MINISTRY'S TO ASSIST IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN MELAKA AND PENANG

Heritage Ministry will continue to provide assistance, including advice and expertise, to ensure Georgetown in Penang and Melaka, which had been accordedWorld Heritage SiteS, meet the UNESCO requirements.

Its Minister, Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the National Heritage Department would continue with restoration work on selected buildings in the twotowns.

"There is no special allocation for Melaka and Georgetown. UNESCO is also not giving any assistance, but the ministry will contribute in the form of conservation work, and also expertise and advice," he said in response to a question by Chow Kon Yow (DAP-Tanjong) during the question and answer session inthe Lower House of Parliament Tuesday.

He said among the buildings that would be restored were the St George Church, the building at Jalan Hatin and areas at Lebuh Acheh Mosque in Georgetown, while in Melaka, they included the HSBC building and the BastionMiddlesburg.

Restoration of these buildings is necessary to conserve its heritagefor future generations, he added.

Mohd Shafie said the federal government also briefed the Penang governmenton the conservation management plan to be implemented in selected zones.

He said a management committee for World Heritage Sites of Melaka andGeorgetown had been formed to coordinate management of the two sites.