After 18 years as a UNESCO site, Penang’s George Town heritage management has matured through laws, planning, and community cooperation.
GEORGE TOWN: After nearly two decades of being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang is now in a stronger position to manage and preserve George Town due to various efforts undertaken since the recognition on July 7, 2008.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 18-year journey was not easy as the state government faced various challenges, especially in the first five years after George Town was recognised as a World Heritage Site.
However, he said that continuous efforts involving the implementation of legal provisions, development planning controls, and cooperation among various stakeholders have successfully elevated the management of the heritage site to a more mature level.
“Today we are increasingly confident as the managers of a world heritage site because we have established the relevant legal provisions, have a specific Special Area Plan, and also an agency that manages this site, namely George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI),” he said.
He said this at a press conference for the organisation of the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2026 in conjunction with the celebration of George Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site here today.
Commenting further, Chow said that efforts to preserve the heritage site are also being driven through the cooperation of GTWHI, the Penang State Heritage Commissioner, and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), in addition to receiving support from residents, the community and organisations within the heritage site area.
He said that support for the conservation efforts also extends beyond the George Town area, with community involvement from other areas including Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai, in addition to receiving various forms of assistance from the federal government to strengthen the management of the heritage site.
He said that among the initiatives being implemented is the Climate Change Adaptation Project, funded through the World Bank, to enhance the resilience of the world heritage site area against the challenges of climate change.
Commenting on the 18th anniversary of George Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, Chow described it as a new level of maturity in the management of the area.
“Entering the 18th year marks that we have reached a more mature phase. Moving forward, we need to be more mature in managing this heritage site, better understand its value, and unite all efforts to jointly preserve this site as a world heritage and state heritage,” he said.
Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr. Ang Ming Chee said that with the theme “Share Stories!”, the GTHC 2026 celebration which will take place from July 4 to 7, will showcase various myths, legends, folktales, and sagas that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of George Town, with the Street Festival as the main programme alongside the Historic Building Open House and George Town Heritage City Walk.
He said that over the four days, 48 community partners will share their stories and cultural traditions through various activities including 33 cultural workshops, eight interactive dance performances, and 12 visits to participating historical buildings.
