World Heritage Site: George Town Celebrates
The Penang Island Municipal Council building is all lit up as George Town celebrates its listing by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. - Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail
GEORGE TOWN: A three-minute fireworks display illuminated the skies here last night as thousands of people gathered in Padang Kota Lama to celebrate George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas took to the stage to officially declare George Town’s inclusion into the prestigious Unesco Heritage Sites list at Padang Kota Lama yesterday. With him is Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
The fireworks display was accompanied by the simultaneous honking of ferry horns from the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in Pengkalan Weld.
Earlier, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas took to the stage to officially declare George Town’s inclusion into the prestigious list.
He was accompanied by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, state executive councillors and legislative assemblymen.
Several cultural performances showcasing Penang’s rich history also added to the air of festivity.
Among the local and evergreen artistes were Alleycats, Nancy Yeoh, L. Ramli and Hail Amir.
Throughout the day, various activities were held to commemorate the event, such as the clan jetties’ open house, stage performances by the various communities in the state as well as a cultural procession.
The three-day celebration ends today with a street celebration at Upper Penang Road.
In his speech, Lim said George Town’s and Malacca’s listing as Unesco World Heritage Sites would further endorse Malaysia’s name on the international stage as it adds to two local destinations already on the list, namely the Mulu National Park in Sarawak and the Kinabalu Park in Sabah.
“This will be a great challenge to all of us to ensure George Town continues to be in the prestigious list.”
He added that a Heritage Steering Committee would be set up to ensure the successful implementation of the heritage management plan.
Lim said the state government would work closely with the Federal Government and other relevant parties to continue to protect and conserve George Town’s rich cultural heritage through the implementation of various heritage policies which focused on conventional efforts.
Lim said he was also informed by Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal that the Federal Government had approved an allocation to help Penang in its efforts.
He added that following the listing, the state’s hotel industry, public transportation system and food businesses would enjoy economic spin-offs, since an influx of tourists was expected next year.
All these will improve the state’s tourism sector and turn Penang into a leading tourist attraction.
New Straits Times