highlighting its unique heritage attributes. These findings provide critical data for conservation efforts and encourage further assessment of house conditions to strengthen preservation strategies.
Willingness to Pay for Conservation and Sustainability of Lenggong Valley as World Heritage Site (WHS)
Research reveals significant local willingness to support the conservation and sustainability of Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in Malaysia. Despite its designation in 2012, the site faces threats due to inadequate maintenance, risking its WHS status. The study, involving 400 respondents—including 300 local residents—found that economic valuation of visits and community engagement are critical for future preservation efforts. Demographic factors also influence willingness to pay, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies. Funded by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), this research underscores the importance of local awareness and participation in safeguarding Lenggong Valley's prehistoric significance.
Escherichia coli Pollution in Coastal Lagoon and Dam Reservoir: Repercussions on Public Health and Aquaculture
Elevated levels of Escherichia coli, indicating faecal pollution, were detected in Merchang Lagoon and Raban Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lenggong Valley. The study found significant variations in total coliform counts across sampling sites, with the highest levels (1600 CFU/100 mL) observed in Raban Lake. All sites tested positive for E. coli, suggesting recent faecal contamination and potential risks from more harmful enteropathogens. The research highlights the impact of water stagnation and human activities on microbial water quality, posing threats to public health and aquaculture. Long-term monitoring is recommended to mitigate risks associated with waterborne pathogens in recreational and commercial activities.
Exploring the roles of local food in developing Lenggong Valley as a rural food tourism destination
Local food can significantly enhance the appeal of rural tourism destinations, according to new research. A study on Lenggong Valley identified four key steps for developing rural food tourism: identifying local culinary components, assessing their potential as tourist attractions, evaluating their marketability, and selecting effective marketing strategies. This framework bridges the gap between local food resources and tourism development, offering a novel approach to attracting visitors while preserving cultural heritage. The research employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, to uncover these insights. Unlike previous studies that often overlook rural destinations, this work provides actionable strategies for integrating local food into sustainable tourism planning.
Geological, Geoarchaeological, Biological, and Historical Heritage of Lenggong Geopark Development
Lenggong Valley, recognized as a UNESCO Archaeological Heritage Site since 2012, stands out for its unique geological and historical significance spanning over 550 million years. The region's geological evolution has fostered biodiversity and preserved traces of early human activity from prehistoric times to the present. With 27 identified geosites, eight biosites, and eight geoarchaeological sites, Lenggong Geopark offers a comprehensive view of tectonic history, special geomorphic features, and the interaction between humans and their environment. Limestone hills in the area are particularly notable for hosting rare and endemic flora species. Ongoing development efforts, including community engagement and tourism initiatives, aim to conserve this natural and cultural heritage while stimulating local economic growth.
"She is sophisticated, he is exciting”: Applying Aaker’s brand personality on archaeological tourism destinations
Archaeological tourism destinations, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, often struggle to stand out due to competition from other notable sites. This study reveals that brand personality—a concept typically applied to commercial products—can effectively differentiate archaeological destinations and influence tourists' revisit intentions. By applying Aaker’s brand personality dimensions (sophistication, sincerity, excitement, etc.), researchers analyzed perceptions of Bujang Valley and Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site in Malaysia using exploratory factor analysis and regression. Findings show that Lenggong Valley is perceived as 'exciting,' while Bujang Valley leans toward 'sophistication.' This research bridges tourism marketing theory with archaeological heritage management, offering actionable insights for destination branding strategies.
Lenggong Valley – Revisit Our National Treasure
Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its prehistoric human settlement and geological significance, harbors critical discoveries that underscore its cultural and scientific value. Recent studies reveal the presence of Toba ash deposits from a volcanic eruption in Sumatra, Indonesia, with geoelectrical resistivity surveys indicating a low resistivity range (<100 Ωm) and a thickness of around 10 meters, corroborated by borehole logs from the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia. Additionally, water geochemical analysis at a local spring shows a surface temperature of 27.6 °C and a pH value of 7.47. These findings highlight the valley's potential as a geopark, with plans for its establishment to be materialized in 2021 or 2022 by a dedicated committee. The integration of archaeological sites and geosites within Lenggong Valley not only enhances its conservation but also promotes further scientific exploration and development.
Local community’s cultural attitudes towards support for tourism development and conservation in archaeological heritage of the Lenggong Valley
A study of the Lenggong Valley's local community reveals strong support for both tourism development and cultural conservation, with residents overwhelmingly positive about preserving their archaeological heritage. The research, based on a quantitative survey of 121 randomly selected participants, found that perceived benefits of tourism outweigh its negative impacts. These findings challenge concerns about overdevelopment in protected areas, suggesting that local authenticity can coexist with responsible tourism growth. The study also highlights the potential for further exploration into how socio-demographic factors influence these attitudes, offering insights that could refine theories on tourism's social impact.
