The former residence of Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee, Penang's first chief minister, stands in a state of disrepair in Bukit Mertajam. Heritage activists lament the lack of preservation efforts and call for action to prevent the historical landmark from deteriorating further.
The former residence of Penang 's first chief minister, Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee , stands in a state of distressing disrepair in Bukit Mertajam . The house, built in 1907, is now characterized by a gaping hole in its roof, crumbling walls, and an abundance of climbing plants that have overtaken the building. Many of its original features, including tiles on its facade and door knockers, have vanished over time.
To ensure public safety, the house and three other buildings on the property are now enclosed by hoardings.This once-proud landmark, located on Jalan Datuk Ooh Chooi Cheng, was once strategically positioned on Straight Street, directly facing the site of the old railway station. Heritage activists and authorities have long recognized the house's historical significance, advocating for its preservation. The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has even acknowledged its importance by placing a plaque along its five-foot way. In 2019, former MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud revealed that a study conducted jointly with Yokohama city in Japan identified the house as a valuable heritage asset.However, the house's current condition is a cause for concern. Penang Heritage Trust president Clement Liang Chow Ming expressed regret over the lack of maintenance and preservation efforts. He emphasized the need for legislation to hold building owners responsible for upkeep, preventing deterioration that could pose structural risks or attract pests. Liang hopes that ownership issues can be resolved quickly with the local government before the building becomes beyond repair. Wong, who was born in 1911, resided in the house for the first 15 years of his life before moving out after his parents' passing. His father was known in Bukit Mertajam for his timber merchant business, supplying railway sleepers for the area. Wong himself became involved in local politics, serving on the Bukit Mertajam Town Council before being elected as Penang's first chief minister in 1957. He held this position for 12 years until 1969 and passed away in 2002 at the age of 91. The house is believed to have originally belonged to Wong's father, and there are now 57 heirs across four generations. The MBSP has taken action regarding the four buildings on the property, classifying them as public hazards. After issuing a notice to the owner on February 5, 2024, the council assisted in erecting hoardings and pruning trees and vines. Efforts to contact the Wong family have been unsuccessful
Heritage History Preservation Bukit Mertajam Penang Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee
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