Tenants in a spot over eviction

GEORGE TOWN: A third-generation hotel operator in Lebuh Chulia could not keep the hurt out of his voice when he spoke of receiving a notice to vacate the premises a few months ago.
Teh Jit Hon, 57, said his heart sank when he read the letter, which stated that he had to move out of the Sky Hotel building before April 1.
He said he is at a loss as starting over at his age is going to be extremely difficult.
Teh said he does not blame the building owner for wanting to develop the place but expressed hope for adequate compensation.
The issue of compensation was not included in the notice, he said.
"I got nothing, absolutely nothing," he said when met recently at the popular tourist destination.
Four other tenants of the building, which houses other businesses that include a coffee shop, a chemicals supplier, a recycling shop and an antiques shop, have also received eviction notices as the owner reportedly wants to turn the building into a new hotel.
Their plight has raised the debate over how best to maintain the UNESCO-recognised heritage zone vis-a-vis development, with conservationists claiming George Town is "losing its soul".
The recycling shop operator, who only wished to be known as Madam Lian, 62, is worried about how to make ends meet.
She expressed fear that rising rentals would place her out of the business while her age would be a barrier to starting anew.
"I hope the state can do something to help us," she said.
Chemicals supplier Ong Liang Ching, 91, also said he is sad to have to move out after conducting business there for more than 60 years.
However, he pointed out that development is inevitable as George Town has become a popular tourist destination.
"It happens all the time. The only thing I can do is to accept it," he said, adding that his operation will continue at Jalan Pintal Tali.