Penang Heritage Commissioner steps in to assist activist’s release

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Heritage Commissioner Rosli Nor came to the help of heritage activist Mark Lay when the latter was held by police earlier this week.

Lay, the co-founder of the George Town Heritage Action Group, was held for questioning after going to the police station to check on rumours that several police reports had been lodged against him for trespassing.

He was held for several hours for questioning before he was released at 8.30pm two nights ago.

Rosli said today that Lay called him for help to explain the situation to police.

“He (Lay) called me,” said Rosli at a dialogue session between the George Town Heritage enclave residents, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and the Penang Heritage Commissioner’s office this morning.

Rosli said he could not stand aside as Lay often meant well in trying to protect George Town’s heritage enclave, even if his “style may be interpreted as aggressive”.

"I think the person who lodged the report was outraged at Lay as renovation work on his building could not resume due to the complaints by Lay, so when he spotted Lay (allegedly) trying to trespass again, he lodged a report,” said Rosli.

Lay, a New Zealander, was the star attraction at the dialogue today, said he may have to pay a fine of RM20,000 for trespassing if found guilty – higher than what a developer would be fined if found destroying a heritage artefact.

“Is this fair and does it make sense?” the activist asked.

It was also learnt that the complainant had sent his personal assistant to negotiate with Lay to find an amicable end to the dispute between two parties.

During this morning’s dialogue, Lay also raised the need for a consistent supply of lime putty material to aid in building maintenance and renovations so that heritage sites are well-kept.

MBPP also heard complaints from residents in the heritage enclave about building owners who refused to take responsibility for the maintenance of their historic buildings.

Some owners have left tenants to pay for repairs on the wear and tear of ageing properties, causing neglect to the buildings in the Unesco heritage zone.

In response, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said the MBPP and other heritage authorities will look at making heritage building owners more accountable for their properties in the core and buffer zones.

“It will take time to draft out something legislative to ensure that the building owners are penalised for neglecting their properties. We also need evidence on such matters,” said Gooi.

There are around 5,000 heritage buildings, mostly pre-war shophouses and bungalows, in George Town. The buildings are divided into Category One to Three under the Unesco Heritage Site, and most are regulated for preservation and conservation at the core and buffer zones.

Gooi also supported the idea of allowing heritage building owners to have one free car park for those living on the premises.

“It can be part of incentives to encourage residents to relocate back to the area of their ancestors and repopulate the enclaves,” he said.

GTWHI general manager Ang Ming Chee and Rosli reiterated their commitment at the dialogue session to protecting George Town’s heritage status ahead of the 15th anniversary of its Unesco status this year.

Ang said that the GTWHI will forward its proposal to access the RM50 million grant which the federal government had promised both Penang and Melaka as joint recipients of  Unesco heritage status.

The sum would be disbursed to aid heritage dwellers cope with the demands of living in the enclave due to the strict requirements imposed by Unesco, said Ang. – The Vibes, April 15, 2023