Story and pix by Chan Lilian
“I DON’T think the council (Penang Island Municipal Council or MPPP) is on top of things. They need to pull up their socks,” a displeased exco member for Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Chow Kon Yeow said.
Chow issued the stern reminder after a few Category 2 heritage buildings were either demolished or too run-down to be restored to their former glory.
Category 2 heritage buildings are those with heritage value but are sited outside of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He repeated his call that both MPPP and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) must ensure that demolition of heritage buildings can only be done after approval has been given.
“The approval process must be very stringent and comply with existing conventions and standards. Whatever guidelines that have not been put in place must be put in place immediately,” Chow added.
“I want the councils to be on top of things because they are not, right now. As we can see, unauthorised works are being done,” he said.
Recently, Chow took a group of media members to the Runnymede building which has been left to rot for several years.
“I want the developers to know that they cannot think they can leave the house to rot and then only submit their planning permission and when the building is too bad to be salvaged, the council will be forced to approve. That’s not the way to develop! If a building has heritage value and is under the list of heritage buildings, then all efforts must be made by the landowners to develop and restore the building to its former condition,” Chow said.
He also said that he has written to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who holds Heritage portfolio, and to the MPPP regarding this matter.
Chow was accompanied by ………. Lawrence Lim to have a look at the building materials salvaged from heritage building 218 Macalister Road.
Tiles, timber, bricks, window frames and other parts have been salvaged from the building.
The usable parts will be restored to the original building after development in the surrounding areas is completed.
The “Dismantle and Reconstruct” method has been recommended by heritage experts as the best way to restore 218 Macalister.