PENANG has stressed its ongoing commitment to preserving historical sites and traditional villages when it announced that the Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam is now in the nomination process to be gazetted as a Heritage Site under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645).
Tourism and Creative Economy Exco, Wong Hon Wai said the nomination is currently going through the process of obtaining the consent of the owner and state authorities before the next step by the National Heritage Department for official gazettement.
The move, he said, proves the state government's ongoing efforts in ensuring that Penang's historical heritage and cultural identity continue to be preserved.
"Apart from its historical value, Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam has additional significance as it houses the tomb of Sheikh Omar, who is believed to be one of the early figures in the spreading of Islam in Penang.
"Apart from that, the area is still inhabited and has active social and community activities," he told the Penang State Legislative Assembly today.
He said this when answering an oral question from Muhamad Kasim (Bersatu-Teluk Bahang) regarding the number of areas or villages that have been gazetted as heritage villages or zones in Penang.
Wong said that the National Heritage Department stipulates that an area can only be recognised as a heritage site if it meets certain criteria including historical aspects, local community and the continuity of cultural and social activities.
"Any party wishing to nominate a heritage site must fill out an official form with complete information relating to history, community values and other required elements before it is considered for gazettement.
"We believe that Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam meets these characteristics and its nomination is an important step to ensure that the site is recognised and preserved for future generations," he added. – November 14, 2025
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