More development for Penang Botanic Gardens

GEORGE TOWN: A Special Area Plan for the Penang Botanic Gardens (PBG) is expected to be gazetted this year, according to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
The plan will chart out the infrastructure development for PBG, and define its mission and objectives.
Lim was speaking after attending the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between PBG and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, since the corporatisation bill of PBG was passed in the state legislative assembly on Nov 14.
This MoU will develop close collaborative links to further sustain and build up holistic sharing and training for the mutual benefit of both gardens.
"I view this as an important event for us," he added.
With the PBG Enactment passed, Lim said it will give better control over the appointment of professional personnel to manage and administer PBG, while the appointment of Dr Saw Leng Guan as curator, would help PBG achieve its vision.
Singapore Botanic Gardens director Dr Nigel Taylor concurred with Lim, saying that PBG has the potential to be considered as a World Heritage Site.
He praised the state government for maintaining the environment of the public park and its commitment in bringing the place to greater heights.
Penang Housing and Town and Country Planning committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo, welcomed the cooperation by the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
He expressed hope that this cooperation would serve as a stepping stone for PBG to achieve its long-term goal of being listed as a heritage site.