GEORGE TOWN – The RM3.6 million restoration of the 200-year-old Penang Legislative Assembly building, undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), has been completed.
The restoration involved the roof structure, ceiling, and mechanical, electrical and interior decorations.
State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang said the proposal to repair and upgrade the building was approved in 2017, and works started in March last year.
“The state government gave its full trust to PWD to complete the repair works despite the movement control order.
“The renovation was no easy task as the building is in Zone 1 of the Unesco George Town World Heritage Site.”
Because of the heritage status, he said, repairs were done strictly according to the standard operating procedure.
“I was informed that the selection of materials used also took a long time.
“I hope that with the completion of the restoration, assemblymen will be more enthusiastic and improve the quality of their debates.
“The most important thing is the safety of the building, which was given due attention during the implementation of the project.”
It is understood that state assembly sittings, which have been temporarily moved to Dewan Sri Pinang, will be conducted in the building starting next April.
Built in the 1820s, the building originally served as part of the George Town central police station. It was converted for use by the state assembly in 1959.
It is believed to be the oldest building to serve a state assembly in the country. – The Vibes, November 27, 2020
