PENANG has ordered owners and operators of heritage status shophouses to inspect their respective premises to prevent a recurrence of the incident where two Sri Lankan tourists were injured after concrete debris fell on them from a two-storey shophouse.
State exco for tourism Wong Hon Wai said that he has visited the scene of the mishap after the two foreign tourists were rushed by ambulance to the Penang Hospital to treat suspected head injuries.
"I went with the Lord Mayor (Datuk Anthony Rajendran) to inspect the area and was told that debris fell onto the couple from the second storey. We extend our apologies to them."
Wong said that he has directed the Penang Island City Council and the George Town World Heritage Incorporated to ensure that owners of particular depilated units ensure the safety and security of the properties under their care," said Wong.
Pending the submission of the full incident report by the local authorities, Wong said that he has asked his staff to contact the Sri Lankan Royal High Commission to extend assistance to the two injured tourists.
The victims were injured when a wooden beam and concrete debris from a heritage building structure at a premises on Armenian Street. George Town fell on them today.
The incident reported at 1.11 pm occurred when the husband, in his 50s and wife, 40s, were walking past the building. – August 4, 2026
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