PENANG’S historic Boon Siew Villa, the majestic coastal home located at Shamrock Beach in Jalan Batu Ferringhi, has been torn down to make way for a luxury development.
According to an NST report, hoarding has been erected around the site and a construction crew has moved in to begin the building of the 43-storey Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi condominium project.
Once a symbol of old Penang, the villa—with its sweeping views of the Tanjung Bungah coastline—was not just a building but also a monument to history and the life of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the self-made tycoon who introduced Honda cub motorcycles to Malaysia.
Speaking to the English daily, Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Clement Liang expressed his disappointment over the demolition.
“The Boon Siew Villa was not just a house; it was a living part of Penang’s history. It had a unique place in our heritage,” he was quoted as saying.
“It is deeply regrettable that the developer chose to demolish it rather than incorporate it into their new development plans.”
Liang, a long-time advocate in preserving Penang’s heritage, further noted that the villa was one of the many historical structures facing such a fate.
He said many other heritage buildings, especially those outside the George Town World Heritage Site, lack legal protection and are at risk of demolition.
“Unfortunately, many buildings are not protected and there is a lack of effort to preserve them. These buildings are more than just four walls—they are part of history; the stories of our town,” he continued.
In October last year, Singaporean real estate and lodging company, The Ascott Ltd collaborated with Instant Icon Sdn Bhd (VST Property Group) to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi.
This upscale seafront development is expected to open its doors in January 2028 and is set to elevate Penang’s luxury living landscape.
“The loss of such landmarks is like erasing part of the city’s memory. Each time a historical building is replaced, we lose a part of what makes Penang unique,” Liang remarked.
The demolition of Boon Siew Villa is yet another chapter in a growing narrative of historical buildings being torn down to make way for development.
Other landmarks that could fall victims to the city’s development boom included the Art Deco buildings along Chow Thye Road, Liang revealed.
“These are private properties and without strong legal protections, there is little to stop these buildings from being torn down for new developments,” he said. – May 26, 2025
Main image: Facebook/Penang Walkabouts
