Rm20m Boost For Penang`s Heritage Zone Projects

George Town, Malaysia - The issue of the RM25 million federal allocation for conservation projects in George Town`s Unesco-listed heritage zone has taken a new turn after it was learnt that RM20 million has been released to government investment arm Khazanah Nasional in Penang.

Penang state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow said he found out that Khazanah had received RM20mil allocation from the federal government for the purpose of conservation projects in the Unesco heritage zone of George Town.

“Khazanah has even contacted the Penang Island Municipal Council to cooperate on a couple of heritage projects here,” he said in a telephone interview with theSun today.

However, Chow is unclear of how Khazanah plans to spend the bulk of the allocation.

“Currently, Khazanah is working with the council to conduct a baseline study on heritage areas in George Town and also to revitalize one or two streets in the heritage zone,” he said.

As for whether the state government plans to approach Khazanah to cooperate with it on heritage and conservation projects in George Town, Chow said he will bring this matter up for discussion at the next state executive council meeting.

“I will highlight this at the state exco meeting and we will make a decision then,” he said, adding that the next exco meeting will be held next Wednesday.

The RM25 million allocation has been the subject of much dispute between the Penang state government and the federal government.

The allocation was initially announced by then Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who said RM50 million was set aside for both George Town and Malacca under the 2009 Budget.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had sent a letter to Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim in August for the federal government to release the funds so that the state could submit its research and plans to Unesco by Feb 1, 2011.

Then on Sept 11, Rais said the allocation did not exist and that the funds promised was a `misconception`.

The money is needed by the state and the council to carry out heritage conservation plans to comply with Unesco requirements.

The projects the council plans to undertake using the allocation are:

-an integrated geographic information system (GIS) listing and inventory of heritage property in George Town at RM1.5 million;

-an integrated management plan (RM2.5 million);

- a home owner`s manual for repair and maintenance (RM1 million);

-implementation of projects identified in a management plan required by Unesco (RM19 million); and

-establishment of a world heritage office (RM1 million). Opalyn Mok

Source: http://www.sun2surf.com
Photo: http://www.tourmalaysia.com

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