GEORGE TOWN, Jan. 28 -- The Penang state government is hoping to get funding from the federal government to upgrade its iconic Dewan Sri Pinang which has served as a space for social, cultural, and arts activities since 1972.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the proposed upgrading work for the 52-year-old building is one of the 14 projects under the North Seafront Masterplan.

"Last week, the state exco reviewed the upgrading project for Dewan Sri Pinang," he said in a press conference after officiating the Linear Garden upgrading project at Esplanade this morning.

He said 11 out of the 14 projects under the North Seafront Masterplan were already completed so it is time they move on to Dewan Sri Pinang.

"We held a public exhibi...