GEORGE TOWN, January 10 – George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) has announced a repair incentives program for Category I and Category II Heritage Buildings within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. Building and landowners, or their authorized representatives, are invited to submit applications for the program, with the first phase open from 8 January 2024 to 8 March 2024. Under the program, Category I heritage buildings can apply for a maximum of RM200,000 per unit, while Category II heritage buildings have a maximum of RM50,000 per unit.
The incentives aim to assist building owners in repairing their heritage buildings, and applications are welcome for those with repair permits as well as those without. To encourage contractor participation in heritage building repair works, registered contractors with CIDB under Building Category B03 (Restoration and Conservation) and B04 (Building Construction Works) specializations are qualified. Complimentary training on heritage methods of work will be provided for building owners and appointed contractors during the project execution.
The recommended scope of works includes various repairs, installations, and upgrades, all in adherence to regulations by the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits Malacca Special Area Plan. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 years and above, and submissions should be made online through the provided links. All applications will be processed by GTWHI with technical support from the Department of Heritage Conservation Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang.
GTWHI introduced this repair incentive program to enhance the appearance of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and invites collective support for its conservation. The initiative has received support from various stakeholders, including the Penang State Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow and other government offices and professional groups.
