Penang commits RM3m to restore heritage buildings

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has committed RM3 million as seed capital to support heritage shophouse owners in restoring their pre-war buildings in the heritage enclave.

“The purpose of the fund is to assist the community in safeguarding their continued habitation of their rented heritage premises in light of the high conservation costs,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after launching the George Town World Heritage site’s 10th anniversary celebration programme at George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) offices.

The GTWHI is considered to be the local custodian of the Unesco heritage status, and it will be involved in all aspects relating to the marketing and promotion of the conservation including preservation of the area besides providing a historical perspective of Penang.

Present were Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai

GTWHI has been tasked to develop incentive programmes to support owners to rent out their properties at affordable rates to long-term tenants, Lim added.

He said the efforts were to ensure that the people (the intangible heritage) who make the soul of the heritage site continue living there.