Penang needs heritage funds 'more than ever'

A tourism industry leader today backed the Penang government’s call for cash from the federal government to upgrade the heritage and historical attractions.

Penang Tourism Attractions Association chairperson Eddie Low said it would be unjustified and unfair if the federal government withholds funds after ‘putting off’ the monorail and Penang Outer Ring Road projects, among others.

George Town and Malacca have been listed by Unesco as world heritage sites .

Low said Penang needs funds “more than ever” to preserve, conserve, refurbish and upgrade heritage and historical landmarks and zones.

Since the federal government is likely to allocate funds to Malacca, which has a Barisan Nasional government, Low said it should do the same for Penang.

“The interests of tourism industry and people should not be compromised due to differences in political governance,” he said.

He called for an end to politicking, saying that both the federal and state governments are responsible for socio-economic development.

They should work together to give a facelift to heritage and historical attractions to capitalise on Unesco’s listing and meet global heritage standards, “or (the ranking) will go to waste”.

‘Stem urban blight’

Penang Heritage Trust chairperson Choong Sim Poey said close ties between the state and federal governments would help arrest growing urban blight, including derelict pre-war buildings.

“International tourists would have higher expectations of George Town, so the governments should be pro-active in resolving public transportation and traffic dispersal issues, and turn the city into a pedestrian-friendly living zone.

“If we ignore these problems, we stand to lose our hard-won recognition.”

The state government has set up a steering committee to implement an integrated policy to maintain and upgrade George Town in compliance with the parameters of a living heritage and cultural site, as demanded by Unesco recognition.