Remains Of Penang Kapitan's Wife Allegedly Found Buried In Unmarked Grave In Batu Gantung
The demolished pieces of Foo Teng Nyong's tombstone were also allegedly deposited carelessly at a dumpsite in Jelutong, Penang.
By Jasmine Chea — 12 Sep 2022, 03:51 PM
The grave of Kapitan Cina's third wife, Foo Teng Nyong, was recently demolished without permission and her remains have allegedly been buried in an unmarked grave
On Saturday, 10 September, co-founder of Facebook group George Town Heritage Action (GTHA), Mark A. Lay, took to the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) discussion page to claim that the remains of the historical figure were buried in "an unmarked paupers grave" located in Batu Gantung, Penang.
Speaking with SAYS, Lay alleged that Foo's remains were exhumed by a designated coffin shop of the original gravesite at Jalan Bunga Telang, Fettes Park, and taken to cemetery in Batu Gantung.
On top of her exhumation, Foo was allegedly buried with precious jewellery. However, the property has reportedly gone missing. Lay theorises that her jewellery was allegedly stolen from the grave and sold for money.
Dubbed the "Taj Mahal of Penang", the grave of Foo Teng Nyong was exhumed and her tombstone was demolished in August. The Penang government has since launched an investigation into the matter.
The grave was initially permitted to be exhumed to make way for a development project to construct a high-rise apartment building. However, the developers working on the project demolished the historical tombstone without permission and have since been issued with a stop-work order by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) until further notice.
The alleged burial site of the late Foo Teng Nyong in Batu Gantung, Penang.
Image via Mark A Lay (Facebook)
Additionally, pieces of the tombstone that were demolished have also allegedly been discovered at a dumping site in Jelutong, Penang
According to the GHTA Facebook group, heritage activist Khoo Salma posted pictures of the shattered stone on Thursday, 8 September, describing the site as "vandalism of the highest order". She also questioned how a historical tomb of such importance could end up as rubble at a dumpsite.
Commenting on the matter, Lay mentioned that even if restoration of the tomb were to happen, it would be next to impossible as the tombstone was severely damaged and would need the help of expert stone masons to help restore it.
Remnants of Foo Teng Nyong's tombstone discovered at the Jelutong landfill.
Image via Khoo Salma (Facebook)
This has since sparked outrage within the Penang heritage community, including one of Foo's descendants, Jeffery Seow
Seow has been actively speaking out against the exhumation of his great-grandmother's grave and has expressed his disappointment and outrage at the ones responsible for this.
"I want to say that I am pursuing this not as a descendant but as an outraged citizen. They destroyed a 19th-century piece of art. The developer must be made to pay for this," Seow said.
Speaking with SAYS, Seow is demanding that the government restore the demolished tombstone, force the developers to retrieve the remains of his ancestor, and bury her in the restored tomb.
He also urged the government to establish the tomb and land of Foo Teng Nyong and Chung Thye Pin's grave as a heritage site and have the area fenced up and padlocked, prohibiting any future grave exhumations.
"We are losing our built heritage one building, monument, and article at a time. All in the name of greed. Please let this be the last time. Before everything that represents Penang's heart and soul is gone," Seow urged.
Additionally, Lay has also called for severe action to be taken against the landowner of the grave site and developers, which includes, heavy fines, a ban from development, and maximum punishment under current Malaysian heritage and planning laws.
According to Lay, a meeting between the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and the MBPP will be held tomorrow, 13 September, to discuss the issue and how parties involved will proceed with the matter.
SAYS has attempted to reach out to the owner of the land where Foo Teng Nyong's grave was situated as well as the development company for a statement but has yet to receive a response from both parties.
