Exco: Boon Siew Villa not under Unesco, state, or national protection list
Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi, which was recently demolished to make way for a luxury condominium project, is outside the George Town United Nationas Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, a state executive councillor said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the property, once the residence of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, known as 'Mr Honda', was not listed under national or state heritage protection.
"The private property is outside George Town's World Heritage Area," he told the New Straits Times.
The demolition of the villa has sparked strong reactions from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as another blow to the island's cultural identity.
The villa, regarded as a symbol of Penang's colonial-era architecture, was listed in the Penang Built Heritage Inventory in 2012.
On whether the property should have been protected, Wong said there were other landmarks, such as Wisma Boon Siew and Jalan Loh Boon Siew, that still existed in the state capital here.
"There are many properties and land banks under the family of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew. There is even one Boon Siew Building in neighbouring Singapore."
Earlier this week, the state government confirmed that all technical and safety requirements had been met for the luxury condominium project, despite public concern over traffic congestion and safety in the area.
Last October, it was reported that Singaporean real estate and lodging company The Ascott Ltd was partnering with Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi, which is set to welcome residents from January 2028.
Ascott country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja, had said that the greenfield development would feature 99 residences for sale and the project was expected to break new ground in Penang's luxury living market, with a strong focus on owner occupation.
The development would feature a diverse selection of spacious living options, ranging from 185sq m to 370sq m, along with a penthouse exceeding 740sq m.
The NST has contacted both The Ascott Ltd and Instant Icon for comment.
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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Netizens outraged over destruction of 'monument' to tycoon's life and legacy
GEORGE TOWN: Social media users have expressed outrage over the demolition of the iconic Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi to make way for a luxury high-rise. The colonial-era residence once belonged to Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the self-made tycoon who brought the Honda Cub motorcycle to Malaysia. The villa had stood as a monument to his life and legacy. One user, Myocho Kan, said he wished he had the means to buy and preserve the property. "Why not keep something that represents the value and meaning of life?" he asked. Sam Lim questioned how such a modest detached house could be replaced by a towering condominium. "How can it be quantified?" Lim asked. For Ruth Lee, the demolition felt like another piece of Penang's history being erased. "I hope they at least maintain a plaque and display old photographs in the lobby of the new building," Lee added. Reizo Zen remarked that luxury condominiums had become far too common along Penang's coastline. "They ruin and obstruct the beautiful natural view," Zen said. Maswanbi Mastan commented, "Another historical landmark gone." Afrah Albasrawy added: "Another piece of Penang's heritage destroyed." The demolition, which took place last month, also sparked criticism from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as yet another blow to the island's cultural identity. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the villa was privately owned and located outside the George Town World Heritage Site.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Exco: Boon Siew Villa not under Unesco, state, or national protection list
Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi, which was recently demolished to make way for a luxury condominium project, is outside the George Town United Nationas Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, a state executive councillor said. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the property, once the residence of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, known as 'Mr Honda', was not listed under national or state heritage protection. "The private property is outside George Town's World Heritage Area," he told the New Straits Times. The demolition of the villa has sparked strong reactions from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as another blow to the island's cultural identity. The villa, regarded as a symbol of Penang's colonial-era architecture, was listed in the Penang Built Heritage Inventory in 2012. On whether the property should have been protected, Wong said there were other landmarks, such as Wisma Boon Siew and Jalan Loh Boon Siew, that still existed in the state capital here. "There are many properties and land banks under the family of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew. There is even one Boon Siew Building in neighbouring Singapore." Earlier this week, the state government confirmed that all technical and safety requirements had been met for the luxury condominium project, despite public concern over traffic congestion and safety in the area. Last October, it was reported that Singaporean real estate and lodging company The Ascott Ltd was partnering with Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi, which is set to welcome residents from January 2028. Ascott country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja, had said that the greenfield development would feature 99 residences for sale and the project was expected to break new ground in Penang's luxury living market, with a strong focus on owner occupation. The development would feature a diverse selection of spacious living options, ranging from 185sq m to 370sq m, along with a penthouse exceeding 740sq m. The NST has contacted both The Ascott Ltd and Instant Icon for comment.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
'Public unclear on heritage guidelines, land use regulations'
GEORGE TOWN: The demolition of a property that once belonged to the late tycoon Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew has renewed public concerns over Penang's approach to heritage preservation amid rapid urban development. Penang Heritage Trust honorary treasurer Trevor Sibert said the episode highlighted a significant gap in public understanding of heritage guidelines, land use regulations and the roles of local authorities in approving developments. "The issue shows there's a lack of awareness about what areas are protected and how decisions are made," he told the New Straits Times. "The land in question is privately owned and the development was approved by the Penang Island City Council. "Outside designated heritage zones, such actions are permitted by law." Sibert clarified that only parts of George Town fell within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, and no Malaysian state has designated its entire area as a heritage zone. "To subject an entire state to heritage controls would be impractical and hinder necessary development." The demolition has reignited the ongoing debate between heritage conservation and modern development. However, Sibert said, he believed this was not a matter of choosing one over the other. "Every time a development is approved, accusations of profit over culture surface. But Penang needs to strike a balance. "Development brings jobs, improves infrastructure and supports future generations. "At the same time, heritage itself can be an economic driver through tourism." Sibert also pointed to the loss of significant heritage sites in recent years, including Kampung Siam in Pulau Tikus and the gravesite of Foo Teng Nyong, the wife of historical figure Kapitan China Chung Keng Quee, calling them as "irreplaceable." He said the Penang Heritage Trust continued to play an active role in conservation efforts. It participates in the Technical Review Board under the Penang Island City Council and provides input on development proposals within the George Town World Heritage Sate. Sibert said preservation, however, required collaboration among various bodies, not just non-governmental organisations. He said among the recurring challenges were neglected heritage properties and buildings outside protection zones. "Some owners abandon their properties or let them deteriorate to the point of being unsafe. "It's difficult for the local council to manage these cases consistently." Sibert said he believed the state government remained committed to heritage protection, citing the continued support for the George Town World Heritage Incorporated and consultation with Penang Heritage Trust. "Penang's history is a source of pride and tourism appeal. The government knows this. "But as with any administration, there is always room for improvement," he added. The recent demolition has sparked public outcry, but Sibert hoped it would also encourage more people to get involved in heritage preservation.
