By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 3 November 2026
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will start inspecting all 3,853 heritage buildings in the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site this month, checking for termite damage, structural deterioration and safety risks. State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye told the state assembly on 2 November 2026 that the council has appointed a termite control company to carry out visual inspections.
The move follows an incident in August, when two tourists were injured by stones and timber falling from a heritage building on Armenian Street. Preliminary checks blamed termites for the damage.
The inspections at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Buildings | 3,853 heritage buildings in the George Town World Heritage Site: 82 Category I and 3,771 Category II |
| Start | November 2026 |
| Termite checks | A termite control company appointed by MBPP will carry out visual inspections |
| Structural checks | MBPP is appointing a qualified engineering consultancy for preliminary structural assessments and visual inspections of Category II buildings |
| Owners | MBPP has written to clan associations and NGOs that own heritage buildings, asking them to appoint registered professional engineers to inspect and certify structural safety |
What happens if a building is unsafe
- Nuisance notices: MBPP can issue notices under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976.
- Dangerous buildings: for buildings at risk of collapse, the council can use Section 83 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 to order repairs, demolition of unsafe parts or other safety measures.
MBPP also held an engagement session with owners of old and dilapidated buildings on 19 September 2026.
Fewer dilapidated buildings than before
H’ng said the number of dilapidated heritage buildings has fallen to 63 this year, from 510 in 2008 (223 in the core zone and 287 in the buffer zone), after 18 years of conservation work and monitoring.
What it means for heritage property owners and buyers
If you own, or plan to buy, a shophouse or other heritage building in George Town:
- Expect an inspection. Every heritage building in the site is covered, so keep access arrangements and records of past repairs ready.
- Check for termites and structural problems before buying. Ask for an engineer’s report on beams, roof timbers and upper floors, not just the façade.
- Budget for repairs. The council can order repairs to dangerous buildings under the Street, Drainage and Building Act.
- Planning a short-term rental? Check the latest rules first. See our report on the national short-term rental guidelines.
Buyers who want to live in central George Town without the upkeep of an old building can look at new projects nearby:
| Project | Location | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green City Residence | Macalister Road | RM1,529,398–RM2,706,050 | Completed |
| Scott @ Logan | Logan Road | RM496,800–RM1,664,800 | 2028 |
| G’Vinton | Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah | RM560,500–RM1,931,000 | 2028 |
| Scots Pavilion | Scotland Road | RM850,000–RM4,088,800 | Completed |
See more on the George Town area page.
Frequently asked questions
How many George Town heritage buildings will be inspected?
All 3,853 in the World Heritage Site: 82 Category I and 3,771 Category II buildings.
When do the inspections start?
In November 2026.
Why are the buildings being inspected?
To find termite damage, structural deterioration and safety risks, after debris from a heritage building on Armenian Street injured two tourists in August 2026.
What can MBPP do about unsafe buildings?
Issue notices under the Local Government Act 1976 and, for dangerous buildings, order repairs or demolition of unsafe parts under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
Looking for a home in George Town?
I can send the latest price lists for new and completed projects in and around George Town. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Bernama: MBPP appoints termite control company to inspect 3,853 heritage buildings
- New Straits Times: More than 3,800 George Town heritage buildings to undergo visual safety inspections
- Buletin Mutiara: 3,853 bangunan warisan George Town bakal diperiksa secara visual
- The Star: All George Town heritage buildings to be inspected after reports of falling debris
This article is general information based on state assembly statements and published reports as of 3 November 2026. It is not legal or investment advice; heritage property owners should consult MBPP and a registered professional engineer. Project prices are indicative and depend on availability.