Melaka as a World Heritage Site: A Study from TheLegal Point of View

Abstract

This article discusses the prescription of Melaka as a World Heritage Site and its legal dimensions. It elaborates on the international law i.e the World Heritage Convention, of which Malaysia is a State party. Key provisions of the Convention will be discussed. Consequently, it entails that the State party has to enact its own legislations to implement the international law in the domestic setting. Important legislations like the National Heritage Act 2005, Malacca Preservation and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Enactment 1988 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 shall be examined. Some aspects of implementation are also discussed by highlighting the involvement of various related agencies. At the end of the research, some areas are identified for further improvements.