GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will probe the demolition of a 138-year-old grave belonging to Foo Teng Nyong (estimated 1816 to 1874), the third wife of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said a special licence was given by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on March 18, 2022 as well as an official letter on the extension of the permit issued on July 26, 2022, to exhume the remains from the burial grounds but not to destroy the ancestral tomb.
"It has clearly stated that the permits only allowed to exhume the remains but not to destroy the historic tomb," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 29).
Yeoh said it was unacceptable that the piece of historical monument has been destroyed without approval and responsible parties will be investigated.
He said he has assigned a team of investigators comprising experts from the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) to investigate the matter.
He added that MBPP would also issue a stop-work order against the developer of the site.
Teng Nyong was the third wife of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, who played a pivotal role in the growth of Penang and Perak in the 1800s.
Keng Kwee left such an impact on Penang's economy, public healthcare, education and social welfare that two streets were named after him: Keng Kwee Street, where tourists today enjoy Penang Teochew Cendol, and Ah Quee Street which is the site of several iconic murals of the heritage enclave.
Teng Nyong gave birth to several sons and daughters, one of whom was Chung Thye Phin, who became a tycoon and philanthropist in George Town and Ipoh, Perak.
She is also recorded as the aunt of Foo Choo Choon, who at one time earned the moniker Tin Mining King of Malaya.
