recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Malay Street Ghaut

**Malay Street Ghaut**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a seaward extension of Malay Street. It continues from the eastern end of Malay Street, linking Beach Street to the northwest with Weld Quay to the southeast.

The street was created in the late 19th. century, when the area was reclaimed from the sea. True to its name, it led to a formerly Malay portion of George Town, where cows were bred and slaughtered. Some shophouses near the junction between Malay Street Ghaut and Beach Street also feature unique balconies protruding above the street.

## Etymology

Similar to the adjoining Malay Street, Malay Street Ghaut was named after a Malay enclave of George Town which had existed within the area in the mid-19th. century.

All streets that were extended towards the sea carry the word 'ghaut', which means a flight of steps leading down into the sea. A common feature along India's rivers, ghauts were constructed to allow the offloading of a ship's cargo.

In the past, cows, which are essential in Muslim festivals, were bred and slaughtered within the Malay enclave. Hence, the street was also known to the Chinese as *Thai Gu Hang Lor Thau* in Hokkien and *Thong Ngau Hong Lo Thau* in Cantonese. Both names meant 'the beginning of cow-slaughtering street'.

## History

The adjoining Malay Street had been in existence since at least the mid-19th. century. At the time, it was part of the Malay enclave to the south of Acheen Street. By the end of the 19th. century, Malay Street became a charming residential street, with elegant Chinese shophouses being built.

The area around Malay Street Ghaut was reclaimed from the sea towards the end of the 19th. century. Prior to the land reclamation, Beach Street served as the coastal road, with its eastern side stretching along George Town's original eastern seafront; mangrove swamps covered the coast directly east of the junction between Malay Street and Beach Street.

Shophouses near the junction between Malay Street Ghaut and Beach Street have unique balconies that jut out above the street. However, renovation works in recent years have somewhat reduced their former charm.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/malay-street-ghaut.htm
Ghee Hiang Headquarters

**Ghee Hiang Headquarters** at Beach Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been home to the oldest *tau sar pneah* maker on Penang Island since its foundation in 1856. Other than its *tau sar pneah*, which has become a must-buy delicacy for tourists visiting Penang Island, Ghee Hiang is also well-known for its signature sesame seed oil, which is claimed to contain several medicinal properties.

Today, the company has branches at Burmah Road, Macalister Road and the suburb of Farlim, as well as a sesame seed oil factory within the southern suburb of Jelutong.

## History

In 1856, a pastry chef was invited from Fujian Province in Qing China. With the recipes brought along from Fujian, which are classified to this day, Ghee Hiang was established to produce *tau sar pneah* biscuits.

The company set up its headquarters within the-then Chinese commercial centre at the southern stretch of Beach Street. Ghee Hiang's headquarters is also the oldest of its branches on Penang Island.

In the 1930s, Ghee Hiang began producing its trademark sesame seed oil. It has been claimed that Ghee Hiang's sesame seed oil has several medicinal properties. For instance, it is said to generate *chi*, or warmth, that helps expectant mothers to recover their energy quickly.

## Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday : 0900 hours - 1800 hours

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Hockton, K., Howard Tan, 2012. *Penang : An Inside Guide to Its Historic Homes, Buildings, Monuments and Parks.* MPH Group, Kuala Lumpur.
2. http://www.ghee-hiang.com/
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/ghee-hiang.htm
4. http://penangmonthly.com/5798-2/
Nirwana Road

**Nirwana Road** is a narrow two-way street within the George Town city centre. It links Lim Eow Thoon Road to the north with Anson Road to the south.

This minor road passes through Taman Nirvana, a residential area where several other roads are also given Buddhism-related names, such as Dharma Road and Bodhi Avenue.

## Etymology

Nirwana Road, and Taman Nirvana as a whole, were developed by members of the Penang Buddhist Association, which coincidentally is situated close to this area. Hence, the roads within Taman Nirvana are named after Buddhist-related teachings and holy items.

Acccording to the Oxford dictionary, *Nirvana* represents the ultimate goal of all Buddhists, where a transcendent state of perfection is achieved by removing the sense of self, suffering and desire. Upon reaching this state, the Buddhist will be released from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth.

## Political Representation

###  Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/nirvana-road.htm
2. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/nirvana
Prangin Lane

**Prangin Lane** is a short narrow street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs straight from northwest to southeast, between Carnavon Street to the north and Beach Street to the south.

