Latest news with #LohBoonSiew
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- 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
a day ago
- Business
- 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
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Historic Boon Siew Villa demolished to make way for luxury condo project
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's rich heritage has once again suffered a blow with the loss of one of its landmarks. The Boon Siew Villa, once a majestic coastal home at Shamrock Beach in Jalan Batu Ferringhi, has been demolished to make way for a luxury development. Hoarding has been erected around the site and a construction crew has moved in to begin the building of the 43-storey Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi condominium project. The loss is felt not just by the people who lived near the villa, which stood as a symbol of old Penang, but also heritage advocates who see it as another blow to the state's historical landscape. They said the villa, with sweeping views of the Tanjung Bungah coastline, was not just a building but also a monument to history and the life of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the self-made tycoon who introduced Honda cub motorcycles to Malaysia. Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Clement Liang expressed his disappointment over the demolition. "The Boon Siew Villa was not just a house; it was a living part of Penang's history. It had a unique place in our heritage. "It is deeply regrettable that the developer chose to demolish it rather than incorporate it into their new development plans," he told the New Straits Times. Liang, a long-time advocate in preserving Penang's heritage, said the villa was not the only historical structure facing such a fate. Many other heritage buildings, especially those outside the George Town World Heritage Site, lack legal protection and are at risk of demolition. "Unfortunately, many buildings are not protected and there is a lack of effort to preserve them. These buildings are more than just four walls — they are part of history; the stories of our town," he added. Last October, Singaporean real estate and lodging company, The Ascott Ltd, joined forces with Instant Icon Sdn Bhd (VST Property Group) to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi. This upscale seafront development is expected to open its doors in January 2028 and is set to elevate Penang's luxury living landscape. But for heritage advocates, this is far too costly. "The loss of such landmarks is like erasing part of the city's memory. Each time a historical building is replaced, we lose a part of what makes Penang unique," said Liang. The demolition of Boon Siew Villa is yet another chapter in a growing narrative of historical buildings being sacrificed for development. Liang said other landmarks that could fall victims to the city's development boom included the Art Deco buildings along Chow Thye Road. "These are private properties and without strong legal protections, there is little to stop these buildings from being torn down for new developments," he said.
