GEORGE TOWN, Nov. 18 -- Seven of Penang's oldest and most iconic mosques have been officially gazetted as heritage buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid confirmed that the mosques, all built in the 1800s, have been designated as either Category I or Category II heritage sites.

The newly gazetted mosques are:

Masjid Kapitan Keling (built in 1801)Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh (1808)Masjid Jamek Alimsah Waley, Chulia Street (1811)Masjid Pintal Tali (1820)Masjid Jamek Titi Papan, Burma Road (1841)Masjid Jamek Benggali, Leith Street (1845)Masjid Jamek Perangin, Dr Lim Chwee Leong Road (1890)

In a reply to Penaga assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah, Mohamad said that all fut...