GEORGE TOWN — Penang has urged Melaka to comply with Unesco’s heritage building guidelines to safeguard their shared World Heritage Site status.

Penang tourism and creative economy chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted concerns over reports of heritage issues in Melaka and emphasized that both cities, jointly listed by Unesco in 2008, must uphold preservation standards.

Wong noted that George Town has taken strong steps since the inscription, including forming the George Town World Heritage Incorporated and passing a heritage enactment to protect both tangible and intangible heritage.

He assured that George Town's status remains secure due to strict development control within the heritage zone, but stressed Melaka must also enforce similar protections amid concerns over rapid development and gentrification.