Malacca, Penang cheer listing on world heritage site

KUALA LUMPUR: The citizens of Malacca and Penang rejoiced as they celebrate the inscription of their state capitals as World Heritage Sites.

Besides an increase awareness and commitment towards heritage conservation, George Town and Malacca should also see a boost in tourism from the new recognition.

MALACCA

Historical site: St Paul’s Church located on top of St Paul’s Hill.

The World Heritage Site covers:

> St Paul’s Hill civic zone with St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) fortress and Stadhuys complex,

Landmarks: Various tourist spots can be found in the City Centre.

> Residential and commercial areas of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk) and adjacent streets, including Harmony Street, and

> The Malacca River.

GEORGE TOWN

Holy ground: The Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The site here covers:

> Waterfront district including the Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay and Beach Street,

> Historical commercial centre, including the “ethnic streets” like Bishop Street and Church Street (Eurasions), China Street (Chinese, and Market and Chulia Streets (Indians), and Little India,

Meeting place: The brightly lit Town Hall building at the Esplanade.

> The guilds and trades precinct including Chulia, Muntri, Leith and adjacent streets,

> Mosque and wakaf enclave of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling mosques

> Chinese clans enclave with the Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeoh clan or kongsi houses.