SYNTHESISING AN EFFECTIVE INCENTIVES SYSTEM IN SAFEGUARDING THE HERITAGE VILLAGE OF MELAKA AND GEORGE TOWN

Abstract

This paper summarizes the main findings derived from the field study held in three heritage villages located in the proximity of Melaka and George Town city. This study has employed a mixed method approach by using a questionnaire survey on the residents and interviews involving officials and local village leaders of the Morten Village and the Chitty Village in Melaka as well as the Clan Jetty Village in George Town. This study was conducted to address an overarching question, which is whether incentives programme that have been formulated for the community are suitable for their aspirations and needs. This paper analyses the residents’ perception on the effectiveness of the current incentives policy by using Bennett’s programme evaluation method. It evaluates the findings in relation to the present policy framework for understanding and managing the cultural heritage incentives programme in order to establish the sustainable community in the heritage village. As observed, this study has identified some constraints such as low quality of the conservation works and lack of incentives provision from the viewpoints of the local residents. In dealing with the efficiency of the current incentives programme, this study has taken the stance that a policy formulation for the incentives programme should visually reflect the ‘real’ needs of the local communities.