Kajian Perubahan dan Status Alam SekitarKawasan Sekitar Laluan Kereta api Lama dari StesenTaiping Ke Port Weld, Perak, 1885-2010

An Analysis of Change and Status of the Environmentof Areas Along the Old Railway Route from the Taiping Station toPort Weld, Perak, 1885-2010

Abstract

The Perak old railway heritage is a former railway route between Taiping-Port Weld (Kuala Sepetang). It used to play a key role in the economic development of the state. This study employed visual observation methodology. Due to the development of the road transport system, the railway was closed and abandoned over 30 years ago. However, human activities are found along the route, in areas such as Taiping, Aulong, Simpang and Kuala Sepetang. The activity has changed the physical environment into oil palm agriculture, business areas, residential areas and fisheries. Mangrove areas are concentrated at Kuala Sepetang and some areas of shrub and swampy lowlands along Aulong to Kuala Sepetang. This heritage area is inhabited by humans permanently currently. The finding of this study showed that the original and unique environment of the railway stations at Taiping and Port Weld had disappeared. This is a big loss to the railway heritage of Malaysia.