Report: Security to be enhanced at St Paul’s Church in Melaka after vandalism claim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The Melaka Museum Board (Perzim) said the security at St Paul’s Church in Bandar Hilir will be boosted to prevent vandalism.

The Star yesterday reported Perzim chairman Datuk Akramuddin Abdul Aziz as saying that the museum board will work with the Melaka Historic City Council to appoint additional enforcement officers to the historical site to protect its relics and surroundings.

Originally built in 1521, St Paul’s Church is the oldest church building in South-east Asia.

“We need to look into various approaches to stop vandalism at St Paul’s Hill and other similar sites, apart from installing CCTVs,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal after a visit to St Paul’s Hill where the church is located yesterday.

The visit was made following complaints that the church walls were vandalised on Monday.

To address the issue, Akramuddin said that vandals may be prosecuted under the National Heritage Act, which stipulates a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.

“We are finding new approaches to maintaining our historical sites, including organising all-out campaigns to create awareness about preserving such sites,” he was quoted as saying.

According to The Star, Save The Portuguese Action Committee chairman Martin Theseira said a heritage preservation group, comprising all communities in the state as well as historians, should be set up.

He said such a group would bolster the preservation of heritage sites in the state and ensure their historical significance.

“We are willing to work with Perzim to safeguard our historic elements while giving tourism value to the state,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.