GEORGE Town has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a former free port and a key player in the spice trade into a renowned heritage site and popular tourist destination.
With its well-preserved buildings, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving tourism industry, the city at the heart of Penang island continues to strike a balance between development and heritage conservation.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye told Buletin Mutiara that the Penang2030 vision serves as a key catalyst for sustainable development.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has instructed that all new development projects obtain green building certification to align with the environmental goals.
“This transformation did not happen overnight but is the result of collaboration between the state government, the business sector, and local communities.
“We want to make sure that sustainable development is achieved across George Town and Penang island in the future,” he said.
Since George Town’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the state has undertaken various rejuvenation efforts, particularly through the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
H’ng said the state has offered financial incentives for the restoration of heritage buildings since last year.
“Owners of Category 1 heritage buildings received up to RM200,000, while Category 2 buildings are eligible for up to RM50,000,” he said.
H’ng expressed his gratitude to the joint efforts of the state, and relevant authorities in preserving the city’s heritage.
When asked about urban planning policies at the heritage city, H’ng pointed out that the George Town Special Area Plan was gazetted in 2016.
“This plan serves as a reference for all development projects,” he added.
To further its sustainability goals, the state government and MBPP have also implemented multiple initiatives to transform George Town into a green city.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting