Penang state compiling historical records

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will initiate an effort to preserve historical documents and artefacts to ensure that they remain in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this was to prevent losing the priceless items to foreign buyers.

He also revealed that a massive historical research and study would be carried out about Penang’s history.

He said the state was currently cooperating with authors and local collectors to compile the historical records in written form.

“Written work and documentations are very important as well as pictures and exhibits.

“Many (historical documents and artefacts) are already gone but we will do everything we can to preserve the remaining ones.

“Once the artefacts leave for a foreign country, they will be gone forever. We have to make sure they remain in Malaysia as they are part of our history,” Lim told a press conference after opening the Colonial Penang Museum in Jalan D.S. Ramanathan here yesterday, adding that he would make an announcement on the project soon.

Lim said the state government would also cooperate with the Culture, Arts And Tourism Ministry in setting up a fund to preserve the state’s treasures.