A MULTI-pronged approach encompassing enforcement, technical guidance and financial assistance is needed to safeguard George Town’s ageing pre-war buildings following the recent building collapse incidents, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said.
Wong stressed that while enforcement remains necessary, authorities must also work closely with property owners to ensure heritage buildings are properly restored and maintained, particularly for those facing financial constraints.
“It is not only about enforcement. What is needed is more engagement from the local council and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
“Some owners may not have the financial means to upgrade their buildings. There should be enforcement, advisory services and assistance. All these have to come together,” he told reporters earlier today in Seberang Jaya.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the structural safety of ageing buildings in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site following recent building collapse incidents.
According to Wong, George Town is home to more than 2,000 pre-war buildings, each subject to varying conservation requirements depending on their heritage classification.
He explained that owners intending to restore such buildings must comply with conservation guidelines, including the use of appropriate materials and restoration methods.
“Not every old building is necessarily a heritage building. A building may be more than 100 years old, but it may simply be a pre-war house.
“GTWHI can play a bigger role by working with owners to guide them on how to restore these buildings according to the heritage guidelines, including the materials that should be used,” he said.
Wong noted that restoration work often comes with significant costs, making financial support equally important in preserving George Town’s historic urban landscape.
At the same time, he emphasised that public safety must remain the top priority, particularly for buildings that pose structural risks.
“If a building endangers public safety, the owners should be advised to cease operations until the necessary restoration works are completed.
“There are laws in place. If they want to reopen and continue operating, they must first restore the building to ensure it is safe,” he said.
Addressing concerns over vacant and neglected buildings across the heritage zone, Wong said local authorities already have legal mechanisms to act against owners, including issuing notices, advisories and summonses.
Following the recent incidents, he called for intensified monitoring and stricter implementation of existing regulations.
“Since what happened two days ago, we have to step up monitoring, enforcement and advisory efforts. It has to be a multiple-approach strategy,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi