Motion to dissociate Melaka from Penang as UNESCO heritage site

MELAKA, March 9 -- A Melaka state executive councillor created a stir at the state assembly here today when he tabled a motion to dissociate the Melaka Historic City Council from Georgetown, Penang as a Unesco heritage site.

 

(Photo) The historical state, Melaka

Citing the demolition of Kampung Buah Pala as the reason, State Public Works and Utilities Committee chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo said the ethnic village in Georgetown was bulldozed to make way for high-rise buildings while Melaka adhered to Unesco's criteria.

"Many heritage sites in Melaka are well preserved compared to Penang while Melaka's history dated back much longer than Penang," he said when seconding the motion of thanks on the address of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at the opening of the state assembly.

Melaka and Georgetown were listed as Unesco heritage sites in 2008.

Gan said Melaka was endowed with fascinating cultures comprising the Malays, Cinam India, Baba Nyonya, Chitty, Portuguese and Orang Asli.

Meanwhile, Melaka Welfare, Unity, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk\ Ab Karim Sulaiman said RM117 million was handed out to the poor, senior citizens, single mothers and disabled people since four years ago by the Welfare Services Department.

A total 8,441 people received the aid last year compared to 9,024 the previous year and this showed the government's commitment in helping the needy, he said in response to a question from Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim (BN-Pantai Kundur).

The sitting continues tomorrow.

BERNAMA