THE Penang government today awarded 112 recipients with the Penang Centennial Heritage Excellence Award to recognise their outstanding contributions that have propelled the state’s excellence in the past century.
Held for the very first time, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this initiative reflects the state’s commitment to treasuring and giving due recognition to all the organisations, associations, societies, educational institutions, businesses, services, or related groups that have played a vital role in Penang’s development.
“These century-old premises come from different backgrounds, and they all have a unique story to tell.
“It is truly applaudable for what they have been achieving so far, especially for working tirelessly to conserve, preserve and protect the heritage values of their respective buildings.
“All these years, these premises have had to stay relevant to complement the advancement the world is going through, and it is not easy considering that they have to retain the original identity while working to improve the necessary elements.
“Also not forgetting the group of professionals with backgrounds in sociology, political science, architecture and other relevant areas for equally playing a vital role in assisting these premises to receive their awards today.
“All that is being done today is important because it will be directed to our future generations and it will certainly help them build a better future for all,” Chow said in his speech during the Penang Centennial Heritage Excellence Award ceremony at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town today.
Hameediyah Restaurant, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Pitchay Gunny Fashion House, Penang Free School, Penang Chinese Girls’ School, Penang Hill Corporation and the Balik Pulau Hospital were among the 112 recipients that received their awards today.
The recipients were awarded a plaque and certificate each by Chow.
Chow also said Penang has always been fond of the heritage values that popular buildings carry in the state.
“The gazetting of the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 and the Penang Heritage Regulations 2016 is a step taken by the Penang government to uplift and preserve the cultural heritage of the state.
“I would also like to encourage eligible premises that wish to be recognised as a stage heritage to submit their proposals to the Penang State Heritage Commissioner Office for further consideration,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, who was at the ceremony, said the council is aware and will do the needful to rectify the issues addressed regarding the objections by civil society groups on the 2030 Local Plan (island) Draft.
“So far, we have received over 1,500 objections and suggestions combined by related stakeholders.
“Our committee will study and rectify it as soon as possible,” Yew said.
He was also then asked why the consultant appointed to draft the local plan was based in Kuala Lumpur instead of Penang.
A reporter threw this question following several errors in the draft local plan such as labelling the Queen Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower as “Queen Elizabeth Clock Tower” and Dewan Mahatma Gandhi being misspelled as “Dewah Mahatma Ghani”.
To this, Yew said the consultant was appointed based on years of experience in handling multiple projects across the country.
Also present during the ceremony were State Secretary Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Penang State Heritage commissioner Rosli Nor and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud