THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has received RM3.8mil in federal funding channelled through the Penang government for the maintenance and conservation of recognised and potential UNESCO World Heritage sites in George Town.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the allocation from the National Heritage Department under the Budget 2025 initiative would strengthen systematic and sustainable conservation efforts.
“This allocation is a significant strategic initiative to strengthen the implementation of conservation and maintenance works in a systematic, planned and sustainable manner, ensuring our heritage treasures are preserved as a legacy for future generations,” he said at the fund acceptance ceremony at City Hall in Esplanade today.
Rajendran said the presence of stakeholders at the event reflected strong commitment and support towards preserving and elevating Penang’s heritage assets.
“Your presence here reflects the collective commitment to preserve, conserve and uphold Penang’s heritage, which is a source of pride for us all,” he said.
Rajendran said George Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, covering the Core Zone and Buffer Zone with a total area of 259.42ha.
“This recognition is based on Outstanding Universal Value under Criteria II, III and IV, which emphasise the importance of the historic urban cultural heritage,” he said.
He said the status had enhanced George Town’s global image while bringing greater responsibility to ensure sustainable heritage management.
“World Heritage Site status not only enhances George Town’s global image but also brings great responsibility for all stakeholders to preserve and manage the heritage sustainably,” he said.
Rajendran said MBPP had allocated about RM50mil since 2008 for conservation, maintenance and improvement projects within the George Town World Heritage Site.
“This financial commitment reflects MBPP’s continuous dedication to ensuring that heritage preservation is carried out in a systematic and sustainable manner,” he said.
He added that RM5.7mil was allocated in 2023, RM2.2mil in 2024 and RM5.8mil in 2025, totalling RM13.7mil over three years.
“For 2026, a further RM13.7mil has been provided to ensure conservation and maintenance works can continue in a planned and impactful manner,” he said.
Rajendran said the Finance Ministry through the National Heritage Department approved nine new projects in January 2026 under the Budget 2025 initiative.
“A total of RM3.8mil has been approved for MBPP to implement nine new projects within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he said.
He said the new allocation would support innovative and resilient projects including heritage infrastructure repairs and conservation of architectural elements.
“This allocation provides opportunities for MBPP to support innovative and resilient projects, including the repair of heritage infrastructure, conservation of unique architectural elements and improvements to public spaces for the community,” he said.
Rajendran said the projects would ensure George Town remained a heritage city that delivered social and economic benefits to local residents.
“The implementation of these projects will ensure George Town continues to be a heritage city that is not only physically preserved but also benefits local communities and enhances its appeal as an international heritage destination,” he said.
Rajendran stated MBPP’s heritage management efforts had received international and national recognition in recent years.
“These recognitions reflect MBPP’s continuous efforts in managing and preserving the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he said.
He added the Esplanade Seawall and Promenade upgrading project recently won two awards under the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
“The project received the New Design in Heritage Contexts award and Special Recognition for Sustainable Development on Feb 20,” he said.
Rajendran said the international recognition reflected MBPP and the Penang government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
“This recognition reflects our commitment towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive urban development based on heritage conservation,” he explained.
Rajendran also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, National Heritage Department and Penang government for their continued support.
“I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the Federal Government, the National Heritage Department and the Penang government for their continued trust and support in ensuring heritage sites and buildings are preserved sustainably,” he said.
Among the projects approved are restoration works for the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower (RM500,000), Buildings No.126 and No.128 Lebuh Armenian (RM500,000 each), and upgrading of wooden doors and windows at Town Hall (RM400,000).
Other projects include wayfinding improvements in the core and buffer zones (RM300,000), upgrading of Green Hall Square (RM300,000), improvements to a building in Lebuh Pitt (RM500,000), upgrading of the Kampung Kolam public toilets (RM300,000) and back lane improvements between Lebuh Carnarvon and Lebuh Melayu (RM500,000).
State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has approved a special allocation channelled via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the National Heritage Department for the conservation and preservation of recognised and potential UNESCO World Heritage sites in George Town.
He announced that the state will distribute a total allocation of RM4.3 million to implementing agencies, namely MBPP and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), to support a series of conservation works and heritage-related studies aimed at safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value of the historic city.
Among those present were National Heritage Department heritage commissioner Mohamad Muda Bahadin, state Financial Officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali, Deputy State Secretary (Development) Mohamed Abdul Rahman, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, and GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting