GEORGE TOWN, Nov 11 — Penang's capital risks losing its status as a World Unesco Heritage site if it does not give equal attention to its living cultures as it currently does with its built heritage, a Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker warned the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government today.
At the Penang legislative assembly sitting, Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad reminded the state that it had passed the Penang Heritage Enactment in 2011 and questioned the lack of enforcement for the past three years.
"Our living culture and living heritage should be preserved and protected so the state must do something about this.
"There was no heritage commissioner appointed and I heard the Unesco inspector might be coming to check on our heritage management plan and implementation soon," the state opposition representative said when debating the Supply Bill.
In a press conference later, Muhammad Farid questioned the seriousness of the state in preserving its heritage, expressing his dismay over the recent demolition of the Balik Pulau market complex built in 1914 by the Penang Island Municipal Council.
"The building has important and significant history for Balik Pulau town as it acts like a monument for the town," he said.
"The wet market is part of an important past of the town as it was the central of economic activities for the town for a long time before the traders were relocated to a new complex," he added.
Muhammad Farid was joined by Teluk Ayer Tawar assemblyman Datuk Jahara Hamid who pointed out that it was the previous BN state administration that had worked hard to get George Town recognised as a world Unesco heritage site.
"It is not easy to get the heritage status so the current administration must ensure that they do not lose the status by protecting the living heritage, appointing a heritage commissioner and implement the heritage act," she said.
