THE much-needed incentives from the Penang government to assist the 47 Category One heritage buildings in Penang were lauded.
Ever since George Town was recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, the state has committed to preserving the heritage buildings in the heritage enclave.
The announcement of RM6,498,131 in funds for selected heritage buildings by the state received praise from various stakeholders.
In a recent interview with Buletin Mutiara, Datuk Lio Chee Yeong, vice-president of Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple and chairman of the Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the state, following the recommendation by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
Speaking on behalf of the Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in King Street, Lio expressed gratitude for the funds allocated to the temple.
“We are glad to receive RM198,000 in funds, which will be fully utilised for the building’s maintenance effort.
“We have been facing difficulties in maintaining the old building all this while, particularly with termite issues. Despite various maintenance works since 2015, the same problem has persisted.
“Hence, these allocated funds bring much relief, especially given the rising maintenance costs nowadays.
“We are thankful to the state and GTWHI for their efforts in providing these funds. We will use the funds to preserve this heritage building,” he said.
In 2015, Lio pointed out that a total of about RM3 million was spent to refurbish the building.
“We bought the materials from China, as they were not easily accessible locally. These materials have heritage values and must be preserved.
“We hope our heritage temple building will be maintained to attract tourists to Penang,” he added.
Li, who is the chairman of the Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, said a similar issue has surfaced for the association in town.
“We are happy to receive RM200,000 from the state, and I deeply appreciate the kind gesture. The amount will be fully utilised for maintenance and repair efforts.
“The rising cost of materials has hampered our efforts to preserve the heritage building, as we need to undertake various maintenance tasks.
“We organised fundraising activities, and sought funds from the private sector as well,” he said.
Lio expressed hope the funds came at the right time for them to plan on refurbishment purposes.
Also present during the interview session were Kwangtung and Tengchow Association Audit and Property Management Committee Datuk Yong Sum Chin and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple chairman Foo Yen Chow.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis