View Full Version : PenangHeritage:DoubleWHSTonite!
http://hub.dataline.net.au/~tfoen/penangjurors.htm
The following list of names are of residents of the settlement of Penang who were qualified and liable to serve as jurors in the settlement in accordance with the provisions of the law. The settlement at that time was a colony of Great Britain, and was one of the three states that comprised the Straits Settlements (the others being Singapore and Malacca). This list of jurors includes many Europeans, as well as the names of a number of Eurasians, Indians, Malays and other non-European residents. Each name is followed by the occupation, and employer's company name, as well as the person's place of abode. The names are arranged alphabetically, by surname. The population of the settlement around this period was about 130,000. [See Supplement No. 2 to the Straits Settlements Government Gazette, dated Friday, January 20, 1905 - The Straits Settlements Medical Report for 1903.]
The names and details were transcribed from the Straits Settlements Government Gazette, of December 23, 1904, available on microfilm from the National Archives, Singapore. It is unclear what the initials (E.V.), that accompany some of the names, indicate.
The list includes:-
Peter Alexander Agerbeck, assistant overseer of Scavengers, Municipality; College Lane.
Frank Robert Rozells, rat catcher, Municipality; College Lane.
James Scully, overseer of Scavengers, Municipality; College Lane.
Wong Choo Keng, manager, Opium Farm; Kimberley Street.
A similar list exists for Singapore 1904, but it's only A to L:-
http://hub.dataline.net.au/~tfoen/singaporejurors1.htm
And Malacca 1904:-
http://hub.dataline.net.au/~tfoen/malaccajurors.htm
2008/01/06
Trishaw maker needs an heir
http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/National/2125302/insidepix1
[Photo: NST - Choo Yew Choon, 50, the sole trishaw maker and repairman on Penang island, putting the final touches to a damaged trishaw at his workshop in George Town.]
GEORGE TOWN: The unique trade of trishaw-making is fast diminishing but the rare person who knows about it has made a new year's resolution to find himself a successor.
Choo Yew Choon, the only remaining trishaw maker and repairer here has been looking for someone to take over his business since the 1990s.
He is frustrated that he has yet to meet anyone interested in inheriting the business his late father started.
Still, Choo, 60, who operates Hup Huat Tricycle and Bicycle Repair in Jalan Pintal Tali, remains hopeful that his successor will show up in 2008.
"Young people are just not interested in picking up the basic skills to build and repair trishaws.
"I have been trying to encourage my children to take over from me but they are just not interested," Choo said, adding it cost up to RM3,000 to build a trishaw.
Choo said he repaired an average of 10 trishaws a day, besides repairing tricycles and hawker pushcarts.
He took over the business after quitting his job as a technician at a local steel factory here in 1989.
Only about 200 trishaws now ply the streets of inner George Town, compared to about 1,000 in the 1970s.
Trishaws in Penang underwent an aggressive re-branding exercise early last year to spruce up the unkempt appearance of both the penarik beca and the vehicles.
Under the exercise, trishawmen were given a makeover with free haircut and new t-shirts.
The exercise was organised and undertaken by the Penang Action Tourism Council and Koperasi Pelancongan Pulau Pinang Berhad (Kopel).
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2125302/Article/index_html
Clan jetties cast long shadow at Weld Quay
PHILIP LIM
The clan jetties have contributed significantly to Penang’s rich heritage. PHILIP LIM visits the jetties to meet the residents there
http://www.nst.com.my/TravelTimes/article/FeatureStory/20080217164100/insidepix1?display=small
http://www.nst.com.my/TravelTimes/article/FeatureStory/20080217164100/insidepix2?display=small
[All Photos: Phillip Lim/NST Travel - The wooden passages of the clan jetties are wide enough for parking and using motorcycles and bicycles.]
http://www.nst.com.my/TravelTimes/article/FeatureStory/20080217164100/insidepix3?display=small
[A jetty house turned grocery shop caters to the needs of the community in the area.]
THERE was a time back in the first half of the 1970s when Weld Quay, or Pengkalan Weld, in Penang was a landmark that could not be ignored.
Today, Weld Quay has slipped into a twilight zone that most of us know but hardly explore.
Thirty-three years ago (1974), Penang’s free port status ground to a halt. This signalled the decline of Weld Quay, with its special status as the first and foremost island feature when a visitor disembarked from the ferry.
With the disappearance of the free port status and the relocation of government offices to Komtar, Weld Quay rapidly lost its shine.
The government offices used to be in Downing Street (not that one in London). The older Penangites called this the “government street”.
The foundations of Weld Quay were laid in the 1880s. At that time, the Governor of Straits Settlements was Frederick Aloysius Weld.
A huge land reclamation project took place. By the time, it was completed in 1904, the Swettenham Pier sprung into being and propelled the island into the international league as a vital sea trading hub.
At the turn of the 20th Century, the Indians called Weld Quay “Kitengi Teru” (street of company godowns).
The busy port of Penang prior to 1974 was not unaccustomed to an endless stream of big and small vessels plying its waters on a weekly basis.
What has remained unchanged over the decades is the elusive fleeting mystique of Weld Quay and its clan jetties.
The origins of the clan jetties can be traced to the 19th Century. More than 100 years ago, the Chinese clans used to hold dragon boat races in the Penang north channel.
This practice was discontinued after a long successful run. Then in the 1950s, the dragon boat race was resurrected to become part of the Pesta Pulau Pinang.
There were originally seven clan jetties. The Hokkien clans were the Lim, Chew, Tan, Yeow, Lee, Koay and Ong. This waterfront was the heartland of Penang’s Chinese seafarers.
When another jetty terminal blueprint was drawn up, the Ong jetty was deconstructed to make way for the terminal.
As Penang embraced its future, Weld Quay became less important and development was focused elsewhere on the island and the mainland.
Consequently, the fishing trade among the clans declined. The houses that “rose from the Penang waters” are still there but the remaining residents at the jetties, in recent years, belong to the older generation, now in their sixties and seventies.
Nostalgic Air
During low tide, there’s a pungent odour of decaying algae and other residues left behind by the receding water. Jetty residents are probably oblivious to the smell but visitors to the jetties will immediately notice it.
On an afternoon when the sun was merciless at 3pm, only the elderly were seen cooling off on the verandahs.
Their relief from the heat was aided by the gentle breeze sweeping inland at irregular intervals. Sad-looking wooden boats were tied along the planked passageways of the various jetties.
One senior resident, who wished to identify himself only as Chew, at the jetty that carries his surname, told of the old days when the fishing trade among the clans was thriving and the surrounding waters were awash with sailors who came from many parts of the world. Chew himself came from China when he was 5 years old.
Times were desperate for his parents back in his motherland. It was a question of leave or die. His parents chose to seek their fortune in old Malaya together with their infant son. The Chew jetty thus became his permanent residence.
Today, Chew is in late 60s. He spent his early years as a deck-hand on clan fishing boats where he was a hai goo, or sea cow (labourer).
Part of his work involved lugging gunny sacks weighing about 100 katis (50kg) on the shoulders and walking rapidly but wobbly on a six-inch plank linking the swaying fishing boat to the jetty. I saw such a plank but decided not to test its durability or my sense of balance.
More than 30 years ago, a sizeable number of workers who worked in nearby offices in Pitt Street, King Street, Beach Street and Church Street stayed at the various clan jetties. One reason was the low rentals and another was proximity to their workplaces. Many of these people have since left the jetties and moved to higher and firmer ground.
The Lim clan jetty is one of the most well preserved of its kind. In a 2003-2004 Weld Quay Best Jetty competition, the Lim Jetty bagged the first prize. The Lim Jetty was set up in the mid-19th Century.
It was home for those Chinese who came from Fujian province, Quan Zhou prefecture, Tong Aun district and Hoi Chun Zhuang village.
The clan jetties have the distinction of having contributed significantly to the rich heritage that makes up modern Penang. The houses still exude an ambience of an exotic historical flavour.
Houses of worship that dot the various jetties tell of the attachment of the residents’ devotion to the deities who had played important roles in Hokkien traditions and cultural practices.
Passage To The Past
Amid the compact wooden shelters lie some houses that have been converted into tiny grocery outlets, serving the local residents.
Not many children can be seen but a couple of them popped up and looked quite comfortable and cheerful in their familiar surroundings.
These days, most of the old fishermen have turned to other professions. Among them is the task of ferrying foreign sailors back to their ships anchored nearby.
A short trip costs RM2 a passenger. A little further would earn RM5 for the shirtless fishermen who work part-time as sea cabbie.
