Fort Cornwallis moat restoration nears completion

Fort Cornwallis, one of Penang’s most iconic historical landmarks, is undergoing a major revival with the near completion of its moat restoration project. Spearheaded by the Penang government with support from Think City and Yayasan Hasanah, the initiative marks a significant step in preserving and enhancing the site’s heritage and ecological value.

The Southern moat was successfully restored in July 2024, while work on the Western moat is expected to finish by July this year. Together, they form a 4,000 sq m water basin, 0.9 metres deep, capable of holding around 3,600 cubic metres of water.

Valued at RM23.4 million—of which RM15.3 million is state-funded—the project employs traditional building techniques and sustainable design. The moat features a mechanical sand filter and a vegetated bio-retention swale, which support water filtration and biodiversity.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that the restoration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ecological resilience, climate adaptation, and public engagement.

This project not only revitalises Fort Cornwallis’s historical structure but also reinforces Penang’s commitment to sustainable urban heritage conservation.