In a bid to preserve the built heritage of the Unesco World Heritage site, Penang rolled out a RM3 million seed fund aimed at supporting heritage shophouse owners looking to restore their pre-war buildings.
“This incentive programme is to support owners who provide affordable rent to long-term tenants,” said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the launch of the George Town World Heritage site 10th-anniversary celebration programmes.
“These efforts are imperative to ensure that the people who make the soul of this heritage site continue living there to support its growth and also sustain the age-old practices and traditions.”
Heritage homeowners looking to restore or repair their properties within the George Town World Heritage zone can apply for funding from the Heritage Habitat Seed Fund.
The state will gauge the response for the fund first before deciding on whether they will expand it, said Lim.
Moreover, the state will also allocate a seed fund of RM1 million for the upgrade of public facilities within the precincts around George Town’s Little India.
“The Penang Island City Council has committed to finance and build a welcome arch for the enclave while the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce will provide financial support to related projects to enrich the precinct,” he said.
The restoration of Fort Cornwallis is set to be completed this year, while a one-metre water-filled moat surrounding the fort’s walls will be unveiled, added Lim.
George Town is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site on 7 July.
With this, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) organised various events and programmes that will run from next month until 7 December.
“We will have 17 programmes made of six celebrations, 10 education events and one exhibition throughout the year,” said GTWHI general manager Ang Ming Chee.
Image sourced from Malay Mail.
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