Sculpting a Community for Tourism Enterprise: A Case Study in Lenggong Valley, Malaysia
A community-based tourism enterprise (CBTE) training program in Malaysia's Lenggong Valley, developed collaboratively by Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Northern Corridor Economic Implementation, demonstrated high effectiveness among participants but highlighted challenges in business sustainability. The study identified key training modules that successfully engaged local communities in entrepreneurial activities, offering a scalable model for rural tourism development. This research contributes to CBTE literature by providing actionable insights adaptable to other contexts, bridging gaps in documentation of such programs.
The Role and Challenges of Women in the Development of Traditional Food Product for Community-Based Tourism Entrepreneurship: Case Study in Lenggong Valley, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Women's involvement in developing traditional food products for heritage tourism in Lenggong Valley, Perak Darul Ridzuan, significantly contributes to local economic growth and cultural preservation. The study highlights that these initiatives, under the Kampung Luat Community Kitchen Heritage Project (WDKKL), not only generate income but also empower women by fostering historical and cultural value exploration while promoting heritage tourism. However, challenges such as operational inefficiencies, limited entrepreneurial practices, outdated marketing strategies, and capital turnover issues hinder progress. Strengthening these efforts could further enhance women's economic contributions and boost local and national heritage tourism development.
Exploring Local Food Characteristics in Developing Food Tourism Destination at Lenggong Valley, Perak
Lenggong Valley, Perak, harbors a rich culinary heritage that can serve as a cornerstone for developing food tourism. The study identifies four key characteristics of local cuisine: the use of natural ingredients, Malay traditional dishes, incorporation of wild edible plants, and freshwater fish as signature ingredients. These elements reflect the valley's diverse natural resources and cultural backgrounds, offering potential for creating more memorable tourism experiences. The findings suggest that integrating local food into tourism marketing strategies could enhance destination appeal by representing its unique culinary culture. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with nine informants—traditional food experts, providers, and authorities—and participant observation.
Magnetic signal approach to the interpretation of meteorite impact crater at Bukit Bunuh
Researchers have identified a meteorite impact crater in the Bukit Bunuh area of Malaysia's Lenggong Valley using magnetic signal analysis. The study reveals that the crater, approximately 5 km in diameter, is filled with sediments and surrounded by a rebound zone characterized by high magnetic values. This discovery was made through a series of magnetic profiles measured across the suspected area using a proton precision magnetometer, with data processed via Surfer8 software to produce an analytic signal map. The findings contribute to the understanding of the geological structure of Bukit Bunuh, providing insights into its formation and characteristics.
Motivational factors impacting rural community participation in community-based tourism enterprise in Lenggong Valley, Malaysia
A key insight from this study is that self-determination and perceived competence, alongside strong social networks and mutual cooperation, are critical motivational factors for rural residents' sustained participation in community-based tourism enterprises (CBTEs) in Lenggong Valley, Malaysia. These findings highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation and social capital in fostering long-term commitment to CBTEs. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining observations of 32 participants during the initiation phase with focus group discussions involving 15 participants after 12 months. This longitudinal perspective provided valuable insights into the cognitive evaluation and social dimensions influencing community engagement in tourism initiatives.
The Intersection of Self and Social Identity in Heritage Brand Destination
Residents' perceptions of the Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site's identity are shaped by the intersection of their self and social identities, influencing how they evaluate destination-brand identity. This finding emerges from a qualitative study employing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local stakeholders, including headmen and female representatives. The research, guided by stakeholder and social identity theories, reveals that residents' conceptualization of the site's identity is multifaceted, reflecting both personal and communal perspectives. This insight underscores the importance of resident involvement in heritage tourism planning and destination branding efforts, particularly for UNESCO-recognized sites like Lenggong Valley, which balances archaeological significance with local cultural narratives.
Heritage Tourism Trail Development in Kampung Luat, Perak: A Case Study
A heritage tourism trail developed in Kampung Luat, Lenggong Valley, Perak, demonstrated significant potential to enhance the site's appeal as a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The study, involving USM researchers and local communities, proposed a four-hour trail with seven stops, engaging 20-30 residents in its design. Testing with 20 respondents revealed high visitor satisfaction, particularly for rural activities, while also identifying key challenges such as community readiness, facility shortages, and communication gaps. These findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts by federal and state governments, alongside stakeholder involvement, to refine the trail and bolster Lenggong Valley's competitiveness in heritage tourism.
A Geotouristic Itinerary: A Proposal for Geotourism and Archaeotourism Development of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia
Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, holds significant potential as a geotourism and archaeotourism destination due to its diverse geological and archaeological heritage. A proposed geotouristic itinerary connects key geosites in the valley, highlighting their scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values. This itinerary aims to enhance conservation efforts while attracting visitors year-round by emphasizing the locations' accessibility, geological features, historical significance, and available facilities. It serves as an educational tool for various levels, including university courses, and can be followed by both experts and non-geologists with guidance from volunteers. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable geo-archaeotourism development, leveraging the valley's unique geodiversity.
