GEORGE TOWN, Jan. 21 -- The iconic Dewan Sri Pinang that has served as a space for social, cultural and art activities since 1972 will be closed for a long-awaited upgrading work by the end of this year.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the upgrading work, costing RM52 million, will be fully funded by the federal government.

"Previously, the state applied for a federal loan to upgrade Dewan Sri Pinang and the loan was already approved but recently, the federal government converted the loan into a grant," he said in a press conference after attending a civil service assembly at Dewan Sri Pinang, this morning.

He said the upgrading work will be fully funded by the federal government, with no repayment required from the state.

"T...