The interior of 'Teratak Ustaz Jalil', located in Kampung Tampin, Benta, Lipis, Pahang. Photo: Bernama
A retired Istana Budaya official is in the process of transforming a 62-year-old traditional Malay house in Pahang into a "living canvas” to preserve Malay architectural heritage.
Badrul Zaman Abdul Jalil, 61, who was deputy director of the Design Division at Istana Budaya and has over three decades of experience in design and art, said the wooden house, located in Kampung Tampin in Benta, Lipis, holds special significance for him as it was built by his late father Abdul Jalil Lebai Hassan, a religious teacher.
"The house was where my eight siblings and I grew up and it holds many cherished memories for us,” he said.
"According to my mother (Nur Ainun Ibrahim, now 84), the house was completed in 1963, the year Malaysia Day was declared. I was born (in the house) a year later, making it deeply sentimental for me. After retiring last year and following the passing of my eldest sister in 2016, I took on the responsibility of restoring this house as a symbol of our family’s heritage.”
Not long ago, photos showcasing the beauty of the restored family home went viral on social media, garnering positive feedback from netizens.
"I didn't expect such overwhelming attention. I merely wanted to share stories about my family home, a traditional house filled with memories. I'm grateful for the encouraging support," he said.
Badrol Zaman hopes the house will be a space to share the experience of living in a traditional Malay house, rich in history and culture, and appreciate its legacy. Photo: Bernama
Named "Teratak Ustaz Jalil" in honour of Badrul Zaman’s late father, the house is spread over a 325sq m area and has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Other components include a living room (also known as Rumah Ibu), a central area, kitchen and two verandas, all hallmarks of traditional Pahang Malay houses.
He said the house’s main structure, built with merbau and tualang wood, remains sturdy while its tall wooden windows with railings - a distinctive feature of old Malay houses - are still intact.
Badrul Zaman said the house underwent significant renovations in 1982. Currently, restoration and renovation works are in progress.
The house features a living room (also known as Rumah Ibu), a central area, kitchen and two verandas, all hallmarks of traditional Pahang Malay houses. Photo: Bernama
"The first phase, which started in March 2024, involved cementing the ground floor, building drains and reinforcing the wooden pillars with concrete. The second phase, which began in July last year, focused on restoring the two verandas and the living room and central area by replacing the decayed floors, ceilings and termite-damaged wooden railings.
"We're now in the third phase, which includes renovating the kitchen with tile installations, upgrading the bathrooms and adding more rooms. The final phase will address landscaping and parking space," he said, adding the total cost of renovating and restoring the house will come to about RM100,000.
Reflecting on his fond memories of the house, Badrul Zaman said the abode was a gathering place for his siblings, not just during festive periods but throughout the year.
"I have vivid memories of us decorating the house on the eve of Hari Raya every year. Even our relatives chose this house as a backdrop for their photos," he reminisced.
He also hopes the house will serve as a space where one can share the experience of living in a traditional Malay house rich in history and culture, as well as appreciate its long-standing legacy. - Bernama