Communicating archaeological heritage
Archaeological heritage communication often prioritizes expert perspectives, but this study reveals that local communities' viewpoints are equally vital for humanistic insights and connecting the past to contemporary society. Through in-depth interviews with 20 representatives from diverse local groups in Lenggong Valley, Malaysia—including village heads and elders—the research uncovers how communities define and relate to heritage. The findings highlight a multilayered dimension of archaeological heritage that is deeply intertwined with modern social, cultural, and psychological contexts. Incorporating these broader dimensions into communication strategies could foster greater public interest and appreciation by making heritage more relevant and relatable.
The Application of Market Appeal-Robusticity Matrix: A Case Study of the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia
A novel market appeal—robusticity matrix effectively evaluates heritage tourism potential by assessing the attractiveness of cultural assets and their ability to withstand tourist impact. Applied to Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, this approach identifies sites with varying levels of market appeal and robusticity, guiding conservation strategies and management decisions. The findings underscore the matrix's utility in balancing tourism development with heritage preservation, ensuring sustainable protection through informed legislation and planning frameworks.
The Prehistoric Human Presence in Gua Kajang: Ancient Lifeways in The Malay Peninsula
Archaeological research at Gua Kajang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia's Lenggong Valley, reveals significant insights into prehistoric human lifeways between 11,000 and 4,000 years ago. The study, based on two human burials and associated artefacts—including stone tools, fauna remains, and pottery—demonstrates that early inhabitants were likely cave-dwellers or hunter-gatherers relying heavily on forest resources. This challenges previous assumptions about prehistoric populations in the region and expands our understanding of cave archaeology in the Malay Peninsula. The findings underscore the site's importance as a window into ancient human behavior, adaptability, and cultural practices during a critical period of environmental transition.
Geological heritage assessment for sustainable development of Lenggong Valley
A quantitative methodology for assessing geosites has been developed, enabling the sustainable management and conservation of geological heritage. This approach evaluates geosites based on multiple value sets—scientific, cultural, ecological, aesthetic, and economic—and ranks them using total scores derived from quantitative analysis. The study applied this method to 13 selected geosites in the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, demonstrating its potential for integrating diverse heritage values into conservation strategies.
Two new Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex from Peninsular Malaysia and multiple instances of convergent adaptation to limestone forest ecosystems
Researchers have identified two new species of bent-toed geckos, Cyrtodactylus hidupselamanya and C. lenggongensis, within the C. pulchellus complex from Peninsular Malaysia. Both species exhibit unique adaptations to limestone ecosystems, with C. hidupselamanya facing imminent extinction due to habitat destruction from quarrying, while C. lenggongensis is protected under UNESCO’s Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley. The study used molecular evidence (mitochondrial gene ND2) and morphological traits to distinguish these species, revealing at least four independent instances of convergent adaptation to limestone habitats over 26.1–0.78 million years. This discovery underscores the evolutionary significance of limestone forests in driving speciation and highlights critical conservation concerns for C. hidupselamanya.
The Influence of Destination Personality on Brand Image Evaluation Among Archaeological Tourists
A study on the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley reveals that its brand personality significantly influences tourists' evaluation of its image. The research identified six key dimensions—competence, sophistication, sincerity, ruggedness, demonstrative, and emotional—with four (sincerity, ruggedness, sophistication, and demonstrative) positively impacting brand perception. Notably, the dimensions 'demonstrative' and 'emotional' emerged as new contributions to tourism marketing literature. The study analyzed responses from 300 tourists at the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery using Aaker’s (1997) brand personality framework, providing insights into how destination personality shapes archaeological tourism experiences.
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia: A Review of its Contemporary Heritage Management
Contemporary heritage management at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, prioritizes archaeological conservation over social, historical, and aesthetic values. A systematically coded content analysis reveals limited stakeholder participation, with decision-making largely controlled by governmental agencies. The study evaluates the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) across five dimensions: legislation, management strategies, implementation, stakeholder involvement, and integration of local values. Findings indicate a need for more inclusive and balanced approaches to heritage conservation that incorporate diverse perspectives.
A Competitive Model of Lenggong Valley as a Rural Heritage Destination in Malaysia
Lenggong Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant archaeological heritage, is proposed as a competitive rural destination in Malaysia. The study introduces a competitiveness model that leverages the unique resources of Lenggong Valley to enhance tourism attractiveness. This approach builds on established models of destination competitiveness and aims to capitalize on the valley's four excavation sites, divided into two clusters with distinct core zones and buffer areas. The research seeks to position Lenggong Valley as a key attraction during Perak's Visit Perak Year 2012 campaign, emphasizing its potential to draw more visitors through strategic utilization of its heritage assets.
Authenticity of Ficus Hispida as a Local Traditional Product in the Lembah Lenggong World Heritage Site
Ficus hispida, a native plant species in the Lenggong Valley, holds significant cultural and culinary importance for local communities. This study highlights its role as a key ingredient in traditional dishes like 'Masak Pindang' and its use in herbal remedies, particularly for wound treatment and maternal care. The research emphasizes the need to preserve this species and associated traditional knowledge amid growing tourism, ensuring the authenticity of local products. By documenting its uses and promoting its cultural significance, the study aims to safeguard Ficus hispida's heritage value for future generations.
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