GEORGE TOWN: A house owner at Penang's historic Chew Jetty has agreed to submit an application to keep the panda artwork drawn by a Chinese tourist.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, assistants from Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee's office and city councilors have all came together to help the owner file the mural application with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
In a Facebook update, Wong said an application is in progress to resolve the matter.
“The house owners were worried so we went there to give them support.
"We will stand with them when they submit a proper application to the city council to preserve the mural,” he said.
Wong said he immediately contacted the Heritage Department after the owner received a notice.
“From what I understand, the notice requiring the owner to restore the wall was issued as part of standard procedures.
"While the council acted according to procedure, I personally do not support wiping away or destroying the mural.
“With these arrangements, I am relieved to see the issue moving towards an amicable resolution," he said.
Wong said the owner had agreed to submit the application as soon as possible so the mural can be kept for visitors to see.
To ensure a smooth process, Wong said his team would accompany the owner to the council and help coordinate documents including the landowner’s consent.
The panda mural had earlier came to light after a Chinese tourist known as Shen Shishi or Shi Shi added it onto an existing unapproved mural on the wall, triggering online criticism from those who thought she had vandalised the original artwork.
The house owner later clarified that she welcomed the addition and hoped to keep the piece, prompting the council’s standard notice on unapproved murals.
On Thursday (Nov 13), MBPP issued a notice to the house owner, ordering for the panda and other unapproved murals to be removed immediately.
The artist had also created other drawings in Penang during her visit.
