Melaka should uphold heritage preservation standards, says Penang exco
GEORGE TOWN: Penang urges Melaka to follow heritage conservation guidelines in order to protect their joint listing as Unesco World Heritage sites.
Penang Tourism Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state was committed to heritage conservation since it launched the George Town World Heritage Incorporated in 2008, which ensured that historic areas in George Town were protected under a strong legal framework.
He said Penang had enacted comprehensive heritage laws, established conservation offices and implemented council guidelines to protect not only historic buildings but also intangible cultural heritage.
"We have done quite a bit in terms of heritage protection, including this building and many others.
"We are not only moving along with heritage conservation but also expanding into intangible cultural heritage.
"Since George Town and Melaka share a joint Unesco World Heritage (listing), Melaka is equally responsible for complying with building and conservation guidelines to ensure the integrity of the shared heritage status.
"I read quite a bit about some of the building issues in Melaka.
"So if there are issues in Melaka, they must follow the building guidelines as well," he said when announcing the George Town Celebrations 2025 here today.
Wong did not specify the building issues in Melaka.
He said the joint listing legally protected both sites and their heritage status remained secure.
Wong's comments come amid renewed public discussion around the preservation of historic sites and the need for balanced development.
George Town and Melaka were jointly inscribed as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Sites in 2008.
They were recognised as "Historic Cities of the Strait of Malacca" for their shared rich trading heritage and cultural exchange between East and West over 500 years.
This year's George Town Celebrations — the 17th year of the annual heritage festival — is themed "Doors and Doorways".
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