The Meanings of the Cultural Landscape in Pantai Lido Waterfront According to Malay Oldies Perspective

Abstract

Many researchers consider the definition of ‘Meaning’ as it plays an essential role, especially
in the perspective of place image. The meaning of place is manifested through the symbolism of
place that considered as universal as they represent the crucial tendencies of the human mind.
The meaning of the place remains the precious memories that make such a memorable place as it
can enhance the identity of the place. The objective of this study is to obtain the criteria of the
cultural landscape elements that exist in Pantai Lido, which creates the meaning of the place in
Pantai Lido waterfront according to the Malay oldies’ perspective. Furthermore, in achieving
the objective, a qualitative method was conducted which involved in-depth interviews and
participant observation by collecting the informants’ perception, memories, attitudes and beliefs
as the subjective reality manifested at both of the psychological and social-cultural levels. The
findings demonstrate the meaning of place as the factors that make Pantai Lido more noticeable
and memorable. Moreover, the elements that make the cultural landscape in Pantai Lido more
prominent is due to the local people’s place attachment and the environment that evoked its
memories and meanings. This study will carry on by suggesting a survey on the importance of
meanings of place and its association involvement in cultural landscape conservation. This
indicates that perhaps the local authorities and the policymakers need to improve and reshuffle
the current regulations for urban waterfront development in Malaysia