PHT recipient urges tourism operators to focus on local offerings

GEORGE TOWN: The latest recipient of the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) "Living Heritage Treasures of Penang" awards has urged tourism operators to focus more on offering authentic local experiences.
Lawyer and internationally acclaimed poet Cecil Rajendra, 74, said tourists should be taken to places were local artisans conduct their business.
He said this was better compared to shops which offered "glitzy knick-knacks" for tourists.
He also said tourists and visitors to Penang should be guided to eateries offering real local delicacies and not only to upmarket establishments.
"Take them to authentic and local places," he said in an ad-hoc press conference after receiving the award today.
There will only be eight recipients of the PHT award at any one time where each recipient will be given RM2,000 a year for life.
Arrangements will also be made to document their skills, techniques and processes and also to transmit these skills to the next generation via the Penang Apprenticeship Program for Artisans (PAPA).
The other seven are chef and floral designer Datuk Lim Bian Yam, 82, signboard carver Kok Ah Wah, 75, Hokkien puppet troupe owner Ooi Siew Kim, 75, Thai Menora performer Noo Wan, 75, Teochew puppet troupe owner Toh Ai Wah, 65, jeweller NB Samarasena and rattan weaver Sim Buck Teik.
On his most well know poem, Cecil said it would be "The Animal and Insect Act" which he noted has been used by Amnesty International for its satirical take on security laws.
"They are all my children, how can I say which is my favourite," he said when asked.