SINCE George Town was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, the state government has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving this valuable heritage asset.
Today, 47 Category One heritage buildings have been shortlisted out of 76 applications to receive repair incentives from the Penang government, thanks to a grant from the Federal Government.
A total of RM6,498,131 has been approved for the selected heritage buildings.
This forms part of the RM25 million grant announced by the Federal Government to Penang last year under the Budget 2023 funding for preserving and managing the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site status.
Just like Penang, Melaka also received RM25 million and an additional RM5 million to promote its Visit Melaka 2024 campaign.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said this incentive programme is aimed at further strengthening the status of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, while also protecting its universal values through three project components: building incentives, capacity building, and accessibility.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present earlier at a ceremony to hand out mock cheques to the recipients, said it was vital for future generations to inherit and continue the efforts and legacies of their forefathers.
“This is a heritage legacy that cannot be allowed to slip away but must be preserved most appropriately.
“For all the good and hard work invested in these buildings over the past 15 years since attaining UNESCO status in 2008, it is only right that these buildings continue to be safeguarded, as they carry strong heritage values.
“Heritage buildings in Penang have become popular tourist attraction spots, and without proper maintenance and the right care, this would not be possible,” Chow said in his speech this morning at Auditorium C, Level 5, Komtar.
He congratulated the recipients and wished them luck in their efforts to do the needful with one thing in mind, to ensure the essence and originality of the buildings remain intact without any alteration.
As for Category Two heritage buildings, whereby a total of 437 applications have been received, Chow said successful applicants will be notified in stages starting from May this year.
The application for the incentive programme was open from Jan 8 to March 8 this year.
Some of the notable buildings include St George’s Church, Tay Koon Oh Kongsi, Kapitan Keling Mosque, St Francis Xavier Church and Assumption Church.
The full list of recipients is attached to the article.
Last Saturday (April 27), GTWHI hosted the Community-Based Fire Responders Programme for the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site at its premises. This initiative aimed to recognise the unique challenges faced by George Town in balancing the preservation of its architectural treasures and the safety of its people.
The programme was part of the RM25 million grant from the Federal Government.
Also present during the ceremony in Komtar earlier were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Cheong Chee Hong and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting
