Penang urged to fend for itself
GEORGE TOWN: The people of Penang have been told they should not expect a financial windfall from Unesco with the listing of George Town as a world heritage site.
The Star reported that the George Town Heritage Committee member Khoo Salma Nasution urged locals to rely on their own initiatives.
“The main benefit is that people are taking notice of us. The listing means that we will be included in Unesco’s activities and while we may get some funds, I don’t think it will be substantive.
“This is a new beginning for the state,†said Khoo.
Many Penangites are coming back to invest and restore the heritage buildings, so that is a good sign,†she said, adding that locals must “take advantage†of the listing to prevent the inner city from turning into a “foreigner’s paradise†like Luang Prabang – a Unesco site in Laos.
Khoo noted that wholesale buying up of properties and businesses in the inner city should not be encouraged.
“Local businesses should be encouraged to start small and grow. Smart partnerships between hotels, private companies, NGOs and the government must be formed to take advantage of the listing. We definitely have a lot to do.†Khoo said.
“We already have a management plan for George Town. Now we have to implement and communicate it to property owners, businesses and residents in the area because they are the primary stakeholders of the inner city,†she said, adding that Penangites should not be “too obsessed with tourist arrival figures†but attract quality, long staying visitors.
Ian Jarrett
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