GEORGE TOWN: Pre-war houses here may undergo interior works, provided they comply with the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site Special Area Plan and receive approval from the local council.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said pre-war house owners are allowed to carry out interior renovations, such as replacing timber flooring and upgrading ageing or concealed electrical wiring systems as long as such works are in line with the Special Area Plan and given approval by the Penang Island City Council.
“For example, works are permitted on wooden stairs if necessary, on a case-by-case basis.
“Authenticity must be maintained subject to the city council’s approval.
“The new staircase can be made of reinforced concrete but should have timber finishes, including balusters and balustrades,” she said.
Ang said there are 82 Category 1 buildings in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site which are buildings, monuments, objects and sites of exceptional interest.
“Those under Category 2 are buildings, objects and sites of special interest that warrant every effort being made to preserve them with the majority of properties identified as shophouses.
“Modifications and alterations can be made subject to the city council’s approval but what is advised is to not block exit paths in case of an emergency,” she said.
On April 13, a fire at a pre-war shoplot in Lebuh King killed veteran lawyer Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, 88, and his clerk, Chandra Binwani Jiwatram, 60.
The Fire and Rescue Department had said that any pre-war building within the George Town heritage enclave posed a fire risk as they were not built in accordance with the Uniform Building By- Laws 1984.
Ang said that during such emergencies, having the accurate visual and structural information about a building was critical for rescue operations.
She urged those within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site to respect its historic setting while being better prepared for emergencies.
“Prepare a clear exit plan and ensure the escape routes are decluttered.
“Equip your premises with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors and learn to use them.
“You can contact us [via e-mail] if you need one, and we will put you on the list for the next phase of the Disaster Reduction Project,” she said.
Ang then urged those in pre-war buildings to share their property interior photos and latest floor plans with GTWHI.
“All your information will be kept strictly confidential and used only to aid emergency responders,” she said.
Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman was reported as saying that many older buildings were not constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, and often featured timber structures and ageing electrical wiring systems that posed a high fire risk.
He said that while facades of heritage buildings must be preserved, their interiors should be allowed to be upgraded over time.
