In order to revive the tourism industry under the new normal, the NGO urges the government of Penang to utilise the vast potential of bungalows on Penang Hill.

Citizen Awareness Chant Group (Chant) advisor Yan Lee, said that some bungalows have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, while other bungalows are equally rich in history since they are more than 100 years old.

He said that, if properly renovated and refurbished, Penang Hill bungalows could be promoted as more eco-friendly home units.

“If (renovation and development) done properly, it could potentially attract high-end tourists in the long run,” he told a press conference.

There are 52 bungalows in the popular hill resort, according to Penang Hill Corporation.

He requested a dedicated committee for the technical review (TRP) to work and authorise refurbishment work for the Penang Hill bungalows.

“According to our source from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), there are applications from five bungalows submitted to MBPP requesting for renovation,” he said.

The TRP Committee is essential not only because it is necessary to preserve the heritage of the bungalows in Penang Hill, but also to preserve and protect the biosphere reserve of Penang Hill.

“If there is no such committee, they should form one as soon as possible to preserve and protect the whole Penang Hill biosphere from any development that may harm or destroy it,” he added.