Due to its location near the Sia Boey Market, the street was once known for certain auxiliary trades, such as fish-drying. This was especially so between the end of the 19th. century and the mid-20th. century, when the market was operational.

With the closure of Sia Boey Market, the street has been somewhat cleaned up.

## Etymology

Prangin Lane was named after the Prangin River, which marked the southernmost limit of George Town for much of the 19th. century. The river was then converted into a canal, enabling boats and sampans to transport goods and produce between the harbour and the interior of Penang Island.

As the lane was where fish caught in the sea would be dried under the Sun, the Chinese called this lane *Kiam3 hu3 Tnia2*, meaning 'salted fish yard' in Penang Hokkien.

## History

Prangin Lane has been in existence since at least the late 19th. century, when trading and wholesale activities around both the Sia Boey Market and Prangin Canal were in full swing. At the time, fish caught in the sea would be dried around the adjacent areas such as Prangin Lane and Fish Lane. In addition, several other auxiliary trades, such as rattan-making, were based here.

With the shifting of the now-defunct Sia Boey Market to Maccalum Street Ghaut to the east, the lane has become somewhat quieter and cleaner. On the other hand, this has unfortunately left a negative impact on the traditional auxiliary trades around the street.

## Notable Landmark

The Fooi Chew Association, located at the mid-section of the lane, was founded in 1822 for the Hakkas from Foochew prefecture in southeastern China. The double-storey building is the most distinctive of all along Prangin Lane, due to the pair of granite columns stretching all the way up its façade.

## Street Art

The 'No Plastic Bag' wrought iron sculpture has been installed at the southern junction with Beach Street. Commemorating both the past and the present, the sculpture merges one of the auxiliary petty trades along the street with the relatively recent ruling banning plastic bags on Penang Island in 2011.

It depicts a wicker shopkeeper telling off a woman who is obviously carrying more goods than she can carry. Its description is as follows.

> *A petty trading neighbourhood, where you can find activities such as drying of salted fish and basket weaving.*
>
>

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

**Western stretch between Carnavon Street and Fish Lane**

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

**Eastern stretch between Fish Lane and Beach Street**

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/prangin-lane.htm
Toh Aka Lane

**Toh Aka Lane**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an alley that holds the distinction of being one of the narrowest lanes in the city. The T-shaped lane has three arms - one leading to Malay Street to the southwest, another northeast towards Acheen Street and the third extending towards Beach Street to the east.

The lane was mostly populated by Cheah clansmen, who were members of one of the several Chinese surname-based clans in George Town. A Malay community also used to reside along the western side of the lane towards the end of the 19th. century.

Today, although the lane is noticeably much quieter and less well-known to tourists, it still retains the ambience of 19th. century George Town, as can be seen from the Malay and Chinese houses along the lane.

## Etymology

According to urban legend, Tok Aka Lane was so named after a Chinese man whom the Malays would call *Tok Aka*, meaning 'Grandfather Ah Ka'.

As most of the Cheahs made a living as ironsmiths, the lane was also known as *Phak1 Thik1 Kay1*in Hokkien and *Ta Thit Kai Hong Chai* in Cantonese, both meaning 'Ironworks Street'.

In addition, as Tok Aka Lane starts just after the point where Carnavon Lane ends, it was called *Kam Kong Lai Hoan Lor* in Hokkien and *Kam-pong Loi Wang Kai* in Cantonese. Both terms meant 'near the kampung across from Carnavon Lane'.

## History

Toh Aka Lane has been in existence since at least the late 19th. century. By then, a Malay community had been established along the western side of the lane near Acheen Street Mosque, while the rest of the lane was inhabited mostly by the Cheahs, who worked as ironsmiths.

Throughout the 20th. century, the continuing influx of Chinese immigrants diminished the Malay settlement along the western side of the lane.

## Landmark

Founded in 1840, the Eng Tai Association is a Hakka clan association for two of its dialect groups - Eng Teng and Tai Pu.

## Street Art

The 'Ironsmith' wrought iron sculpture has been installed near the eastern junction with Beach Street as a reminder of the lane's past. Its description is as follows.

