THE Penang government today announced the completion of the restoration project for one of the Category II heritage shophouses in George Town under the George Town Heritage Habitat Seed Fund.
The shophouse at No. 1 Lorong Muda in George Town, owned by the Estate of Yeap Chor Ee (deceased), which was once home to the late Lee Beng Chuan, a famous joss stick maker, was restored at the cost of about RM200,000 under the Habitat seed fund.
The project was funded by the Penang government which had earlier announced the allocation of RM3 million to assist Category II heritage building owners to restore their premises under the George Town Heritage Habitat Seed Fund.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said such restoration project was crucial not only to preserve the heritage buildings in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, but also to maintain a livable space for those who live in such buildings.
“Many buildings in the World Heritage Site suffer because they lack repair, restoration and other relevant works.
“Due to low rentals, landlords are unable to spend money to ensure those living in the premises are safe.
“This is why the Habitat seed fund by the state government in collaboration with the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) is important and timely as it helps both the owners and tenants.
“This fund is very special as we have seen how relationships between owners and tenants, particularly within the George Tow heritage enclave, flourish over the years.
“One good example is where we are today. This ground used to be home to the famous joss stick maker, late Mr Lee Beng Chuan and his family.
“I understand Mr Lee and family had started staying here since 1938.
“It is hoped that his son, Lee Chin Poh and family, will continue to carry this important cultural heritage that his late father had left behind,” Chow said in his speech during the mock key handover ceremony at No. 1 Lorong Muda in George Town today.
It was learnt that the restoration project commenced on Nov 5, 2021 and was completed on March 31, 2022.
Chow also announced the completion of three other restoration projects.
One was at No. 35, Lebuh Queen, with the project beginning on Aug 10 in 2020, and ending on April 24 in 2021 at the cost of about RM380,000.
Another project was at No. 25, Lebuh Queen, in which the restoration works commenced on Aug 10, 2020, and were completed on May 25, 2021 at the cost of about RM300,000.
The other restoration project was at No. 42A, Lebuh Bishop, with work commencing on March 8, 2021, and finishing on Aug 30, 2021 at the cost of about RM260,000.
In a related development, Chow hoped the Habitat seed fund would continue to inspire other heritage building owners to apply if eligible, and also to forge good relationship with external parties through the private-professional-public partnership.
Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee thanked the Estate of Yeap Chor Ee (deceased) and the Penang Lands and Mines Office for their fundamental support for the project to be completed under the umbrella of the Habitat seed fund.
“Of course, credit also goes to the passionate contribution from my fellow GTWHI colleagues, the consultant and contractor’s team for completing this project despite facing several challenges during this era of Covid-19,” Ang said.
The project consultant was SM Ooi Architect and the contractor was 7DSM Projects Sdn Bhd.
Among others present during the event were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alissala Thian