Summary
- Penang has recognised the Teong Guan Phor Thor, or Hungry Ghost Festival, as state intangible cultural heritage.
- Six historic sites have also been approved for designation as state heritage sites.
- They include the Penang Hill funicular stations and railway, Dato Koyah’s tomb and several historic temples and association sites.
- Penang has recognised 57 heritage items in 2026, with a target of reaching at least 70 next year.
GEORGE TOWN, September 4 — Penang has recognised the Teong Guan Phor Thor, or Hungry Ghost Festival, and six historic sites under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the festival was gazetted as state heritage effective June 25 following an expert review and state approval process.
The six sites are Penang Hill’s upper and lower funicular stations and railway, Dato Koyah’s tomb, Thai Pak Koong Temple on King Street, the Fooi Chew Association building
Loo Pun Hong Temple and Kwangtung & Tengchow No. 1 Cemetery. The seven additions bring the number of heritage recognitions announced by Penang this year to 57.
The State Heritage Commissioner’s Office is targeting at least 70 recognised heritage items in 2027, with more sites and intangible cultural traditions under consideration.
