The Malaysian Insight

THERE is no policy allowing all heritage buildings outside the Unesco world heritage zones to be demolished for development, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

He said there was no blanket policy to that effect, as heritage conservationists criticised the state government for allowing the demolitions of category II heritage buildings on Lebuhraya Peel in Pulau Tikus for the Island Hospital expansion.

The hospital is building its multi-billion ringgit Island Medical City project, which features a medical complex, medical suites and medical tourist hotel.

“It is case to case, not a blanket policy. We must also look at the conditions of the buildings.

“If a building outside the heritage zone has cultural or heritage value, it can be preserved,” he told reporters at the Penang Development Corporation Deepavali open house today.

Category II buildings refer to structures or items that warrant preservation efforts. The authenticity of their connection to the street like their facades, five-foot ways and compounds; decorations and materials used should be maintained and restored.

It was reported yesterday that Chow said there were no specific requirements that such buildings outside the Unesco heritage zone could not be demolished when commenting on the Lebuhraya Peel project.

He also said the developer of the project had been given the green light by the local council to demolish the buildings at the site.

Chow today said there were also instances of heritage buildings outside the Unesco heritage zone that the local council had ordered developers or landowners to preserve.

“On Pulau Jerejak, which is far from the George Town Unesco heritage zones, the authorities have ordered the preservation of some heritage structures.”

He also cited a new development project on Jalan Macalister in town outside the heritage zone, where a heritage mansion was ordered to be preserved while the developer built its modern mixed development of boutiques, cafes, hotel, suites and service residences.

Another example was the Loh Guan Lye Hospital expansion nearby, he said.

“The council ordered for the hospital’s Macalister wing to be maintained. So that was refurbished in the expansion project.

“To heritage purists, it may be odd. But this allows the heritage buildings and the new buildings to coexist.

“There are many examples like these, but some people refuse to see them,” he said.

Chow also said guidelines were followed in matters related to preservations and demolitions, and it was the local council that decided on applications.

“The council has a list of heritage buildings statewide and refers to it when making decisions. The heritage department decides what buildings to keep.

“We faithfully abide by all the guidelines and make decisions based on them.

“If people are unhappy, then you need to change the guidelines, the viewpoint or those making the decisions,” he said. – December 6, 2018.