GEORGE TOWN, July 7 ― The 156-year-old Cathedral of Assumption here will undergo restoration works costing RM2.5 million beginning September.

According to Penang Bishop Sebastian Francis, the church will also be extended with two additional wings.

"The church was built in 1860 and it underwent extension works in 1928 so the restoration is based on its condition in 1928,” he told reporters during a working visit by the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

"The restoration cost is estimated at RM2.5 million of which RM500,000 will be contributed by the church itself with the balance to be raised from fundraising activities lined up by the fundraising committee,” he said.

Francis said the church has very significant history as it was built by the descendants of the Eurasians who were facing persecution in Ligor and Phuket.

Fundraising committee chairman John Lau said they have raised RM170,000 so far and have enough funds to start the restoration works on September 1.

"We will be organising a charity food fair on December 3 to raise RM100,000 and we will also be selling raffle tickets to raise RM1 million,” he said.

The church will hold its last service on August 14 before it is closed for the restoration works that is expected to last 18 months.

The church will be restored to its condition back in 1928.

The architect in charge of the project, Edmond Khoo, said the restoration will include changing the glass louvre windows to timber shutter versions, repairs on leaks in the ceiling, plaster works, installation of air conditioners and a new sound system, and rewiring.

This is the first extensive restoration works to be undertaken by the Catholic Church for the church located at Farquhar Street, which is also a category I heritage building.

The church is also home to a century-old pipe organ, the only one in the northern region. The pipe organ was also recently restored to its original condition.

During his visit to the church, Lim announced an allocation of RM100,000 towards the church's restoration efforts.

"This is one of the oldest churches in Penang and we want to endorse this move to beautify and restore it to its former glory so this allocation is our token of supporting the restoration project,” he said.

He added that the state's support for the project is not about religion, but preservation of heritage.