Malacca, another port city in the former Straits Settlements, also became a World Heritage Site at the same time as George Town but is reportedly faring better.
By Lin KayKay
PENANG: George Town's World Heritage status, awarded six years ago on 7 July 2008, will come under scrutiny once again early next year when UNESCO makes a scheduled inspection of this old colonial British part of Penang.
The prognosis is not good, concedes Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) President Khoo Salma Nasution, in a media update. "Not enough is being done to protect and preserve the people, not just the buildings."
Between six years ago and now, it's apparent that much water has flowed under the bridge.
The city's culture and communities are disappearing, lamented Khoo, "This comes in the wake of the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2000 which has seen a steep rise in rentals and skyrocketing property prices".
"Several premises and enclaves with traditional communities have vanished in the last few years."
Examples abound.
Pubs, discotheques, cafes and fast-food outlets have pushed out the booksellers, traditional money changers, textile shops and merchandise stores in the Beach Street financial district.
The local communities in Little India have moved out, leaving the traditional traders with no customers. Modern stores and emporiums are moving in to fill the vacuum.
"The authorities should enforce applications for change of use," said Khoo in suggesting one measure to preserve George Town's heritage status. "This would act as a deterrent to other owners and slow down major changes."
As a case in point, she cited the many premises in George Town being converted into hotels although they do not comply with the requirements like having a back lane.
The PHT President also sees the need for a comprehensive assessment on the condition of premises in the inner city.
"There are also owners who apply for renovations to their buildings, but go on to do something else," she pointed out. "There should also be improvements in public infrastructure, flood mitigation, sewage, drainage and pedestrian walks."
Malacca, another port city in the former Straits Settlements, also became a World Heritage Site at the same time as George Town but is reportedly faring better.
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Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/11/06/george-towns-heritage-status-under-scrutiny/
