Proud Penang

Monday 7 July was a momentous day for Penang and Melaka, as it was the day the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Council met in Quebec, and accorded George Town, jointly with Melaka, World Heritage Sites, putting the, on the world map.

With this award, they proudly join two other Malaysian sites: Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, who achieved this honour in 2000. George Town and Melaka were among eight others – in Croatia, France, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Slovakia and Germany – recently chosen by UNESCO.

The accolade is something that many Penangites, including the Federal and previous state governments, state agencies, individuals and NGOs like the Penang Heritage Trust have been working tirelessly towards for the past decade.

There was jubilation all round, and to celebrate the honour, Penang threw itself a three-day party, which was kicked off by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng taking a walk down George Town’s historic streets with state officials and NGO representatives.

Drums and lion dances, street parties, stage performances, exhibitions, open houses and processions were held at various sites across the island to mark the occasion. Cultural shows and dances, free trishaw rides and flower mural painting and tree plantings were held as well, and thousands of locals revelling in the event were joined by many foreign guests from all over the world including tourists from Australia, France, Holland and Britain.

The 108-hectare site within George Town is referred to as the historic centre, comprising the 18th century town grid close to the waterfront, and its historic multi-cultural neighbourhoods. The two main criteria for nomination were:

- As an outstanding example of 18th-20th century architectural ensemble of European, Chinese, Indian and Malay origins which illustrates the legacy of multi-culturalism of the Straits Settlements and mercantile history of the Straits of Melaka.
-As an outstanding example of a traditional multi-cultural settlement which best represents the culture of tolerance, peace, diversity, conflict and continuity in the face of modernization and social change.


However, what are the implications of receiving such elevated status? According to Unity, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, the listing will mean more tourist arrivals, and in fact Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen expects tourist arrivals to triple to six million over the next five years, and our hotels, transport and food industries will also benefit as a result.

More importantly, it will mean an increased awareness and commitment amongst locals and the government towards heritage conservation, which is welcome news. Malaysia may also receive financial aid and advice from the World Heritage Committee to help support these sites.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has already announced the formation of a state-level committee which will oversee the fulfilment and compliance of being a living heritage and cultural site.

According to Penang Heritage Trust president Dr Choong Sim Poey, more must be done to prevent heritage buildings from being left derelict or modernised into glass boxes. Steps are being taken to trace owners of dilapidated buildings, and the council is working towards keeping the town clean.

As the listing is reviewed once every three years, the city must work hard to keep the status.


About UNESCO World Heritage Sites
878 sites listed in 145 states:
- 678 cultural
- 174 natural
- 26 mixed properties

Italy has highest number with 43 sites

Among the Penang Sites Listed
City Hall
Weld Quay, Clan jetties and port area
Lebuh Aceh historical enclave and Malay Mosque
Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple), the first to be built in the state
Waterfront district including The Explanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis and Beach Street
Historical commercial centre
Little India
Guilds and trades precincts
Mosque and wakaf enclaves of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling mosques
St George’s Church, Church of the Assumption, St Xavier’s Institution, Convent Light Street (the oldest girls’ school in South East Asia)
The museum and court building
Chinese clan enclaves with the Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeoh clan or kongsi houses.