A mural at a building in Chew Jetty has become the center of a heritage debate after a Chinese tourist’s addition of a panda painting went viral online. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) initially issued a notice ordering the mural to be removed, citing the Local Government Act 1976.
The controversy began when Shen Shishi, also known as Shi Shi, painted a small panda onto the famous “Girl on Scooter” mural at Chew Jetty, a historic waterfront settlement built on stilts and part of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some accused her of vandalism, it was later clarified that the building owner had invited Shen to add the panda. Shen has reportedly painted similar figures at other locations in Penang, including Butterworth.
Following the council’s notice, the building owner has agreed to submit an official application to preserve the artwork. Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, along with assistants from Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, as well as local councilors, are supporting the owner in navigating the application process.
In a Facebook update, Wong emphasized that while the council acted in accordance with standard procedure, he does not support the removal of the mural. “The house owners were worried, so we went there to give them support. We will stand with them when they submit a proper application to the city council to preserve the mural,” he wrote.
Wong added that his team will assist the owner in coordinating necessary documents, including the landowner’s consent, to ensure the process is smooth and the artwork can remain for public viewing.
The panda mural initially triggered online criticism from some who believed it defaced the original work. However, with the building owner’s consent and the ongoing council application, the issue now appears to be moving toward an amicable resolution, highlighting the delicate balance between heritage conservation and public art in Penang.
