Signboards Put Up In George Town To Preserve Heritage Of Kadayanallur Tenkasi Ethnic Group - Chow

GEORGE TOWN, May 25 (Bernama) -- To re-live and preserve the historical heritage of the Kadayanallur and Tenkasi ethnic groups (EKT) in Penang, signboards have been placed at the original locations where this ethnic group existed since the 1800s around the city.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the signboards, which also display historical information about the community, are located at seven sites: Hidayatul Islam Association, Nurul Islam Association, Kadayanallur Muslim Association, Anjuman Himayatul Islam, Prangin Mosque, United Muslim Association, and Huttan Lane.

He said that the placement of these signboards, a collaboration between the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), will indirectly help the EKT community in preserving their cultural heritage and aesthetic values in Penang.

"This community, from a very difficult beginning, has strived for 200 to 300 years in this homeland, and now we see their success with many contributing not only in Penang but also in Malaysia, as a result of their associations' efforts.

"Therefore, I believe the effort to elevate this ethnic group to a higher level should be commended," he said during the Launch of the EKT Enclave and Heritage Signboards here tonight.

Chow also stated that the state government is requesting MBPP to consider naming a street in George Town as Jalan Kadayanallur Tenkasi to honor this ethnic group in the state, as they have agreed to the proposal brought forth by the Central Muslim Society (CMS).

"The Jalan Prangin Mosque is also linked to the EKT, and they plan to expand the space by constructing a two-story building behind the mosque, rebranding it as the Kadayanallur Tenkasi Mosque. I hope this will be given due consideration," he said.

Meanwhile, CMS President Mohamed Hasan said that the organization, a coalition of non-governmental organizations comprising EKT descendants, hopes the placement of these signboards will ensure that their history is not lost to time and is widely known to local communities and tourists visiting George Town.

He added that CMS is always dedicated to upholding the EKT, which is part of the Indian Muslim enclave in Penang, and hopes the ethnic group's heritage can continue to be introduced and showcased to the public.

"This will indirectly help preserve and maintain heritage buildings and areas within and outside the Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus contributing to Penang's tourism sector.

"As EKT, we also hope that the cultural treasures, generations, heritage, and assets of this ethnic group can be displayed, whether tangible or intangible, in George Town, to introduce our ethnic group to the public and attract tourists from both within and outside the country," he said.

-- BERNAMA