Most of these fishermen at the jetties do not wear shirts or shoes. The absence of footwear has something to do with the ancient practice and superstition of not being on land.
Some of these waterfront men have tattoos on their chest. This is one practice that is apparently gaining popularity among the present younger generation. These men look well seasoned. Their skins have a leathery look due to the sun and prolonged exposure to the sea air.
Unless an outsider takes a slow walk on those planked passageways, he would not understand the “feel” that exists in a community built on stilts over muddy waters.
There were more than a few Astro dishes sticking out awkwardly from the corners of the low roofs. Weld Quay residents are obviously not unreceptive to modern satellite entertainment.
The sight of a motorcyclist riding confidently along a narrow wooden passage over greenish waters may draw startled looks from newcomers to the quay. The number of two-wheelers parked outside homes indicates that walkways also double up as “roads” for all concerned.
There are a total of seven jetties. Six belong to the clans and the seventh bears the other surnames.
The largest community among the Weld Quay family of clans is the Chew clan. It looks well organised and is located near Armenian Street Ghaut.
A visitor to the quay can begin with the Lim, Chew and Tan jetties. It is like walking down an avenue that leads to a world that is half forgotten and is lodged in a time zone that is quite separate from the present.
The sea, the silent houses on wooden stilts and their dwindling number of occupants speak eloquently of its rich past and the hardy seamen who once lived there.
How To Get There
The clan jetties are located adjacent to the ferry terminal on Penang island. As you leave the ferry terminal, turn left as the community is within walking distance. The signs identify the various clans.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/FeatureStory/20080217164100/Article/index_html
2008/06/05
Malacca and Penang clear heritage site final hurdle
MALACCA: It looks like the historical city's eight-year wait to be included on the Unesco World Heritage Site list will be over soon.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state had passed the final stumbling block - a request by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) for Bukit Cina to be included in the buffer zone of the heritage site in Malacca.
"As requested by Icomos, the state executive council yesterday gave the green light for Bukit Cina, all 41.5ha of the biggest Chinese cemetery in the world outside of China, to be included as a heritage site buffer zone to complete our dossier in our nomination for us to be listed as a world heritage site together with Penang.
"This was among the six criteria which the state needed to comply with before the world heritage committee meets in Quebec, Canada, next month to accept Malacca and Penang's applications to be included in the list."
The five other criteria, which Malacca has fulfilled, were - setting up a management group or body to ensure the coordinated management of the two cities, a comprehensive conservation plan designed and implemented for the cities, measures to decrease motor traffic, control of tourism pressures and a comprehensive monitoring system of all the components in the heritage zone.
"It everything goes well, Malacca and Penang would be known as 'Malacca and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca'."
With the inclusion of Bukit Cina, the heritage site in Malacca will cover a core area of 38.1ha which include the area around the A'Famosa, Stadhuys and Jonker Walk and a 170ha buffer zone covering Dataran Pahlawan, Banda Kaba, Kampung Jawa, Kampung Satu, Kampung Dua, Kampung Tiga, Kampung Empat, Kampung Pantai, Gajah Berang and areas from Jalan Munshi Abdullah to the Bukit Cina roundabout.
"In total, the heritage site in Malacca will comprise an area covering 208ha."
Bukit Cina, the biggest Chinese cemetery in the world outside China, comprises three hills - Bukit Gedung, Bukit Tempurung and Bukit Cina.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2258742/Article/index_html
Tuesday July 8, 2008
Unesco accepts George Town and Malacca as World Heritage Sites
By EDDIE CHUA
GEORGE TOWN: The historical sites of George Town and Malacca have finally been listed as World Heritage Sites – a much sought after listing by nations across the globe.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) accorded the two cities the status yesterday when the Paris-based World Heritage Council met in Quebec, Canada.
The recognition will see historical and cultural properties in both cities to be listed on the Unesco World Heritage List.
Malaysia had been bidding for the prestigious listing since 2004.
The core areas encompass the historical sites of George Town, including the Lebuh Acheh historical enclave and sites such as the Lebuh Acheh Malay Mosque, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Kling Mosque, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi, St George’s Church, Assumption Church, St Xavier’s Institution, Convent Light Street, Little India, the museum and court building, the commercial area of Beach Street, Fort Cornwallis, Esplanade, City Hall, the clan jetties and the port areas.
In Malacca, the historical sites near the St Paul’s Hill, the 17th century Dutch Stadhuys buildings, Jonker Street with its Dutch-era buildings, Jalan Tukang Besi, Kampung Morten and Malacca River have been recognised as part of the world heritage sites.
Penang Tourism Development, Cultural, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said a state representative who were following the meeting in Canada informed them of the success bid yesterday evening.
“Listing George Town and Malacca on the World Heritage List would definitely help to boost the tourism in both states in a long run.”
Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the success in the bid is a boost to multiculturalism and tourism for Malaysia.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/8/nation/21765425&sec=nation
July 11, 2008 17:16 PM
Pulau Jerejak: From Penal Colony To Resort Island
By Lizawati Bahanan
PULAU PINANG, July 11 (Bernama) -- Most city dwellers would welcome a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of life in the concrete jungle as well the smog-filled and traffic-congested urban streets.
To them, a sojourn at an island would be most welcomed; the cacophony of sounds from the chirping birds and rolling waves would be like music to their ears.
The lush, thick and green foliage and crystal blue water is a sight to behold.
This is the scenario that greets the eyes of the city folks who step on Pulau Jerejak.
FOUNDED BY FRANCIS LIGHT
The 362 hectares Pulau Jerejak is located 1.5 nautical miles from the mainland.
The island's jungle, believed to be over 4,000 years old, is reputed to hold 210 species of flora as well as 39 species of fauna .
Francis Light, was believed to be the first to set foot on Pulau Jerejak in 1786, before he went on to discover Pulau Pinang.
ISLANDS HISTORY
The name Pulau Jerejak (Jerejak Island) was unveiled in the British colonial archives when in 1797, Colonel Arthur Wellesly of Wellington, England, suggested that the island be turned into a harbour for the British Empire's navy to protect Jamestown, now known as Bayan Lepas.
In 1910, Pulau Jerejak was turned into a quarantine centre for immigrants and at the end of 1930s, the island became a colony for lepers.
Pulau Jerejak came into the limelight some years back after there was a controversial plan to turn the island into a casino. But after much flak from various parties, the plan was snipped in the bud.
After the Second World War, Pulau Jerejak was dubbed as the 'sanatorium' when the island was turned into the refuge for war victims who suffered tuberculosis.
Then, the British colonialists decided to build a sanatorium on the eastern side of the island, to accommodate some 150 people who suffered from leprosy and tuberculosis.
Then, on June 12, 1969, it was turned into a penal centre for hardcore criminals serving their time, hence its nickname 'The Alcatraz of Malaysia', in reference to the maximum-security penitentiary on an island in the United States.
Prior to this, Pulau Jerejak served as a camp for the British government's political detainees as well others who were banished to the island.
Some of the Malay nationalists who were banished to this island were Dr Burhanuddin Al Helmi, Ahmad Boestaman, Ustaz Abu Bakar Al Baqir, Ustaz Salleh, Cikgu Muhd Yusof Ayob, Rashid Karim and Ibrahim Karim.
In 1981, a riot occurred in which about 100 detainees ran amok after learning that their period of detention on the island had been extended.
In the following years, the number of detainees ballooned to 982.
As a security measure, the parameters 200 metres off the island was declared off-limits to fishermen.
Nevertheless, seven detainees managed to break out from the fortress-like detention centre; four in January 1988 and another three in May the same year.
In 1990, the government decided to close down the penal colony for good and had the detainees transferred to detention centres in Muar and Simpang Renggam in Johor.
The last batch of the detainees was moved on Aug 13, 1993.
FROM PENAL COLONY TO TOURIST DESTINATION
In 2000, Pulau Jerejak, which had been dubbed as either a sanatorium or prison, was turned into a tourist attraction in line with efforts to boost Penang's tourism sector.
Hence, the island's foreboding image as a place for the banished was eradicated for good. In 2003, the island's only resort, the Jerejak Resort and Spa, took shape and began operations in January the next year.
Built on the very spot where the leprosarium used to stand, the resort offers dorms, rooms and chalets for tourists who wish to stay overnight.
FERRIES, CHALETS, DORMS
The ferry service, from the Pantai Jerejak terminal in Pulau Pinang to Pulau Jerejak starts at 6.30am until 10.30pm while the return trip is from 7.30am to 11.30pm daily.
For the weekend, the last call for the less than one-hour terminal-resort trip is at 12.30am while it is at 1.30am for the way back.
The fare is RM12 (adults) and RM8 (children) for weekdays and RM30 and RM18 respectively for the weekend.
For the day-trippers, there is a package that covers the fare and buffet lunch at the 24-hour Restoran Santapan (Santapan Restaurant).
The rate is RM30 (adults) and RM18 (children) for weekdays and RM42 and RM24 respectively on weekends. Accommodation in the form of dormitories, rooms and chalets are affordable.
Several tourists, interviewed on the island, expressed their surprise at the island's transformation into a tourist destination.
"Previously, people felt nervous and uneasy at the mention of Pulau Jerejak, but it is no longer the case now. Many activities can be done here," Kuala Lumpur-based executive Adam Rayyan Iskandar told Bernama at the resort.
Businessman Jason Tan, 54, said Pulau Jerejak is an ideal holiday spot for the family. "Here, the atmosphere is serene and peaceful and there is also a spa. This place is suitable for the family and newly-weds", he said.
Recreation comes in the form of the 'flying fox', suspension bridge, wall climbing and abseiling, jungle trekking, hiking, mountain biking, paint ball 'war games', water polo, beach football, netball and volleyball.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_features.php?id=345454
Thursday July 17, 2008
Kongsi to let out houses to investors
By ANDREA FILMER
PENANG heritage property owners are stepping up efforts to bring life and vitality back into the inner city in view of George Town’s successful listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The trustees of Penang’s famous Khoo Kongsi are doing the same and have taken the opportunity to hunt for investors for tourism-related projects.
Khoo Kongsi secretary Khoo Boo Hong said there were plans to restore and revitalise double-storey pre-war houses around Cannon Square located in the Khoo Kongsi complex.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/17/north/kongsi.jpg
[All Photos: The Star - Khoo Kongsi has been attracting more than 200,000 tourists every year.]
“Nowadays, this area becomes a dead place after 5pm, but our recent listing as a World Heritage site has given everyone the impetus to start bringing back life and activity into George Town,” he said.
“Khoo Kongsi trustees have been thinking about restoration and heritage works around the Leong San Tong (Khoo Kongsi) clanhouse for a few years.
“In fact, restoration on eight shop houses in Cannon Square was completed last month after two and a half years of work,” he said.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/17/north/kongsi4.jpg
[New use: Restored pre-war shop houses at Canon Square which will be converted into a school.]
He added that the space had already been rented out and would soon be converted into the branch campus of Georgetown College’s School of Heritage and Tourism Studies.
“The college took over the premises on July 15 and after some alterations and renovations to the place to fit their purposes, they will train students in tourism-related businesses like local cuisine and heritage hotelling.
“Negotiations had been going on for the last six months, and I think this fits in very nicely with the recent development of our World Heritage listing,” Khoo said.
He added that 80-year-old shop houses that lined the main entrance to Khoo Kongsi courtyard were next on the list of development.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/17/north/kongsi3.jpg
[These shophouses lining the entrance to Khoo Kongsi will soon be let out for tourism-related projects.]
“We’re currently looking for interested investors from Singapore and Hong Kong to rent these 14 houses for heritage purposes.
“There is potential for the area to be turned into budget hotels, Asian food outlets or art and craft centres,” he said.
“Khoo Kongsi has decided to hand over the job of restoring these houses to the investors as they would be the best ones to know how to adapt the space to their requirements,” Khoo said, adding that investors would have to adhere to strict heritage guidelines from the Penang Municipal Council when renovating and restoring the houses.
He added that Khoo Kongi hoped to settle on the appropriate investor and start work at the end of next year.
“We hope to make Khoo Kongsi the nucleus of heritage development in inner George Town.
After the projects start to get off the ground, I believe other Chinese clans in the surrounding area will follow suit,” he said.
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/17/north/21842293&sec=North
Thursday July 17, 2008
Review projects in heritage enclaves
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM
THE authorities have been urged to review high-rise development projects in the inner city that are inconsistnet with the state's conservation policy. Penang Heritage Alert Group coordinator Tan Yeow Wooi said the state government should give the matter urgent attention as George Town had been recognised as a World Heritage site by Unesco.
He said core and buffer zones should be strictly observed, adding that proposed high-rise and high-density projects should be reviewed.
He also condemned the proposed construction of a relatively “high” hotel next to the historic Customs Department premises in Weld Quay.
