Komtar studying options after Tunku’s Penang bungalow listing

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government will look into various suggestions after Tunku Abdul Rahman’s bungalow here was listed for sale.

The property called Takhdir near Youth Park is being put up for sale for RM62 million by a private owner.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was told that certain quarters including Penang PKR leaders, are proposing that the state buys the property and turn it into a museum to showcase Tunku’s legacy.

He added that Tunku Abdul Rahman is a national asset, not just a state one.

“We hope the federal government takes note of it as well.”

Meanwhile, valuer Michael Geh Thuan Peng, who is a senior partner at the Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd, said there are many factors to consider before commenting on the property’s price tag.

Some have said that the property is priced too high without taking into account the current market conditions.

The 9,867 sq ft bungalow has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, and sits on a 64,472 sq ft plot of land.

The property’s current owner, who prefers to remain anonymous, told The Vibes that he bought it from Tunku’s daughters on October 30, 2012.

Tunku’s granddaughter Tunku Munawirah Putra expressed surprise at the property’s valuation.

“It is rather expensive. The memorial in Kuala Lumpur was his official residence when he was the prime minister, and even that is not well looked after,” she said.

“They needed sponsorship as the government cannot seem to maintain it. So, I disagree (with the idea of turning it into a museum).”

Tunku Munawirah said there are two places in Alor Star that are well maintained, but have hardly any visitors. – The Vibes, March 12, 2021