Anger over demolition of 100-year-old building (Update)

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan has slammed the state government for the demolition of a heritage building in Peel Avenue.
Penang Gerakan acting Youth chairman Jason Loo said the building, that was over 100 years old, was demolished to make way for the proposed Island Hospital project.
"What baffles us is that the proposed project has not been approved by the Health Ministry.
"Why the rush to approve the conversion of land?" he said at a press conference at the site today.
He also pointed out that as a responsible government, the state should conduct heritage impact studies before demolishing any heritage buildings near the area.
In September, an environmental non-governmental organisation said three heritage bungalows, that were used by senior officials, were in danger of demolition due to their proximity to the hospital expansion project.