THE ROLE OF RIVER ESTUARIES IN SHAPING TRADITIONAL MALAY KAMPONG IN JOHOR STATE, MALAYSIA: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Malay traditional settlements, known as 'kampung' (kampongs or villages), have been established for centuries, primarily in rural areas near river estuaries, riverbanks, and coastlines. These locations were historically significant for early Malay communities, serving as centres for trade, ports, forts, and administration due to their advantageous transportation links and reliable access to food and clean water. Johor State, Malaysia, features 14 major rivers connecting to the Melaka Straits, Tebrau Straits, and the South China Sea, all of which have played a vital role in the development and history of Malay kampongs in Johor. This study explores the role and significance of river estuaries in shaping traditional Malay kampongs in Johor. The objective is to analyze the historical and contemporary settlement patterns, particularly the establishment of the Old Johor Kingdom along Sungai Johor in the 15th century and the subsequent expansion along the West Coast in the late 18th century. Presently, Johor hosts 1,610 units of traditional kampongs, mostly located near riverbanks and agricultural zones, with a preference for riverfront and seashore locations. Using a descriptive methodology, this study categorizes traditional Malay kampongs into two main types: coastal settlements/ fisherman villages/ water villages (kampung nelayan/ kampung air) and hinterland settlements (kampung darat or kampung parit). The research employs aerial photographs from Google Earth to analyze the layout and arrangement of houses in these kampongs, considering both natural factors (geography, topography, environment) and non-natural factors (technology, socio-cultural influences). The findings highlight the significant contributions of river estuaries to the spatial organization and development of Malay traditional kampongs, emphasizing the intricate relationship between natural landscapes and human settlements. This study also discusses the potential of the Spatial Characteristics of Rural Malaysia System (S-CHARMs), as it provides a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) database and spatial analysis tools that can significantly enhance the understanding and planning of these settlements. S-CHARMs offer detailed spatial information about village locations, infrastructure, and public facilities, which is crucial for analyzing the historical and contemporary settlement patterns of traditional Malay kampongs in Johor.