
Rice Mill Interpretive and Educational Center
Fragrance of green beyond Imaginations
Kedah known as Rice Bowl of Malaysia. History starts from 1900 where rice was imported, and local rice production was neglected. Focused on self-sufficient level of rice supply and demand in Malaysia, Rice Cultivation Committee was formed in 1930 to encourage the cultivation of rice. Paddy was planted by farmers and sell to millers using paddy kuncha system. Ban Heng Bee (BHB) Rice Mill was one of the largest rice mills in Kedah located beside Kedah River. It is an Art Deco building built in 1939. Farmers transported the rice by using boat and unload the rice from the jetty in front of the site. The most happening event was the long boat race held in conjunction with the Golden Jublee Anniversary celebrations annually until today. In 1942, occupation of Japanese to Malaya control process of rice trade until 1945. After Malaysia independent, different initiatives have been taken by the government to improve country rice industries. In 1993, BHB Rice Mill owned by Serba Wangi Sdn. Bhd today which Jati Rice and Ecobrown are produced locally at Kedah.
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Based on the research by Khazanah Research Institute, rice is a staple food for Malaysian in consuming 80kg of rice per person. Although Malaysia is a net rice importer but still manage to provide 70% of rice towards the country. However, the major issue is slow release of new paddy varieties. In an updated 2018 list by MARDI, only 3639 varieties were released.When comes to tourism, Alor Setar have given less initiatives to promote tourism compared to other states. The objective of this project is to créate awareness towards young generations and visitors the importance of releasing new paddy varieties in paddy agriculture. It is a platform to showcase local products that produce from rice and a research institutional hub for researchers and students. Focus on the rooftop terrace garden that features small scale control paddy field, it is a place to determine the appropriate design consideration to make a sustainable paddy plantation all year around with rainwater harvesting.
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Recreational space in Alor Setar is only 4.27% for 357,176 residents based on Alor Setar Local Planning. The existing site is one of the city parks but underutilized. The new proposal needs to consider about the issues of this city lack of public recreational park. Kedah Irrigation & Drainage Department reported that the proposed site has flooding issue which the flooding depth can reach 0.2-0.6m since 2014. A terrace garden slows down rainwater run off towards surrounding areas. It is an extension of old rice mill to educate self-sustainable paddy plantation and using agriculture waste, rice husk ash as building construction material. It can reduce carbon footprint of concrete and other cement stabilized building materials. New rice mill interpretive and educational center is closer to the town area which provide additional hands-on experience for various end-user. These interactive activities are complementing to guide visitor on the paddy making process in Kedah from heritage to modern way. The interpretive and educational center can improve Kedah Tourism development as an interactive tourism spot in relationship with the nearby tourism spots within heritage trail.
Project /
Final Thesis M. Arch
Lab /
Heritage & Conservation
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Location /
Alor Setar, Kedah
Year /
2020 -2021