> *The striking of the lone ironsmith's hammer can still be heard along the street, where once every tool had to be fashioned by heat and hand, not machines.*
>
>

Other than that, another wall mural was drawn near the same junction in 2014 as part of the Urban Exchange street art festival.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/toh-aka-lane.htm
Siam Road

**Siam Road** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It connects Dato' Keramat Road to the south with Anson Road to the north.

The road, as with the surrounding area, came into being in the early 20th. century, when George Town was expanding westwards. It is lined with double-storey townhouses, most of which are now put to use for commercial purposes.

Siam Road is also famous for its *char kuey teow* stall, located near the northern junction with Anson Road. Said to be one of the best within Penang Island, the stall attracts hordes of locals and foreigners alike, who, more often than not, have to wait over 20 minutes before being served with a delicious plate of freshly fried dish.

## Etymology

As its name implies, Siam Road was named after the Kingdom of Siam, the predecessor to the modern Kingdom of Thailand. It is one of the few roads within George Town to be named after countries, and deservedly so, due to the geographical proximity between Thailand and Penang, as well as close historical and cultural ties.

## History

Siam Road has been in existence since at least the early 20th. century, when George Town was expanding westwards out of Penang Road.

Subsequently, double-storey townhouses were built along both sides of the road. Most of these houses have now been converted for commercial use.

## Food

A *char kuey teow* stall near the junction between Siam Road and Anson Road serves among the best *char kuey teow* on Penang Island. Opening at 1500 hours daily (except Mondays), the stall attracts a steady stream of locals and tourists alike, and the resulting queue would quickly fill up the Hock Ban Hin Cafe opposite the stall. Queuing for 20 to 30 minutes for a plate of freshly fried *char kuey teow*is the norm.

Contrary to the usual practice, the *char kuey teow* here is fried with a somewhat traditional method, using charcoal fire instead of a gas stove. It gained popularity in recent years and has even attracted the attention of Martin Yan, a famous Hong Kong chef, who visited the stall in 2015.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/siam-road.htm
2. http://www.timeout.com/penang/restaurants-and-cafes/siam-road-char-koay-teow
3. http://www.vkeong.com/siam-road-jalan-siam-charcoal-char-koay-teow/
Ng Fook Thong Temple

**Ng Fook Thong Temple** is a Taoist temple at Chulia Street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Cantonese, it was initially located at Church Street, before being relocated in the late 19th. century.

The temple was built at a time when Chinese immigrants began moving into Chulia Street, gradually outnumbering the original Indian Muslim inhabitants here.

## History

Ng Fook Thong Temple was originally built at the spot where the Pinang Peranakan Mansion now stands at Church Street.

In 1898, the site at Church Street was bought by Chung Keng Kwee, one of the richest men on Penang Island then. In exchange, the temple was relocated to its present location at Chulia Street. At the time, Cantonese migrants were flooding into the area around Chulia Street, thereby changing the street's characteristics from an Indian Muslim part of town into a Chinese one.

The temple features exquisite Chinese craftsmanship and architectural features, which were probably the handiwork of artisans from southern China who had been brought in by Chung Keng Kwee to build the his mansion. A forecourt stretches out in front of the temple's entrance, while inside, there is also an inner courtyard surrounded by granite pillars. The roof and gables are lined with porcelain figurines, while ancestral tablets flank the main altar.

To this day, the temple is owned by the Cantonese Districts Association.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.26 Padang Kota State Assemblyman : Chow Kon Yeow (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/ng-fook-thong.htm
Trang Road

**Trang Road** is a short road off Brick Kiln Road within the George Town city centre. It runs from west to east behind GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store.

The road was named after the Thai town of Trang, as tin imported from the town was smelted in the Eastern Smelting plant at the western end of the road. The site on which the smelting facility once stood has been redeveloped as the Penang Times Square.

## Etymology

Trang Road was named after the town of Trang in southern Thailand, which in turn, got its name from the Malay word *Terang*, meaning bright. It was said that, in the past, sailors could see flickering lights from the lamps of the settlers within the town.

In the 19th. century, tin was mined around Trang and then shipped to George Town. The imported tin would be smelted in the Eastern Smelting facility at the western end of the road, hence its name, Trang Road.

