Final discussion to make Tanjung Tokong heritage site
GEORGE TOWN (March 8, 2012): The Penang government is in the final stages of discussion with UDA Holdings Bhd towards having a heritage initiative for Kampung Tanjong Tokong, which has been slated for demolition for a high-density residential project.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister (I) Datuk Mansor Othman today said while the relocation of the residents has been agreed upon, a concept for a heritage enclave is also being discussed.
He expressed optimism that the matter would be finalised within a month, adding the 250-year old settlement would be vacated to give way for construction of a re-built village.
"The villagers will be placed in transit homes during the reconstruction of the village," he said.
"Once completed, they will move back to the new homes," he said, adding that it would take between a year and 18 months for the heritage village to be built.
However, Mansor told reporters to be patient on the kind of heritage concept to be adopted. "Be patient, we will announce it soon," he said at a press conference at his office here.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had in November last year told the Penang State Assembly that the state government has decided to classify the village as a heritage site.
The village existed as a fishing settlement even before the former British colonialists first landed in Penang in 1786.
The site has been slated for a massive residential development project by UDA Holdings, formerly known as the Urban Development Authority, under the Prime Minister’s Department.
The state had in 2010 received a detailed plan put forward by non-governmental organisation representatives and villagers for controlled development and conservation of key parts of the historic area.
The plan included preserving important elements of the village and the creation of a buffer around it.
On another matter, Mansor said the state has yet to receive confirmation of an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with regards to the appointment of the new Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) president.
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