The Malaysian Insight

HERITAGE buildings outside the Unesco zone on Penang island will be protected as much as possible if they have historic and heritage value, city council mayor Yew Tung Seang said. 

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) would assess the value of the buildings, apart from their current conditions, before deciding on demolition applications, he said.

“We have technical officers who look at such applications. They will study in detail before they decide whether to approve the demolition or not. 

“We look at the buildings’ conditions and other aspects, like their value of history and architectural design. 

“If there are historic, heritage and architectural values, MBPP will definitely retain the buildings as much as possible,” Yew said after a council meeting at city hall today. 

Yew was responding to criticism against the MBPP and Penang for approving the demolition of several old bungalows on Lebuhraya Peel in Pulau Tikus for the Island Medical City development. 

The multibillion-ringgit development is Island Hospital’s expansion project. The hospital is located across the road from the site, where demolition is ongoing. 

Last week, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there were no special requirements prohibiting the demolition of heritage buildings outside the Unesco heritage zone. 

Demolition applications are treated on a case-to-case basis by the MBPP, he said. 

Yew added that there are no other pending applications for the demolition of heritage buildings, like the one at Lebuhraya Peel. 

“So far there is none. Not to my knowledge,” he said. – December 14, 2018.