Melaka: The Melaka Museum Corporation (PERZIM) has pledged to preserve a recently unearthed historic structure, believed to be part of the old Melaka Fort bastion, located within the UNESCO heritage site zone. This commitment comes in response to the discovery made during the construction of a car park in front of Muzium Istana Melaka in Bandar Hilir, formerly known as Taman Larangan (Forbidden Park).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERZIM’s general manager, Erne Hamsah, stated that conservation efforts have commenced with the engagement of conservators and archaeologists to study the excavation site. The construction of the parking lot, overseen by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB), is being adjusted following the discovery of the historical structure. Erne emphasized the significance of preserving the site, highlighting the identified old bastion as crucial to understanding Melaka’s defensive history.
Erne further explained the challenges in displaying the monument to visitors while ensuring its structural stability, considering environmental factors like erosion and physical damage. She shared these insights following the “Warisan Santai” Programme of the 17th Melaka World Heritage City anniversary celebration, which took place alongside the Duyong state constituency’s ‘Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat’ (WRUR) programme, officiated by Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem.
Regarding the car park project, Erne noted that construction will proceed, with only specific alignments involving archaeological structures being halted temporarily. She assured that work will continue in other areas without disrupting the heritage site. PERZIM is currently preparing plans and measures to present to the state government for further action.
Last month, an excavation at the base of the Taman Larangan stairs, near the Melaka Sultanate Palace in Banda Hilir, uncovered a structure thought to be part of the original fort. This structure was later buried under new fortifications constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently upgraded by the Dutch and British during the colonial era.