SOS for MACC building
Penang Govt seeks help to restore old structure
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government is seeking help from the National Heritage Department to salvage a century-old building in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
The two-storey building, built by the British around 1920 was most recently occupied by the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC).
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he had received an application from Penang MACC in 2008 to demolish the building to enable the construction of living quarters for its workers and officials.
“We rejected the application but I wanted to have a first-hand look at the site after appeals by MACC,” Lim said when visiting the heritage structure located on the seaside behind the current Penang MACC office here yesterday.
He said the old building was vacated four years ago when the new MACC office was built.
“The building has unique features including a teak staircase and high ceilings. Despite the damage caused by the construction next door, it is sturdy.
“I believe it can be restored and integrated in a holistic manner with the current development,” Lim added.
He said that after discussions with Penang MACC director Datuk M. Samarajoo, the state had decided to appeal to Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim for funds to restore the building.
He added that he had also ordered that the 21-storey MACC quarters, costing Rm13mil, be equipped with scaffolding and safety nets to prevent any damage to the heritage structure next door.
Penang Public Works Department director Ahmad Latif Abdul Hamid, who was also present, estimated that it would take Rm3mil to Rm3.5mil to restore the old building which belongs to the Federalgovernment.