Assessment of Pasir Salak Historical and Cultural Preservation for Sustainable Heritage Tourism

This study examines how Malaysia’s Pasir Salak Historical Complex, a rural heritage site of anti-colonial significance, can drive sustainable socioeconomic development through culturally authentic tourism. It aims to (1) assess how cultural preservation intersects with equitable economic outcomes for rural communities, (2) evaluate alignment between heritage tourism, ASEAN’s cultural tourism agenda, and UN SDGs (8, 11, 12), and (3) identify participatory mechanisms for local stakeholders to shape tourism strategies that balance economic resilience and cultural integrity. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research synthesizes semi-structured interviews with local residents, heritage custodians, and policymakers, participatory observation, and thematic analysis of tourism policies to uncover grassroots perspectives on preservation-development tensions. Findings reveal that community-led governance models—where rural actors co-design tourism frameworks—effectively harmonize cultural authenticity with economic innovation. For example, integrating traditional artisan practices into tourism offerings preserves intangible heritage while diversifying income sources, reducing reliance on agriculture. Conversely, top-down policies risk marginalizing local agency, highlighting the need for decentralized decision-making. The study also demonstrates how Pasir Salak’s heritage narratives can strengthen Malaysia’s cultural tourism brand, positioning it as an ethical, experience-driven destination within ASEAN’s competitive market. Its novelty lies in a community-centered framework that bridges macro-level SDG agendas with micro-level rural realities, advancing a model where preservation fuels inclusive growth rather than constraining it. By centering rural voices, the research offers actionable insights for transforming historical sites into sustainable development engines without compromising cultural values—a critical contribution to Southeast Asia, where rural heritage remains underleveraged in national strategies despite its potential to foster equitable, resilient tourism economies.