Weeks 9 : Conservative of historical heritage

“The physical conservation of a building is only the first step. Its usage will either continue its cultural value or destroy it entirely”

Penang George Town is located on the northwest coast in Malaysia. It is at the intersection of Asia's great kingdoms and Europe's powerful colonial empires. Penang is in between Asia's two halves and acts as an important route to the markets of Europe and Middle East. It consist the most diverse, multinational and beautiful cultures. The world heritage site of George Town is one of the food paradise in Malaysia, a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, which has the evidence of diversity from cuisine to architecture. 

I came across with an article which published on 15th April 2017 by Looi Sue-Chern, from The Malaysian Insight. According to the article, George Town's living heritage is under threat due to the demolition of cultural heritage for future development for tourists. However, the authorities should focus on the people who lived and worked in the city over tourists. The authentic values of the city is not replaceable and it is more than a street art destination. There are people who don't know and understand the importance of the intangible heritage.

George Town is a beautiful place where the authorities should appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage for the desire to reinforce a sense of identity. Whereby, the architecture, monuments and symbols of culture tell a story line in times of war and shared roots acquired in the history. Government should preserve and promote living the intangible heritage while they still have the chance before it is too late.

Government and non government organisations should work together to create fund raising or charity events to promote preserving the cultural heritage. The money can be use on those decaying buildings with major cracks in the wall and damaged wooden floors, in order to preserve and conserve the buildings.

The people who lived in George Town should be proud and maintain its special universal values, by preserving and using the heritage structures appropriately. Protecting the architecture of traditional buildings and culture able to provide a more valuable and connotation to the city itself. Where the people should be proud of what they can preserve and pass to the future generation.


References:
https://media.timeout.com/images/101785645/image.jpg
https://nestingonahill.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/173.jpg
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/02/07/finally-penang-moves-to-keep-alive-its-living-heritage/
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-turns-its-focus-on-keeping-its-living-heritage-alive
http://sea-globe.com/penang-georgetown-heritage/