“We are shocked and very concerned over the 100-room Rice Miller boutique hotel.
“It is not our intention to object to this project. We are concerned that this project is in the vicinity of an area full of historical landmarks,” he said.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/17/north/review.jpg
[Tan with an artist's impression of the proposed relatively 'high' hotel next to the Customs Department.]
Such a project would spoil the state capital’s heritage image, added Tan.
“The integrated development project also involves construction of 100,000 sq feet commercial plaza, 160,000 sq feet retail podium, 23 small office-house-office (Soho) townhouses and a 105-unit condominium,” he told pressmen near the proposed construction site yesterday.
Tan claimed that the proposed new building scaling 51.7m high would dwarf the adjacent heri-tage buildings, adding it would also be higher than the tower of the heri-tage Customs building.
“The proposed project does not comply with the maximum height limit imposed in heritage zones. It would mar the skyline of existing historic urban space, especially the Weld Quay waterfront,” he added.
He also gave examples of other projects that were either approved or implemented in conservation zones. These included the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project behind the general post office on Lebuh Downing, the 23-storey tower hotel project by Low Yat group and the extension of Eastern & Oriental Hotel.
In an immediate response, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would ask the Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman to brief him on the matter.
“State executive councilor Chow Kon Yeow will brief the media after hearing Zainal’s explanation,” he said.
See previous post with photograph of Cannon Square, amongst others
July 29, 2008 22:23 PM
Khoo Kongsi To Transform Cannon Square Into Heritage Icon Of Penang
PENANG, July 29 (Bernama) -- Khoo Kongsi, the 19th century Chinese clanhouse, will embark on a bold plan to transform its residential area in Cannon Square into a thriving well-preserved arts and cultural centre.
Chairman of the Khoo Kongsi's Board of Trustees Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew said the kongsi was seeking potential investors to restore and adaptively use the 14 units of double-storey pre-war buildings within its compound.
Khoo Kongsi's trustees will be in Singapore to meet up with potential investors on Friday, and also entrepreneurs, conservationists and professional people who are experts in heritage restoration and preservation of old buildings," he told a news conference here today.
"This hopefully will result in some concrete proposals which will benefit the investors and the kongsi alike, creating a win-win situation for all parties," he said.
Khoo said the investors would be allowed to customise the 14 units according to their intended use.
He said, however, that they had to strictly adhere to the heritage guidelines and rules of the Municipal Council of Penang Island (MPPP) and, at the same time, be able to blend well with the heritage values of the enclave and aim to enhance the Khoo Kongsi's position as a leading tourist attraction and heritage icon of Penang.
Michael Geh, Penang's Senior Partner of Raine & Horne International, who was also at the press conference, said the trustees' plan for the 14 town houses was inspired by the conservation and preservation of the 800-year-old world heritage site of Lijiang in China.
"This is very pertinent to ensure that the conservation efforts are commercially viable, sustainable and beneficial to all concerned: the investors, the people patronising the businesses, the government and the people of Penang," he said.
The double-storey pre-war buildings line both sides of the entrance road leading to the Khoo Kongsi courtyard.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=349332&cat=nt
Penang in a a dilemma over world heritage site
Andrea Filmer
The Star
Publication Date: 20-11-2008
The state government has found itself in a Catch 22 situation – jeopardise George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site status or run the risk of being sued for hundreds of millions by developers.
The crisis centres on the building of four high-rise hotels in the heritage core and buffer zones which violate the guidelines approved by the World Heritage Committee (WHC).
Under stringent heritage guidelines sent to the committee in August 2007, a maximum height of 18m or roughly five storeys was set for new buildings in the two zones.
“The guidelines were not made widely known when they were first put in place. Only when George Town’s Unesco status was approved did we realise the guidelines,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after a dialogue session with the Heritage Steering Committee’s Advisory Panel yesterday.
“Now, we’re caught in a conundrum. If we allow the buildings to go ahead, we may risk the status, but if we stop the buildings, we could be sued for hundreds of millions which will definitely bankrupt the local council.
“We’re damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.”
The four hotels are the Rice Miller boutique hotel in Weld Quay and the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project behind the General Post Office in Lebuh Downing, both lying in the heritage core zone, and the E&O Hotel extension and 23-storey hotel in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by the Low Yat Group in the buffer zone, both of which will be 84.4m high.
