GEORGE TOWN, March 19 – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has intervened in the impending closure of the Penang House of Music (PHOM), urging the organization to engage in negotiations with the shoplot owner to address their rental arrears. Acknowledging PHOM’s financial struggles, Chow expressed openness to third-party assistance while highlighting the importance of prudent resource management.
The organization, which annually receives RM500,000 in grant funding from the state government, primarily for operational expenses including rent, must ensure efficient use of these resources for sustainability, as emphasized by Chow. Established in 2016 by Paul Augustin with an initial fund of RM3 million from the Penang Water Supply Corporation, PHOM serves as a repository of Penang’s musical heritage from the early 1900s to the present day.
Showcasing iconic figures like P. Ramlee and Saloma, the museum offers interactive experiences such as a radio studio where visitors can engage as deejays. Despite its significant contributions to preserving Penang’s musical legacy, PHOM faces imminent closure unless a resolution concerning rental arrears is swiftly achieved, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