## History

With the tin mining boom on the Malay Peninsula towards the end of the 19th. century, shophouses were built along the road. However, the death of the tin industry in the mid-20th. century caused the abandonment of the Eastern Smelting plant.

In recent years, the former tin smelting plant has been redeveloped as the Penang Times Square.

Meanwhile, at the eastern end of the road, a police station once stood until the 1970s, when it was demolished to make way for the construction of GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store.

## Food

* GAMA Corner Ali Bubur
* Welcome Delight Cafe

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/trang-road.htm
Central Fire Station

The **Central Fire Station** at the junction between Beach Street and Chulia Street Ghaut, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as the main fire station in the city centre. Completed in 1909, it was the first on Penang Island to be run by dedicated fire-fighters.

The building features a mix of different architectural styles; its Classical-style façade merges with its Mughal-styled four storey tower with hints of Edwardian influences.

## History

Prior to the construction of the Central Fire Station, there was not a single dedicated fire squadron on Penang Island. Policemen in George Town often had to double up as fire-fighters when the need arose.

The fire station was constructed in 1908 and opened in the following year. Concurrently, another fire station was built at Penang Road.

Both fire stations were the first on Penang Island to be staffed by full-time trained fire-fighters. In particular, the Central Fire Station was manned by a fire brigade of 28 trained men.

The building is one of the several fine, classic examples of civic architecture within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a Classical-style façade, lined with double-storey pilasters, above the rusticated columns at the front entrance facing Beach Street. However, the most imposing structure is its four-storey tower, designed in a mix of Mughal and Edwardian styles.

To this day, the Central Fire Station serves as the major fire station within the heart of George Town.

## Street Art

A feline-themed street mural named *Cats Walking for Animal Awareness* has been painted at the southern side of the Central Fire Station (along the back lane between Beach Street and Victoria Street). Created in 2013, the mural aims to raise awareness about stray animals in George Town.

## Emergency Phone Numbers

Dial 994 in case of a fire.

Alternatively, the Central Fire Station can be reached at +60-4 261 4444.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Hockton, K., Howard Tan, 2012. *Penang : An Inside Guide to Its Historic Homes, Buildings, Monuments and Parks*. MPH Group, Kuala Lumpur.
2. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/beach-street-fire-station.htm
Pinang Fountain

The **Pinang Fountain** on the Light Street Roundabout within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site is a metal, betel nut-shaped fountain. Erected by the then Barisan Nasional-led Penang state government in the early 2000s, it was designed to symbolise Penang Island (*Pulau Pinang* in Malay); the name Penang was derived from the betel nut (*pinang* in Malay).

Initially criticised by most local Penangites, the fountain is now a widely-accepted landmark within the heart of George Town. It also provides a modern twist to the nearby Jubilee Clock Tower.

## History

The Pinang Fountain was placed on the Light Street Roundabout in the early 2000s by the then Barisan Nasional ruling coalition. The 4.8 metre tall metal fountain was designed to resemble a betel nut, also known as *pinang* in Malay; the word *pinang* had lent its name to the island and the State of Penang.

At first, most Penangites objected to the installation of the fountain. Heritage conservationists feared that such a modernist, metallic structure would hamper the chances of George Town being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Others were worried that the fountain would ruin the view of the nearby Jubilee Clock Tower.

George Town was eventually recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and today, the criticisms have died down.

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/pinang-fountain.htm
2. https://thecreativityengine.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/light-street-roundabout-sculpture-and-penang-malay-chamber-of-commerce/
Rice Miller Hotel

The **Rice Miller Hotel** at Weld Quay in the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site is a colonial-style building that is still under construction as of September 2016. It is situated just north of the Malayan Railway Building, which itself is located at the junction between Weld Quay and China Street Ghaut.

Inspired by the late rice milling businessman, Phuah Hin Leong, the development firm his descendants founded, Asian Global Business, intended Rice Miller Hotel to house residential and business properties. Originally, the hotel was planned as an 11-storey building, but the plan had to be shelved after the maximum building height restrictions imposed within the UNESCO World Heritage Site became known. As a result, the hotel is now built as an upmarket, five-storey colonial style building which will also house restaurants and retail shops.

The building is slated for completion sometime in 2017.

The Rice Miller Hotel project also encompasses the neighbouring Paterson, Simons & Co. building.

 Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.26 Padang Kota State Assemblyman : Chow Kon Yeow (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/the-rice-miller.htm
2. http://www.thericemiller.com/
3. http://penangmonthly.com/rice-miller-a-projection-of-penangs-pioneer-spirit/
Flag of Penang

The current flag of Penang has been adopted since 1949.

The Penang flag consists of three vertical stripes of equal width; the left stripe is light blue, the central stripe is white and the right stripe is yellow. An areca nut palm tree (*pokok pinang* in Malay), from which Penang Island takes its name, stands in the middle of the central white stripe. The light blue stands for the sea that surrounds Penang Island. The white colour signifies the serenity in the state of Penang, while the yellow stripe represents prosperity. The flag's ratio is specified at 1:2 (height to width ratio).

It is also said that the shoot growing out of the top of the areca nut palm tree symbolises regeneration.

## Historical Flags of Penang

When Penang was under the British crown colony of the Straits Settlements, the Straits Settlements flag was used. As a British crown colony, the Straits Settlements' blue ensign featured the *Union Jack* canton, as well as the Straits Settlements' emblem at its fly. As for the emblem, the three imperial crowns on an inverted white Y within the red lozenge represented the three Straits Settlements : Penang, Singapore and Malacca.

After the Straits Settlements were dissolved in 1946, Penang acquired a new flag, one which represented its change of status from a prized British crown colony to a separate state about to be merged into Malaya. The *Union Jack* remained at its canton, but the Straits Settlements emblem was replaced with the coat of arms of Penang at the time. The description of the then Penang coat of arms is as follows.

Shield: *Barry wavy of eight Azure and Argent upon a chief crenellée Or a plume of three ostrich feathers surmounted by a riband of the First on the riband the words Ich Dien in letters of the Third.*
The Prince of Wales's feathers and its motto, *Ich Dien*, symbolised the founding of Penang Island in 1786 as the **Prince of Wales Island**, while the wavy blue and white bars referred to the Strait of Malacca surrounding Penang Island. The top blue bar was shaped like a fortress, an allusion to Fort Cornwallis which was built to protect Penang Island in its early years.

A version of the current Penang flag included a blue and white torse underneath the palm tree. This particular version featuring the torse was actually the original modern Penang flag. In 1965, the torse was removed. Since then, all Penang flags feature the tree without the torse, although the original version with the torse can sometimes be seen.

## References

1. http://www.mypenangheritage.com/about-georgetown/penang-state-emblem-flag.php
2. http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/my-p.html
3. http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/my-str.html
4. http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/my-p\_gb.html
The Star Office

**The Star Office** at Pitt Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a colonial three storey building which once housed the Penang head office of Malaysia's most popular English daily. Built in 1906, it once served as a licensed opium farm and a Honda showroom.

Today, its office space is occupied by a publisher, a resource centre, an exhibition room and the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra.

## History

Constructed in 1906 at a cost of $48,767 (Straits dollar), the three storey building was first used as a legalised opium farm. It served as a godown and a dispensary for the distribution of opium and alcohol; this business contributed half of the total revenue of the Straits Settlements government. At the time, the government sought to monopolise the trade by regulating and giving out tenders to the highest bidders, who paid a rental of $900 per month.

The property was later owned by Penangite millionaire, Loh Boon Siew. In the 1970s, he went on a trip to Japan, where he noted the popularity of the Honda Super Cub motorcycles. After convincing Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, Boon Siew was appointed the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles in Malaysia. He subsequently brought back the first 50 motorcycles and opened Malaysia's first Honda showroom within the building at Pitt Street.

In 1971, *The Star*, which would go on to become Malaysia's most popular English-language newspaper, was founded in George Town, with the building at Pitt Street as its headquarters. Once again, Boon Siew, who had been using the building as a Honda showroom, played a part in *The Star*'s establishment as he came in as a shareholder. Since then, the building is known as The Star Office.

