Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang
6.0 CONCLUSION
6.1 Introduction
This chapter concludes the findings obtained from the
study of Masjid Raja Alang in line with the early objectives of the
course. It also briefly discussed on the current issues of masjid as
well as its future planning. This report consists of five (5) main
chapters which all chapters have been comprehensively explained.
The first chapter comprises of an introduction to this course. It
briefly explained on the objective of the study, the task
distribution, the scope of work as well as methodology of the study
which give the readers overall understanding on the purpose of this
Heritage Study.
The Second Chapter is the studies of the site. It covers
general overview of the history and heritage background of
Selangor, Hulu Langat, Beranang and Kampung
Tanjung/Kampung Sesapan Kelubi. This chapter is an introduction
to the location of selected masjid before deeper studies into the
masjid.
The Third Chapter emphasizes on the history of Raja
Alang which describe on his family background, his contribution
during lifetime as well as his relationship with the Selangor
Sultanate. Moreover, this chapter introduces Raja Alang as the
Chapter 6: Conclusion
main character behind the construction of Masjid Raja Alang to
the readers.
Detailed information on Masjid Raja Alang is written in
Chapter Four (4) with further explanation on masjids background
includes its surrounding context, land ownership, masjids
organization, changes and chronologies as well as its structural and
non-structural building system.
The fifth chapter describes on comparative studies of other
masjids regarding the analysis of architectural influence, years of
built, elements of masjid as well as masjids specialities.
6.2 Issues and Suggestions
Masjid Raja Alang has undergone many extensions which
altered the true essence and soul of the layout of the masjid. It has
eventually lost its originality. Firstly, the masjid has had great
cross ventilation in its interior spaces. This is due to the small
openings at the drum of the central dome that allows the hot air to
escape from the space. Thus, the cold air stays on the floor.
However, the openings were covered with Perspex due to the rain
leaking in the space. Some spaces experience poor ventilation
since then, thus ceiling fans and wall-mounted fans are installed to
overcome this issue.
Secondly, the minaret is no longer a place for a muazzin
to call for prayer. The mechanical sound system has replaced
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beduk to call for prayer. However, the beduk is still in good
condition and fully preserved. The cast iron stair is placed at the
entrance indicating a certain spaces going up. But it is not being
utilised for the tourists to the fullest. Perhaps, the stair could
function efficiently in accordance to its durability and the tourists
could benefit to see the beautiful decorations and ornamentations
on the minaret framing the view from the inside to outside.
Thirdly, dampness on the floor has caused the carpet to change for
several times. The main material of the floor is of limestone, which
is water absorbent material has attracted the presence of water,
which eventually affected the upper layers. In order to overcome
this issue, perhaps the masjid ought to tackle it from outside, or to
have a proper drainage. It is to channel the excess water from the
subsoil away from the building footprint.
Fourthly, the organisation of masjid has painted several
layers of gold on the domes. This is due to the chemical properties
of lime concrete which can only blend with certain coating as its
shield. Hence, the dome shall be painted with bituminous layer as
a great protection for the lime-based material. Despite of the black
in colour of the bituminous paint, bituminous shall give a long
term protection to the domes and could cut the cost of paints.
Masjid Raja Alang has an active market event. This leads to the
unpleasant smell and view towards the masjid. The masjid shall
promote or create cleanliness awareness and state its importance
towards everyone.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Next, the muslimah prayer hall is only enveloped with
glass sliding doors. This has created less sense of privacy and poor
natural ventilation. Perhaps, this could be tackled with partitions
or curtains and increase the number of wall-mounted fans on the
wall.
6.3 Future Planning on Masjid
Masjid Raja Alang appears to be a unique building as its
Moorish-Mughal-Colonial kind of look stands it out from the
buildings surround. It appears to be one of attraction in Beranang
because of its noticeable look and its strategic location makes it
one of a spot stop for travellers.
It has the opportunity for future development as the land
itself provides spacious area for future construction. On the other
hand, Azmir Mohammad Noor as the current Imam of Masjid Raja
Alang mentioned on masjids planning to upgrade females toilet
into a new one, to create a space for gallery area and provide a
space for death management.
6.4 Accomplishment of Study
Along the study on a glorifying Masjid Raja Alang, this can be
concluded as follows;
1. Masjid Raja Alang is an inherited masjid passed down to
generations. It is one of the oldest buildings in Beranang
and possesses golden histories. The legacy is now slowly
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diminishing due to external factors behind control. This
has caused the extensions being constructed as to cater the
increase in jemaah and population in Kampung Sesapan
Kelubi, Beranang. Masjid Raja Alang has went through
extensions influenced by the political issues as well. They
received fund and sponsor in accordance to the ruling
party.
2. Throughout the studies, we ought to search for the families
of Raja Alang. We managed to trace back the family trees
of Raja Alang and his relationship with Sultan Abdul
Samad and Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah back in 88
years ago. We had many interviews with related people to
gather all the informations, especially Raja Alangs
inheritors. The researches have somehow helped the
family to know their ancestors.
3. According to Rosli Ali (2016), Colonial Architecture and
Neo-Colonial Architecture have a majority percentage
influenced to the masjid. It is originated from Sir Arthur
B. Hubback whom introduced the richness of British
styles. This includes the construction method and the
building materials. Despite of the British or Western
invasion through architecture, Masjid Raja Alang owns a
Chapter 6: Conclusion
pure Islamic principle through its planning system and the
philosophical definition of each element in this masjid.
4. Moreover, attending many interviews and meeting with
new people from different background of academics,
influences, races and occupation has brought us to a
broader mind and thinking. Plus, we manage to stay
natural with so many contradicting information from
different people. We have learnt the crucial of preserving
the histories and conserving the ancient knowledge as it
could be carried on for generations.
5. Other than that, the findings of this study are limited to
time, availability of information, and resources. There was
lack of information regarding the motifs, ornamentation
and decoration in the masjid. Moreover, it is a blessing to
see expertise in terms of construction method and material
availabilities back in the early years of 1900has somehow
perfection the whole findings for this study.
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