GEORGE TOWN: The state government is taking a serious look at the cost of maintaining century-old homes in the heritage enclave.
This came following a termite-infested timber beam that broke off from the front of a heritage shophouse in Lebuh Armenian on Tuesday.
The incident saw two Sri Lankan tourists suffering injuries and had to be hospitalised after it fell on them.
Instead of rare and pricey materials like earthen roof tile, hardwood and lime plaster, state local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said he had asked Penang Island City Council to consider cheaper modern materials.
H’ng said there should be greater flexibility in using modern materials when the original ones were no longer practical, as long as the building’s appearance is preserved.
“It is not necessary to use hardwood again if the facade remains the same.
“Heritage conservation should embrace modern engineering where appropriate to extend the life of old buildings without changing their character,” he said.
H’ng said the state government would ask the city council’s Heritage Department to study the condition of heritage buildings and appoint an independent engineer to identify unsafe structures.
The findings would allow the city council to issue notices requiring owners to carry out repairs.
Penang Heritage Trust president Clement Liang agreed that practical solutions are needed.
He said hardwood beams were increasingly difficult to find and costly while workmanship added significantly to the expense.
“It would be better to reinforce the structure with steel and finish it to resemble timber.
“We should be practical without altering the facade’s appearance,” he said.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee urged owners and occupants to inspect their buildings regularly for signs of decay, termites and other structural damage.
