GEORGE TOWN: The upgrading of and restoration works on the 119-year-old Penang High Court has been completed today after nearly three years.
The Works Ministry (KKR) said the Penang High Court upgrading and conservation project was carried out in compliance with the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) and Heritage Building's Conservation Guidelines of the National Heritage Department.
"Accordingly, the building's originality has been restored and maintained as best as possible in order to extend the lifespan of this heritage building by adding some facilities according to the current needs to ensure the safety of users as well as the sustainability of future needs.
"Among the scope of work and components involved are restoration works and upgrading the structure of the roof, walls and floors; upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems including the lifts, road pavement; and repainting the existing fencing," it said in a statement today.
The project implemented conventionally by the consultant involved a contract cost of RM18.9 million.
The project, which commenced on Dec 1, 2021 2021 and was fully completed on July 13 this year, belongs to the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU, JPM), was implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) with the director of the Penang JKR as the Superintendent Officer.
The restoration of the heritage building followed several problems including leaking roofs, termite damage, moisture and fungal growth found in some parts of the building in line with its age.
Meanwhile, the KKR said the project proves that the country's rapid development does not affect any heritage and historical value, and Malaysia ensures that infrastructure development is implemented wisely, effectively and sustainably for the benefit of future generations.
It said the Penang High Court was one of the main factors in the recognition of George Town as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on July 7, 2008.
The court building, built in 1901 and used in 1905, was gazetted as a National Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645).
The statement also said that the KKR expresses its appreciation to BHEUU JPM for extending its full trust and cooperation to the works ministry, especially in on-site supervision so that the project could be completed successfully.
Earlier today, the project handover ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran and JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail representing Deputy Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
– Bernama