THE Federal Government has allocated RM3.8 million to maintain and conserve public heritage landmarks in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site in Penang.
A mock cheque was presented to the Lord Mayor and Penang Island City Council president, Datuk A. Rajendran, yesterday.
Rajendran said the allocation from the National Heritage Department under the Budget 2025 public initiative would strengthen systematic and sustainable conservation efforts.
“This allocation is a significant strategic initiative to strengthen the implementation of conservation and maintenance works in a systematic, planned and sustainable manner, ensuring our heritage treasures are preserved as a legacy for future generations,” he said.
Rajendran said the presence of stakeholders at the event reflected a strong commitment and support towards elevating Penang’s heritage assets.
George Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, covering the Core Zone and Buffer Zone with a total area of 259.42ha.
“This recognition is based on Outstanding Universal Value under Criteria II, III and IV, which emphasise the importance of the historic urban cultural heritage,” he said.
He said the status had enhanced George Town’s global image while bringing greater responsibility to ensure sustainable heritage management.
“World Heritage Site status not only enhances George Town’s global image but also brings great responsibility for all stakeholders to preserve and manage the heritage sustainably,” he said.
Rajendran said MBPP had allocated about RM50 million since 2008 for conservation, maintenance and improvement within the heritage site.
“This financial commitment reflects MBPP’s continuous dedication to ensuring that heritage preservation is carried out systematically and sustainably."
Rajendran said the Finance Ministry, through the National Heritage Department, approved nine new projects in January 2026 under the Budget 2025 initiative.
“A total of RM3.8million has been approved for MBPP to implement nine new projects within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he said.
Among the projects approved are restoration works for the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower (RM500,000), Buildings No.126 and No.128 Lebuh Armenian (RM500,000 each), and the upgrading of wooden doors and windows at Town Hall (RM400,000).
Other projects include wayfinding improvements in the core and buffer zones (RM300,000), upgrading of Green Hall Square (RM300,000), improvements to a building in Lebuh Pitt (RM500,000), upgrading of the Kampung Kolam public toilets (RM300,000) and back lane improvements between Lebuh Carnarvon and Lebuh Melayu (RM500,000). - February 24, 2026.
