PETALING JAYA:There is no quantifiable value to preserving heritage buildings. We cannot place a price on it as one evaluates any asset or luxury item, yet there is something intrinsic about protecting pages of our history that needs no financial appraisal or justification.
Perhaps this is because remnants of our past exist to remind us of who we are. These monuments do not only serve as historical evidence but are living testaments to our rich history, and continue to contribute to our culture by being respected symbols of our identities.
Which is why the destruction of Terengganu’s famed Pasar Payang is regarded as a painful tragedy to those who hold it dear.
In 2007, The Tourism Ministry allocated RM30 million for a major refurbishment of Pasar Payang, indirectly recognising it as a national icon. All plans were made and tender called but before it was awarded to the successful contractor it was suddenly slated for demolishment.
In its place will be built a 30-story apartment complex and a 5-star hotel.
“Ironically, just down the road there is a 180 acre piece of empty land that has been reclaimed. Why not build there where there is ample space? We are not asking for the project to be cancelled. Just for it to be moved elsewhere,” said KualaTerengganu MP Dato’ Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad, who believes that development must be in line with conservation efforts.
To some, the 100-year old building might not be old enough or have enough aesthetic value to warrant heritage protection. Even if the structure itself may not look remarkable, the practice of the market is distinctively reflective of Malaysia’s culture.
“Pasar Payang represents much more than just a market. It is not just a building or institution. It is irreplaceable,” explained Raja Kamarul, who is also an architect and conservationist.
“It is part of a historic enclave – The mosque, the palace and the marketplace which are all situated in close proximity to one another. It is the classical arrangement of three mutually dependent institutions – religion, royalty and commerce.”
“Traditionally, in historic areas, no building must be built higher than the mosque and palace in respect to the institutions of religion and royalty but none of these considerations are taken into place with regards to the new development,” he added.
Throughout the years, Pasar Payang, while still a centre for business, has seen many changes. Its once open concept now is covered against the elements. The iconic tower above the market is gone, as is the boat berthing area.
After massive land reclamation, the market is now landlocked where it used to welcome boatmen and merchants who frequent waterways to arrive at Pasar Payang.
But despite the changes, Pasar Payang has stayed true to its purpose, remaining both a wet and dry market offering a variety of items for sale with a steady flow of regular customers and tourists.
“Pasar Payang is a tourist attraction because it has everything! 90% of products for sale are traditional items,” said Raja Kamarul.
Even before Raja Kamarul entered politics, he was already an activist promoting the preservation of Pasar Payang. He took his first step in his long-fought battle when approached by traders from the market who asked for his help in highlighting their plight.
The development project is socially distressing and is also an economical barrier to traders, said Raja Kamarul.
At present, there are 1200 registered traders in Pasar Payang, 900 of whom are active.
“Below the proposed apartment complex will be an air-conditioned 4-story hypermarket. The traders, they say, are invited back.
“However, the traders now pay RM150 a month for the space they rent in Pasar Payang. Once the new building is complete, I’m certain the rental will be at least RM1000 a month,” said Raja Kamarul, adding that not every trader is guaranteed a space in the new complex as retail openings may be limited.
“The project will take three to four years. In the meantime, many traders will be out of a job. Once the shopping mall is built, they will lose many of their customers. Foreign customers will also not come back,” he explained.
In April 2012, Terengganu Infrastructure Development and Public Amenities Committee chairman Datuk Za'abar Mohd Adib said the traders in Pasar Payang, which has more than 200 stalls, would be relocated to two nearby markets.
Although they seems to be some disagreement on whether all traders will be relocated, Dato Kamarul points out that traders will be displaced and economically uprooted once demolishment happens, something that will effectively disrupt their customer base even if it is temporary.
Raja Kamarul has said that both he and the traders have taken many steps to halt the demolishment of Pasar Payang but have not received adequate support from the state government.
“We have signed all types of petitions. I’ve even brought the issue up to parliament and had support from the Ministry of Tourism but to no avail,” he said.
“The development will start anytime now, but nobody knows for sure. It is all hush-hush. When we pressed for information, the state government gave it to us reluctantly. We had to extract it from them,” added Raja Kamarul who is fighting tooth and nail to reverse the decision.
“Terengganu is known for its heritage. If you remove that, how can you expect people to go back?” asked Raja Kamarul.
“Nothing is too late,” said the MP who is adamant at defending the market at all costs.
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