Exco: Pandemic, legal dispute likely affected Penang House of Music

Penang Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai has expressed regret over the impending closure of the Penang House of Music (PHoM).

He told Malaysiakini that the interactive music gallery and museum was likely impacted financially during the pandemic and was also embroiled in legal action.

“The is an ongoing court dispute between the chief tenant and sub-tenant.

“The state has been giving an annual grant to PHoM since 2016.

“It is believed that PHoM ran into financial difficulties during the Covid-19 period,” said Wong.

Wong did not clarify further, but checks by Malaysiakini indicated that a legal action between lease and rental company Venice Gateway Sdn Bhd and PHoM’s management had been initiated.

The PHoM operated from level 4 at Penang’s famed Komtar tower, opening on Nov 21, 2016, and reportedly received an average of 10,000 foreign and local visitors annually.

The project was initially awarded a grant of RM3 million over three years through the state government and the Penang Water Supply Corporation.

Wong told Malaysiakini he respected the decision of PHoM, which announced yesterday that it was closing its doors after seven years of operations.

‘Profound loss to music community’

In a Facebook post announcing the closure, PHoM cited financial struggles and lack of institutional support as the reason.

It is also not clear exactly when its last day of operations will be, or what will happen to the items currently being exhibited.

Responding to news of the closure, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said that it marks a profound loss to the music community and represents the end of an era for a national treasure that played a pivotal role in showcasing Penang’s unique and vibrant musical heritage.

“The closure signifies not just the loss of a space dedicated to the appreciation and understanding of music, but also a gap in the collective effort to keep Penang’s diverse cultural history alive and accessible for future generations,” she said.

MP laments Penang House of Music closure

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