Penang to check heritage buildings after wall collapse injures two

 

Penang will assess the structural safety of all heritage buildings following the wall collapse in Lebuh Armenian that injured two Sri Lankan tourists. — NSTP / AURIS FAQRURAZZI

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will assess the structural safety of all heritage buildings following the wall collapse in Lebuh Armenian that injured two Sri Lankan tourists.

State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said the state government would ask the Heritage Department to conduct a study and appoint an independent engineer to identify unsafe buildings.

He said this would enable independent assessments to be carried out.

"We will ask the department to conduct a study and appoint an independent engineer to identify unsafe heritage buildings.

"Once the findings are available, the Penang Island City Council can issue notices to building owners to carry out the necessary remedial works," he said when contacted.

This follows yesterday's incident in which two Sri Lankan tourists were injured when stones and timber from a first-floor beam of a heritage building collapsed.

The victims have been identified as 66-year-old Mohamad Ammtar and 55-year-old Fatimah, who received initial treatment at the scene before being taken to Penang Hospital for further treatment.

Initial checks found that a termite-damaged wooden beam had caused the collapse at the heritage shophouse.

Meanwhile, H'ng said preserving the heritage value of buildings should not come at the expense of public safety.

He acknowledged that restoration works on heritage buildings often require the use of original materials, but said there should be flexibility where safety is concerned.

"For heritage buildings, renovations must retain the original facade. Sometimes the original materials, such as wood, may no longer be suitable.

"I have reminded the Heritage Department that there should be some consideration when it comes to the materials used. It is not necessary to use wood again, as long as the facade remains the same.

"Alternative materials can be considered while preserving the original appearance to ensure public safety," he added.

Yesterday, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the incident highlighted the need to pay greater attention to the structural safety of old and heritage buildings to prevent similar accidents.

Lebuh Armenian is one of George Town's oldest and most vibrant streets, located in the heart of the city's historic enclave on Penang island.

As part of George Town's Unesco World Heritage Site, the street is a major attraction known for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved shophouses.

The street is renowned for its distinctive blend of architectural styles that reflects Penang's multicultural past.

It is also home to some of George Town's most recognisable street art, including Ernest Zacharevic's iconic Children on a Bicycle mural, which has become a symbol of the city. - NST