SAVE THE KUTAI
These houses, which feature a strong Malay identity, were first built in the 1800s. Only about 40 remain today.
REGARDED as among the oldest surviving heritage Malay houses in the country, Rumah Kutai is unfortunately slowly disappearing from the nation’s landscape.
“Kutai”, which means old or ancient among the people of Perak, refers to the traditional bamboowalled houses that can be seen along the banks of Sungai Perak, from here to Pasir Salak. They date back to the 1800s.
Located 4km away from the royal town, a surviving Rumah Kutai at Kampung Sayong Lembah, owned by Mohd Ariff Mohd Yassin, is touted as the sole “survivor” in the village.
Ariff, 71, said the house was built before 1900 by his grandparents.
There were said to have been nine Rumah Kutai in the village then, but today, only his house remains standing.
“It is important for people to know that it is not cheap to maintain the house.
“All the structures were made of natural elements with bamboo matting or ‘kelarai’ entirely used for the walls, for example.”
He said the purpose of using bamboo matting was to allow natural ventilation.
“It shows characteristic distinctions from other traditional houses, made mostly from timber as wall and floor panels.
“The 16 pillars of the ‘tiang seri’ are made of damar wood.
“The pillars are not planted into the ground and are placed on a concrete base. With pillars secured without cement or nails, it is amazing that it managed to survive after so many years.”
He said the house also survived three major floods in 1947, 1957 and 1967 as it was located near the banks of Sungai Perak.
“This is a strong house. However, some of the original structure, such as the roof, which was originally made of sago palm leaves, is no longer there and we had changed it to zinc,” he said, adding that the wood flooring required restoration because it was rotting.
Universiti Teknologi Mara Seri Iskandar Centre for Knowledge and Understanding of Tropical Architecture and Interior (Kutai) lead researcher Professor Dr Mohd Sabrizaa Abd Rashid said studies, carried out in 1970s, showed there were 60 Rumah Kutai situated along Sungai Perak.
“Later studies done by my department indicated that there were not more than 40 Rumah Kutai left intact along Sungai Perak, particularly in Kuala Kangsar, Bota, Lambor and Pasir Salak.”
He said the house could be identified through several characteristics.
“They include the roof design, architectural form, spatial organisation, construction technology, decorative elements and materials.”
International Islamic University Malaysia Museum director Professor Dr Muhammad Pauzi Abd Latif said the traditional Malay house reflected the high degree of skills and expertise of craftsmen and carpenters.
“The tukang (craftsmen) worked with basic tools, but managed to produce intricate joinery and delicate carvings.
“These skilled craftsmen are a rare breed and are now available only in Kelantan and Terengganu.”
He said the design and craftsmanship of the Rumah Kutai incorporated a unique defence mechanism aspect.
“The additional construction of rifle pits at the main and kitchen entrances allow owners to fend off intruders by shooting them through the holes.
“There is also the creation of the 90-degree steep steps, which make it hard for enemies or wild animals to climb up.”
He said very few Rumah Kutai had survived.
Of these, many were abandoned or completely renovated and they had lost their originality and authenticity.
“There are many reasons for this (the disappearance of Rumah Kutai), such as weather and neglect, as well as the disappearing of skilled tukang and the high cost of maintaining the original features of the house.”
Pauzi suggested that the state government follow the Melaka government in its efforts in preserving the state’s cultural heritage by providing incentives to the owners of the registered traditional houses.
“Traditional houses require high cost of maintenance and their owners may not be able to afford it.
“The state government should follow Melaka by allocating up to RM100,000 for the repair of heritage houses.
“When the Museum Department announced the funding, interested house owners are required to sign an agreement with the museum.
“In return, the museum will bring in visitors or researchers to the house and this creates a winwin situation.”
He said Rumah Kutai’s survival was important for future generations as they were the only surviving structure with a strong Malay identity in the country.
“Even the old buildings in Malaysia were built by colonial powers.
“What we have now with the traditional Rumah Kutai represents the Malay identity.”