Muslims have been told not to be too reliant on the Penang government if they are interested in preserving, developing and promoting their heritage.

Yayasan Islam Pulau Pinang (YIPP) manager Mohd Fitri Ibrahim said contrary to claims by right-wing Malay NGOs, the Muslim heritage is very much alive within the United Nations’ George Town Heritage site, which earned the prestigious award in 2008.

However, the site, which houses historical buildings like the Syed Alattas Mansion, which existed since 1860 and the Lebuh Aceh Malay Mosque since 1908 are not promoted  properly due to lack of interest within the community itself.