GEORGE TOWN: The woman who was injured after part of a heritage building fell onto her is in stable condition, said state Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H'ng.
H'ng said the woman is currently being treated at a private hospital here.
"The woman sustained injuries during the incident and we are checking on her. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will continue to monitor her recovery," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 2).
He said following the incident at Lebuh China at about 11.30pm on Tuesday (Sept 1), MBPP immediately issued a notice to the building owner, requiring them to carry out inspection and repair works.
"The building owner has committed to taking immediate action to carry out the necessary repairs and ensure that the building is in a safe condition," he said.
It was reported that a woman in her 20's was injured after a cement section of a heritage building fell on her at the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Lebuh China, opposite the Goddess of Mercy Temple.
READ MORE: Woman hurt after cement debris dislodges from heritage building in Penang
H'ng said the state government and MBPP emphasise that public safety remains a priority while ensuring that heritage buildings within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site continue to be properly preserved, maintained and managed.
"We call on all land and building owners, building occupants and stakeholders to play their part as well in ensuring the safety and preservation of heritage buildings.
"They can do so by informing MBPP if any building is found to be in poor condition, shows signs of damage or has any condition that could potentially compromise public safety.
"It is a continuous effort by the state and MBPP to strengthen monitoring, inspection, and preservation of heritage buildings on an ongoing basis," he said.
He added that the cooperation of all parties is crucial to ensuring that public safety is not compromised, while preserving the historical, architectural and heritage values of George Town in line with its status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
H'ng said the state government and MBPP are taking proactive steps to intensify visual inspections of heritage buildings within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site following several incidents involving these buildings and to ensure public safety remains a priority.
"Following the incident at Lebuh Armenian on Aug 4, where two Sri Lankan tourists were injured when a wooden beam and concrete debris from the second-floor roof of a heritage shophouse fell on them, MBPP has taken immediate steps to strengthen monitoring and inspections of heritage buildings.
"To date, 26 notices have been issued to the relevant land and building owners to take appropriate action to inspect, repair and rectify any damage or defects," he said.
As a follow-up measure, H'ng said MBPP discussed a proposal with the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (Penang Branch) (IEM) on a proposal to conduct visual inspections of all 82 Category I and 3,771 Category II heritage buildings located within the World Heritage Site.
"MBPP is currently taking the initiative to appoint qualified engineers to carry out the inspections.
"The initiative is a proactive effort by MBPP to obtain an initial assessment of the buildings' physical condition and identify any defects, deterioration or signs of structural damage that could potentially affect the safety of the buildings and the public.
"If any conditions requiring a more detailed technical inspection are identified, MBPP will immediately inform the relevant land or building owners to carry out the necessary repairs and safety measures," he said.
H'ng said MBPP would also take the initiative to engage a termite control company to conduct visual inspections for the presence of and infestation by termites at the 82 Category I and 3,771 Category II heritage buildings as well.
The public can channel any information regarding heritage building inspections to the MBPP Heritage Conservation Department at (04-287 9000) or via email to warisan@mbpp.gov.my.
