Historic Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam Chosen as Penang’s Latest Heritage Village

Penang is advancing its efforts to preserve historical heritage sites and traditional villages by nominating Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam for heritage status under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645). State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the nomination is currently under review, pending approval from both the landowners and the local authorities. Once approved, the National Heritage Department will proceed with the necessary steps for official gazetting.

“We are nominating Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam due to the historical significance of the Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum located there. This site is important in the spread of Islam in Penang as Sheikh Omar was the first state mufti,” Wong noted during a session at the State Legislative Assembly. He explained that to be nominated as a heritage site, the area must remain inhabited, with residents continuing to participate in social, artistic, and community activities.

Wong was responding to a query from Muhamad Kasim (PN-Telok Bahang) regarding the number of areas or villages in the state that have been gazetted as heritage villages or zones. Wong (PH-Paya Terubong) further emphasised that the nomination of Kampung Melayu Lama Air Itam demonstrates the state government’s sustained commitment to the preservation and protection of historical sites and traditional villages, which form part of Penang’s cultural and historical identity.

The Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum, built after 1881 following Sheikh Omar’s death at the age of 70, stands as a testament to his significant contribution to the spread of Islam. He was also instrumental in the founding of Al-Mas’ud School, which initially operated as a mosque.