EFFORTS to document and preserve the history of Permatang Tinggi will ensure that the community’s identity and heritage continue to be remembered by future generations, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Congratulating the residents of Permatang Tinggi and local leaders on their commitment to the community’s well-being, Chow also expressed appreciation to project partners, including Think City and Green Acres Studio, for making the Permatang Tinggi Cultural Mapping Project a success.
Speaking during the Permatang Tinggi Cultural Trail walkabout, Chow said the area has a history spanning more than 70 years, with many of its early residents originating from Batu Kawan before relocating to the area for agricultural reasons.
“The cultural mapping project is a good example of how a community can come together to preserve its own history and identity.
“Many residents have shared their stories, memories and traditions with researchers, allowing valuable heritage and community experiences to be documented for future reference,” he said.
Chow said the initiative reflects the “Think Global, Act Local” approach, demonstrating how local communities can become catalysts for positive change within their own neighbourhoods.
He noted that community participation remains crucial in development planning, adding that participatory budgeting principles introduced years ago continue to be practised by both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Through community participation, many issues can be addressed more effectively. The Permatang Tinggi Cultural Mapping Project is a good example because the residents themselves feel a sense of ownership over the achievement,” he said.
According to Chow, documenting local stories and traditions is essential to ensuring that communities do not lose their identity over time.
He said communities that fail to preserve their collective memories, traditions and heritage may eventually lose their unique character, leaving future generations with little knowledge of their origins.
“If these stories and memories are not preserved, future generations may not know that a vibrant community once existed here in Permatang Tinggi,” he added.
Chow also commended Think City for its place-making and place-shaping initiatives, which have been implemented in Penang and replicated in other states, including Johor, Sarawak and Perak.
He said the approach has proven effective in empowering local communities to shape improvements within their own neighbourhoods.
“If these principles can be replicated in more communities, we will be able to unlock the potential and strengths that already exist within local neighbourhoods,” he said.
Chow expressed hope that recommendations generated through the project would receive the necessary support and funding to enable implementation.
“This project should not end with documentation alone. It should lead to improvements and enhancements to public spaces and the living environment in Permatang Tinggi,” he said.
He also praised Rain Tree Farm, describing it as a good example of development that balances environmental sustainability, community interests and quality public spaces.
“Development is not only about constructing high-rise buildings. It can also be environmentally friendly, community-oriented and encourage residents to take ownership of public spaces,” he added.
Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said the cultural mapping project in Permatang Tinggi reflects the importance of community participation in shaping local development and preserving heritage.
He recalled how the village gateway, completed in 2018 through a participatory budgeting initiative, was proposed and supported by residents themselves, demonstrating that meaningful change takes time and collective effort.
“The project has showcased how close cooperation between the community, government and private sector can produce meaningful outcomes for the village,” he said.
Lee added that the cultural mapping initiative, carried out in collaboration with Green Acres and other partners, involved extensive engagement with villagers to document local history, stories and traditions that might otherwise be forgotten by younger generations.
Among those present during the trail walkabout were MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Think City managing director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed, and Green Acres Studio director Datin Cheng Hui Lin.
Earlier, Chow joined a guided tour of the Permatang Tinggi Cultural Trail, visiting several key landmarks and community spaces, including the Permatang Tinggi gateway, a temple, the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, Kampung Bii Seafood Noodles House, Permatang Tinggi Food Court, and Holy Mary Church.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Law Suun Ting