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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- 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.
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.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Bangkok Lane townhouses for sale are part of Penang's heritage'
ALONG Penang's Bangkok Lane, the townhouses present an ordered elegance, their uniform features hinting at British architectural influences, not unlike those found on Baker Street. This nearly century-old row of residences in Pulau Tikus evokes a sense of a bygone era, with colourful stained glass, timber shutters, and detailed balustrades. The 39 double-storey terraced houses, along with two detached properties of the same height, also showcase beautifully preserved tessellated floor tiles, a common feature in Penang's heritage buildings. These houses, constructed in 1928 to house the extended family of a local tycoon who then left the property under a trust, are now on the market. A family member who spoke to StarMetro on condition of anonymity, explained that the property had been carefully maintained, as the trustees had always exercised strict control over any alterations when the homes were rented out. 'No changes were permitted without our consent. Even the exterior paint had to be the same, as our family preferred them to remain white,' he said. Inside, the only significant modification allowed was the modernisation of the kitchens, which originally featured older, lower stoves. 'Some tenants did make alterations without permission, such as replacing tiles along the walkway, but we addressed these issues promptly,' he added. The houses were built in two configurations: some with two bedrooms and a balcony, and others with three bedrooms but no balcony. 'All the houses have enough space to park one car, which is unusual for townhouses,' he noted. Patrick Tio, 70, who has run a flower shop and cafe at the corner of Burma Road and Bangkok Lane for 20 years, said the lane had always been a pleasant sight. 'It is a convenient location, being central and having plenty of places to eat. 'It is an authentic place with history. These are distinctive buildings with significant heritage. 'While there are many new and modern developments, the older, heritage-style buildings here make this place special,' he observed. Penang Heritage Trust president Clement Liang said that although the houses were not within the core zone of the Unesco World Heritage site, their preservation would still be important. 'The row along Bangkok Lane features beautiful townhouses that are not commonly found elsewhere in Malaysia. 'They are unique because the designs are consistent, and they have been well looked after. 'It will be excellent if the facades are preserved, as they are examples of Art Deco architecture,' he highlighted. Liang said this design style was a trend in the 1920s, when the focus was less on large individual bungalows. 'It was more about building rows of houses where relatives could live close together, and children could grow up playing and spending time with family. 'However, it was uncommon to have parking spaces, which makes these houses special as they have sufficient room for a car,' he pointed out. Liang stressed that the houses contributed character to the Pulau Tikus area and formed part of the state's heritage. 'If these houses are demolished, it will remove a piece of our heritage, which will be lost if not conserved,' he added. It was previously reported that entire blocks of prime pre-war properties and some vacant land in George Town – held in trust deeds for decades – have now been put up for sale. According to property market sources, this 'mega sale' could potentially fetch around RM300mil, with the most notable cluster of properties for sale being on Bangkok Lane. These houses were commissioned by Penang businessman Cheah Leong Keah (1875-1941), who played a key role in importing early motorcycles, cars and fire engines into Penang. He built the Bangkok Lane houses in 1928 to house his extended family. Before his passing, he stipulated that these properties be held in trust for his descendants for a specific number of decades before they could be sold.
