With Malaysia’s fast pace development as a nation and a multi-integrated society rich in culture and heritage, it is important for all citizens to protect and preserve the legacy of our heritage buildings. Besides being part of our identity, heritage buildings are also an integral component of our cultural and heritage assets, and all the more should be conserved for future generations.

Whilst compiling information and interesting information for the monograph on Malaysian mosque architecture, , the Chief Executive Officer of ATSA Architects, Ar. Azim A. Aziz uncovered a truly unique and beautiful 105-year-old mosque in the rural interior of Kampung Teluk Memali, located at Kampung Gajah, Perak. The effort was possible with the kind assistance of faculty members from Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Perak.

The mosque was built in 1910 by the local villagers for around 100 worshippers. The mosque depicts historically rich value and architecturally significant influences of Perak Malay architecture influenced with colonial and Chinese elements. Over the years, the mosque had been left abandoned and in a dilapidated state due to the exodus of its residents some years ago, due to the Government’s resettlement programme. Therefore, in order to protect the heritage value and the continuation of its function as a place of worship, a learning centre and also as a community centre, ATSA Architects, in collaboration with Dato’ (Dr.) Ar. Hj. Baharuddin Abu Kassim of Jurubena Bertiga International Partnership and Politeknik Ungku Omar have initiated a joint conservation effort to preserve this valuable heritage mosque.

The conservation effort will cover the processes of relocation, refurbish and reuse the mosque building as a surau on a new site at Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh, Perak. This good cause has been realised after obtaining the full consent from the residents of Kampung Teluk Memali, as the trustee of the mosque endowment.