SERDANG, July 13 — The Rumah Bumbung Panjang (long-ridge roof house), which will be built at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), is set to become a centre of reference for Malay heritage by serving as a repository of knowledge for research in architecture, history, and anthropology.
State executive councillor for culture and housing Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said the construction of the house is being undertaken to fulfil the wish of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj to complete the collection of Selangor traditional houses.
Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) has also contributed RM250,000 through its corporate social responsibility programme to support the project's construction.
"This house will not only showcase the uniqueness of traditional Malay architecture but will also serve as a valuable body of knowledge for research while exposing younger generations to the state's heritage.
"The State Government remains committed to preserving the identity of the people and Selangor's cultural heritage for future generations," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Selangor Rumah Bumbung Panjang at the UPM Malay Heritage Museum today.
Meanwhile, PNSB chief executive officer Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim said His Royal Highness' decree serves as an important medium for shaping identity and strengthening the Malay community's civilisation across the generations.
"We welcome this collaboration with UPM and hope that the Selangor Rumah Bumbung Panjang will become a source of knowledge that benefits the public and future generations.
"Simultaneously, PNSB continues to prioritise the preservation of traditional Malay architecture through several development projects, including the Gombak Islamic Complex and the Sabak Bernam R&R area," he said.
Similarly, UPM Vice-Chancellor Dato' Professor Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the construction of the house reflects the outcome of research and studies carried out in collaboration with the state government.
The house showcases the distinctive features of traditional Malay architecture through a long-ridge roof, a traditional attic, perforated wood carvings featuring organic and geometric motifs, adjustable window shutters, and fine Malay craftsmanship.
"This house will not only serve as a centre for learning and research but will also provide opportunities for students, researchers, and the public to gain a deeper understanding of the values embodied in Malay architectural heritage.
"UPM is proud to be the state government's strategic partner in ensuring that this heritage continues to be preserved, serves as a valuable source of knowledge, and fosters appreciation of traditional Malay architecture among future generations," he said.
The construction of the Selangor Rumah Bumbung Panjang is a continuation of the Pearl Jubilee celebration of UPM's Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, which was also officiated by Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari in May last year.
Built on a 750-square-foot site at the UPM Malay Heritage Museum, the structure will complete the museum's existing collection of traditional houses from Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu.
