Great buildings that move the spirit have always been rare.

In every case they are unique, poetic, products of the heart.

Arthur Erickson

Reference: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/02/04/could-penang-lose-another-heritage-building-to-developers-spotlight-on-former-rex-cinema-building-with-art-deco-architecture/52902

In response to the criticism, Rosli said the Clove Hall building was not listed or gazetted as a heritage building.

“It is not practical to list all private buildings outside the heritage sites or for the state to acquire these buildings to protect them as heritage buildings,” he said.

He said the state could not be using public funds to acquire heritage buildings just to preserve it without justifying if such a move has economic benefits to the general public.

“Asking the state to take over these buildings will incur a lot of public funds so this is not practical,” he said.

He also noted that there were no good incentives or direct benefits for owners of these buildings to preserve the properties too.