Lim said three of the four hotels were approved by the previous state administration while the Boustead building was approved on June 26, less than two weeks before the Unesco status was granted.
He said the state was now looking to the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry for direction.
“Although the state wants to take active measures to alleviate the problem, we cannot plunge in recklessly. The legal situation has to be studied carefully and it does not seem to favour us.”
Unesco regional adviser for the Asia-Pasific Dr Richard Engelhardt, who was present at the dialogue, said George Town had no choice but to follow the guidelines approved by the WHC.
“When the status is approved, the guidelines trump all previous existing regulations. Why would you apply for the status if there was no intention of following the guidelines?
“If the state decides to go along with the high-rises, I’m sure it will be called up by the WHC to explain why it allowed such a thing and whether it is compatible with the preservation of heritage,” he said.
“The worst-case scenario is that George Town is delisted, but that is not the usual situation as when a site applies for World Heritage status, it is interested in preserving the heritage,” he added.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=2759&sec=1
'George Town's heritage status secure'
By ANDREA FILMER
GEORGE TOWN: George Town’s World Heritage Site status is not in jeopardy as the upcoming high-rise hotels in the area were approved under the guidelines sent to Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
Former state Tourism Development and Environment committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said an amendment had been done to guidelines regarding the height control before they were submitted to Unesco in February this year.
“After consultation with several quarters in 1996, the council adopted the policy of putting a maximum height of 18m, the equivalent of about five storeys, on new developments in the heritage zone.
“The guidelines regarding the height controls were then amended by the State Planning Committee in early 2007 to facilitate development and two hotels - the Rice Miller Boutique Hotel and the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel - were then approved,” Teng said.
He added that the E&O extension, to scale 84.4m upon completion, was an existing approved plan in 1996 and did not fall under the height restriction guidelines.
Teng, who is also the former Preparatory Committee for the Unesco World Heritage Listing of George Town chairman, added, however, that the approval of buildings exceeding 18m in the heritage zone were under “strict conditions” and not a blanket approval on all buildings.
Both the Boustead and Rice Miller hotels are equal in height to the neighbouring Bangunan Syed Putera at 51.7m while a 23-storey hotel project proposed by the Low Yat Group was approved on June 26. Concern over the four high-rise projects was widespread as they were believed to be in violation of the guidelines sent to Unesco.
“Prof David Lung, who had been sent by the World Heritage Committee (WHC) to assess the heritage value of the city was also fully briefed on the three impending projects and raised no objections about them at any time.
“As such, when Unesco approved George Town’s heritage status on July 7, it was with full awareness that the three hotel projects would be implemented in due time meaning that the problem of these projects affecting the city’s status as a World Heritage Site should not arise at all,” he said.
Teng also hit back at the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Penang for stating that no public participation, input or consultation as to the consequences of a successful listing was ever conducted before the application.
“In a series of listing exercises in the middle of last year, which I chaired, stakeholders and state bodies had been consulted on the Unesco application including Rehda,” Teng said.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/22/nation/20081122174252&sec=nation
Official recognition for George Town and Malacca tonight
PETALING JAYA: George Town and Malacca will officially get the Unesco World Heritage Site recognition tonight at 8pm, when the letter of commission is handed over by the world body.
The Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry’s Heritage Department said the handover ceremony at Kuala Lumpur’s Dataran Merdeka will be conducted with pomp and splendour in traditional Malay custom, complete with warriors, horses and elephants.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will be present to grace the event.
At the ceremony, a Unesco representative will hand the letter of commission to Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Mi-nister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
Shafie will hand the letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who will then present it to the King. Also witnessing the event will be the Yang di-Pertuan Negri of Penang and Malacca.
The two cities were recognised by Unesco as world heritage sites in July after having bid to be in the prestigious list since 2004.
Malacca’s 214.6ha heritage site includes the St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago (A’ Famosa) fortress and Stadhuys complex, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk) and the Malacca River.
The George Town site, covering 259.42ha includes the Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay, Beach Street, Bishop Street, Church Street, China Street, Chulia Street and Little India.
“Historically, the two cities are very special because both are located along the Straits of Malacca, a significant trade route for the past 500 years,” said the statement.
Malacca and George Town also reflected the cultural presence of Chinese, Indian, Arabic and European influences, it said.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/22/nation/2619588&sec=nation
See also thread on Melaka WHS Status:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=3076
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