Fortifications in Malaysia: Analysis of the Design Features

Authors

  • Fadhillah Mohd Nasir, Helena Aman Hashim

Abstract

Malaysia is rich with the historical background and consequentially resulted in an extensive local architecture that exhibits variations of influences. Fortification is amongst building typologies that have remarkable military history and battlefield evidence. Current inquiries in the field of fortification studies in Malaysia primarily focusing on historical studies. The main objective of this paper is to discuss how fortification in Malaysia has changed in terms of design features that correspond to the tactical aspects and the advancement of weaponry. This paper is focusing on three selected fortifications in Malaysia which are chosen to represent the changes features of the fortification through different eras. The selected three case studies include Kota Johor Lama, Kota Tinggi Johor; Kota Kuala Kedah, Kuala Kedah, Kedah; and Pillbox Pantai Pelindung, Kuantan, Pahang. The analysis will be studied from the aspects of military architectural features; tactical planning and weaponry. Data collection is in the form of site visits and direct observations where it is strengthened with archival records and documents from museums. The analysis and comparison have shown that the selected fortification exhibit different military architectural features that respond to the advancement of weaponry and tactical aspects at that time which shows the variation in the design features. In conclusion, the construction of fortification in Malaysia is diverse in terms of its ability to adapt to the changes in warfare aspects.
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Published

2020-05-12

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Articles