THE reinstalment of the moat at Penang’s oldest landmark – Fort Cornwallis in the Esplanade will be completed by July while its adjacent food court will be reopened next month.
This was conveyed to the state delegation, who visited both sites last night.
The moat took some three years of renovations and research before it could finally be unveiled as another attraction to the fort built by seafarer Francis Light, who had established Penang as a regional port in 1786.
The moat is defined as an ancient deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, usually filled - up with water and intended traditionally as a defense against attacks.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the southern moat at Fort Cornwallis was restored last year and work on the western moat is ongoing.
It is expected to be completed by July, said Chow.
The total investment in the project is about RM23.4 million.
Of this, RM15.3 million has been funded by the state government, with additional support from re-urbanisation specialist - Think City Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Hasanah.
“The restored moat uses traditional building methods and materials. Built on-site within a modular grid, it’s designed for long-term stability and the completed southern and western moats now form a 4,000sq m water basin, 0.9 metres deep, and can hold about 3,600 cubic metres of water," said Cow.
The upgrading aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sponge city model, ecological biodiversity, climate adaptation environmental awareness and community engagement.
Meanwhile, the food court called "Astaka Kota Selera" will have 26 food counters and can seat up to 224 patrons, with new social amenities such as accessible public restrooms, and facilities for the disabled, including ramps and barrier - free access.
The food haven among others have signature dishes such as "mee mamak, chicken chop, nasi lemak and bee hoon Singapore."
In another development, the state legislative assembly which adjourned its sitting "sine die" yesterday, passed two bills aimed at sustainability.
A majority of the 40 backbenchers, including the state government passed the bill entitled Penang Water Resources Bill 2025.
It is to manage the state’s water resources in an integrated, holistic and sustainable manner.
The sitting also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal - State Relations.
The select committee is headed by Jawi assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, who will deliberate about securing more autonomy from the federal government on finance matters. - May 23, 2025.
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