IT is a shame to see how the government regards the value of old buildings and properties that have existed for nearly a 100 years or more.
Let’s talk about traditional trades, like the kedai kopi (kopi tiam) that are not given due attention, or dying trades such as the barber shop or blacksmith shop.
On Sept 26, Yahoo News reported that the Penang government should have stopped foreigners from buying heritage buildings located within the George Town World Heritage Zone and its vicinity in the island state.
It seems that one sure way to save heritage buildings and old trades from disappearing is for the government to take full control of these properties and trades.
If I am not mistaken, once a building or place has been gazetted as a “heritage” zone, it should remain permanently so.
It should not be demolished for development either as it is owned by the government or governing heritage foundation.
The eviction of Kedai Kopi Kong Thai Lai at 4pm on Sept 26, which was established in 1920, is a shame and loss of nearly 100 years of history. The property had been sold to a foreign buyer despite being inside the World Heritage Zone in George Town. How it was sold is a mystery.
This is daylight robbery of history from the people of Penang.
This is a call for the people of Penang to start checking on all old buildings and places, especially those in the vicinity of the George Town Heritage Zone to ensure that these properties are strictly protected under heritage laws.
Tourists visit a country not to see modern concrete structures but to explore old towns or cities rich in history, which are also by and large educational.
LAU BING, Subang Jaya