Local Wisdom in the Management of Domestic Landscapes of the Kelantan Malay Community: An Analysis of Yard Sustainability and Functionality

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze local wisdom in the management of domestic landscapes among the Malay community in Kelantan, focusing on the sustainability and functionality of house yards. Although the Kelantan Malay community is often associated with strong religious beliefs through the title 'Serambi Mekah' (Veranda of Mecca), the physical outdoor space of their homes is rarely viewed as a manifestation of systematic and holistic cultural wisdom. Therefore, this article aims to dissect how the yard is managed not merely for its aesthetic value but as a strategic zone that supports survival and reflects the local community's worldview. The methodology employs a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design through field research in the Kota Bharu District. Data was obtained via observation and semi-structured interviews with 7 informants, comprising local residents and mosque imams. The data was then analyzed thematically using the Malay Hygiene Model as the primary analytical instrument, which encompasses the concepts of Islamic cleanliness, social civilization, local wisdom and the traditional Malay house. The findings indicate that the management of this community's domestic landscape is centered on systematic spatial division. The front yard functions as an ecological and social buffer zone through the use of materials like white gravel. The side yard is optimized not only as a utility transition space but also acts as a "third space" and a visual privacy boundary for the family. Meanwhile, the back yard exhibits high local wisdom through the integration of a mini edible garden, the application of ethnobotanical knowledge for traditional food packaging materials and a sustainable food waste disposal cycle via small-scale domestic animal farming. The study concludes that yard management in Kelantan is a sustainable form of cultural technology that guarantees the sustainability of logistical resources, ecological balance, and the architectural identity of the nation.