GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has directed Penang’s local authorities to ensure no developer gets away with breaking the law when it comes to the redevelopment of old disused buildings and structures.
He said that no developer should begin work without prior approval, and if they are unsure, should first liaise with the relevant authorities and not start any work.
“Whether it is in the heritage zone or not, or on the island or the mainland, no developer must start work unless all approvals are obtained.”
Chow’s remarks came on the heels of complaints lodged with the Unesco office in Jakarta about the demolition of old buildings and structures on the island.
Chow, who acknowledged the complaints made to Unesco, said they were by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) irritated by the lack of emphasis given to conservation and preservation efforts here.
In the past months, NGOs here had rebuked Penang for allowing the demolition of an old bungalow in Jalan Clove Hall and removal of a 138-year-old tomb.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has since issued a show-cause notice to the contractor, who had allegedly rushed the demolition of the tomb of Foo Teng Nyong, the third wife of Kapitan Chung Keng Quee, in Jalan Bulan Terang here.
MBPP also approved the demolition of the old Rex Cinema and the proposed real estate project of a condominium just 200m from the core zone of the Unesco World Heritage Site here.
Speaking at the recently refurbished City Hall Building, which is among the state’s earliest administrative blocks, Chow said MBPP needs to keep its guard up on criticism by NGOs here.
“They will not remember the 1,000 deeds you have done. The minute you (MBPP) make a slight mistake, they will hurl 1,000 criticisms at us. People do not appreciate our good work. When there are errors, they will jump on us.”
Though none of the buildings under dispute are listed as Categories One or Two of heritage buildings, or are located in the core or buffer zones, the NGOs are still critical of the state authorities, said Chow.
He reminded the NGOs that the authorities had engaged them in the 1980s.
“There was a compromise reached then that the buildings outside the heritage boundaries would not be classified as heritage structures per se. They did not understand what was discussed and agreed in the past.”
Chow said Penang remains committed towards conservation and preservation practises in line with its status as a World Heritage Site.
He pointed out that the recent buildings demolished or projects approved in the place of disused buildings were done outside the heritage zone.
Chow also urged the state to liaise closely with Think City Sdn Bhd to roll out the funds allocated by the Finance Ministry for conservation of the heritage buildings.
The newly refurbished City Hall space would see the ground floor used as a gallery for MBPP, while the top is designed as a conference centre for public events
Later, Chow said he has directed the Penang Water Authority (PBAPP) to study the effect of the increase of the water tariff on schools by over 100%, in view of the new tariff pushed by the National Water Commission.
Chow said that PBAPP will study the matter before giving the state its feedback. – The Vibes, March 4, 2023
