Penang heritage building in ruins despite stop work order

via Free Malaysia Today, 16 March 2023: A colonial-era heritage building in Penang is in ruins after its precious interior was hacked by contractors over the weekend, despite a stop-work order issued by the council.

An “insta-famous” colonial-era heritage building in Penang is in ruins after its precious interior was hacked by contractors over the weekend, irking activists who say it is yet another case of ignorance by the authorities.

The former Malayan Railway building, later named the “Wisma Kastam”, on China Street Ghaut, was known for its striking architecture.

The George Town Heritage Action (GTHA) group discovered the building’s damaged interior last Saturday, with its precious Minton tiles hacked by the contractors.

GTHA co-founder Mark Lay said after the city council was alerted, a stop-work order was issued on Tuesday. However, immediate checks showed workers were still hacking walls lined with the Minton tiles.

Source: Penang heritage building in ruins despite stop work order | Free Malaysia Today (FMT)