20 Lebuhraya Pykett Penang Illegal demolition of building

By Dr. B. Nawawi

I am a resident around Khaw Sim Bee Road, Penang. The mansion on that land was demolished on or about 1/8/10. This was done without any approval given by MPPP. The matter was actually reported in Kwong Wah Yit Poh.

I believe the local council was waiting for a report on the possible heritage status of the mansion before deciding on the whether
demolition order can be given.

I find it shocking that owners can flout the law so easily. The owners and “others” may say that the mansion has yet to be listed as “heritage”. If buildings can be demolished and the council can only fine the owners, NO HERITAGE BUILDING in Penang is safe. What prevents owners from just demolishing any building even those listed as heritage?

If a fine is the only deterrence, we might as well kiss the UNESCO listing goodbye. The only effective deterrence is denial of planning permission for the next 20-50 years!