SUNGAI Lembu in Bukit Mertajam, which is one of the quiet neighbourhoods in Seberang Perai, is set to draw many domestic and international tourists at year-end following the ruins’ preservation of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pagar Tras.
The church, which was built in 1882, bears features resembling the famous Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. The ruins’ preservation project costs RM1 million.
Hidden and tucked away in a corner near a cemetery, the church served the Chinese-Hakka immigrant farmers back then.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who spoke at a press conference at the site today, said he was glad to announce the conservation effort under the state government’s initiative.
“The project consists of three phases and we look forward to welcoming the people to witness the heritage here.
“Phase One of the conservation effort will start within the first three months and we expect tourists and locals to visit the church here at end of this year.
“It will become a new heritage tourist attraction that will be value-added in the neighbourhood.
“In fact, it has been my aspiration to ensure a balanced development and tourism for the island and mainland,” he said.
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pagar Tras is about a 10-minute drive from the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam.
It is expected to attract tourists to the heritage charm located on the mainland. When completed, the ruins of the church will be similar to the Ruins of St Paul in Macau.
Yeoh said the contractor would be tasked with the rehabilitation effort soon.
“In fact, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has been assigned to the project and has appointed an architect firm as a consultant,” he said.
Penang Heritage Commissioner Rosli Nor, who was also present, said he was glad about the preservation effort.
“It will be a well-known tourism product in the future,” he said.
Among those present were the Bishop of Penang Right Reverend Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis and MBSP Tourism, Art and Heritage Department director Mohd Ridzal Abdul.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis