Vigilant guardian of city

Visitors to the George Town Heritage Celebrations last year learning about the history of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib from guide Jasvinder Singh (white turban). This year’s event promises more site tours.

THE Penang government will continue to be “the best custodian” for George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site through sharing management experience with peers around the world.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said their bid to preserve the city’s multicultural heritage had become more complex and challenging due to disasters and climate change.

“We will work proactively with UNESCO, international advisory bodies and professional agencies to make George Town an exemplary site.

“In addition, through George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Penang Island City Council and other state agencies, we will work with educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and the local communities to protect our shared heritage,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“Such collaborations have yielded positive results.

“Now, we see more international and Malaysian tourists flocking to Penang to admire our unique attractions.”

He added that George Town’s inscription on the World Heritage List was a vital tool with the power to change and influence individuals for sustainable development.

It has been a decade since UNESCO announced the inscription of ‘Melaka and George Town: Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca’ on the World Heritage List.

Within the 259-hectare George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are 3,853 heritage buildings and 1,160 modern structures.

The George Town Heritage Celebrations 2018 kicks off today with 25 exciting community workshops covering food, games, crafts and language.

The Street Festival will be held from 6pm to 11pm.

Its activities span across Armenian Street, Acheh Street, Cannon Street, Ah Quee Street, Soo Hong Lane, Pitt Street, Jalan Kampung Kolam and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

Besides the street celebrations, visitors can also register for site excursions or take part in the traditional performances at the main stage set up at Armenian Park and dance floor at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling in front of 24 Express.

For more details, visit gtwhi.com.my/gthc2018.