While *The Star*'s headquarters has since been moved to Petaling Jaya and its Penang head office to Bayan Lepas, The Star Office at Pitt Street is still being used by its reporters within George Town. In 2014, the building was given a face-lift and now houses Areca Books, the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra, a resource centre and an exhibition centre.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.26 Padang Kota State Assemblyman : Chow Kon Yeow (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Cheah J. S., 2013. *Penang 500 Early Postcards*. Editions Didier Millet.
2. http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/features/2014/09/04/the-star-pitt-st-a-building-with-a-past-and-future/
3. http://wongchunwai.com/2013/03/the-stars-humble-beginnings-were-in-pitt-street-and-so-were-the-writers/
4. http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/arts/on-stage/2014/09/06/the-star-pitt-st-embracing-the-arts/
5. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/the-star-pitt-street.htm
6. http://www.timeout.com/penang/things-to-do/the-star-pitt-st#tab\_panel\_2
GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store

**GAMA** at Dato' Keramat Road, George Town is the oldest departmental store on Penang Island. It stands just opposite KOMTAR and next to the Magazine Circus which constitutes the heart of George Town. Thus, its novelty and its easily accessible location made GAMA among the most popular shopping centres on Penang Island in the 1980s and the 1990s.

Although it is now eclipsed by numerous trendier shopping malls in George Town, GAMA still draws local Penangites who prefer the cheaper prices offered on the wide variety of goods.

However, in recent years, GAMA has also become a favourite haunt for foreign workers, who have notably turned the adjacent Brick Kiln Road into 'Little Bangladesh'.

## History

GAMA was born as the Pulau Pinang Supermarket in 1967. Initially located inside Chowrasta Market, the Pulau Pinang Supermarket was established by Chang Cheng Guan who hailed from the neighbouring Sultanate of Kedah. He had visited Singapore in 1964 and was impressed with the roaring Singaporean retail scene. Inspired by the departmental stores in Singapore, Chang then decided to enter the retail business by bringing the departmental store concept to Penang Island.

In the 1970s, the old police station next to the Magazine Circus was redeveloped into what is now Wisma GAMA. GAMA moved into the building and was opened to the public in December 1980. At the time, across Magazine Circus, KOMTAR was still under construction. Therefore, GAMA was the first departmental store on Penang Island. Its central location in George Town was also easily accessible. Towards the end of the 20th. century, GAMA was one of the most popular shopping centres on Penang Island.

Since the start of the 21st. century, the booming retail scene in George Town has led to the mushrooming of shopping malls all over the city. GAMA now caters to the lower- to middle-income Penangites who prefer the cheaper prices of goods offered by GAMA.

Recently, the influx of foreign workers onto Penang Island has transformed the socio-ethnic environment of the area around GAMA. Shops along Dato' Keramat Road and the adjacent Brick Kiln Road have been taken over by foreign workers, while GAMA itself has become a favourite haunt for foreign workers in George Town.

## Cafeteria

A cafeteria has been opened at the sixth floor of GAMA where one can find various beverages at relatively cheaper prices. It also gives visitors a splendid view of George Town.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/gama.htm
2. http://gama.com.my/
3. http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/02/16/locals-worried-about-foreign-influx-they-fear-some-areas-will-be-taken-over-by-outsiders/
Municipal Fountain

The **Municipal Fountain**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands at the junction between Esplanade Road and Light Street. It was donated to the Municipal Council of George Town in 1883 by Koh Seang Tat, an influential Chinese millionaire.

## History

During the colonial era, the Koh family was highly regarded. Koh Seang Tat's grandfather, Koh Lay Huan, had obtained permission from **Captain Francis Light**, the founder of Penang Island, for himself and his men to settle on the island.

During his lifetime, Koh Seang Tat was appointed Justice of the Peace and later became a commissioner for the Municipal Council of George Town, while simultaneously monopolising legalised opium farming. He was also a philanthropist; he set up scholarships and petitioned the Singapore-based Straits Settlements Government to allocate more financial resources for Penang.

The fountain was donated by Koh Seang Tat to the Municipal Council of George Town in 1883, in conjunction with the opening of the adjacent Town Hall. By then, Koh was so successful, his residence was located right next to the Town Hall, where the Dewan Sri Pinang auditorium now stands. The fountain was unveiled on 4 July 1883 and today, it still stands at its original spot at the junction between Esplanade Road and Light Street.

The fountain was renovated to its original glory in 2011 and still functions to this day.

## References

1. Langdon, M. *A Guide to George Town's Historic Commercial and Civic Precints*. Penang : George Town World Heritage Incorporated.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/municipal-fountain.htm
Speakers' Square

The **Speakers' Square** at the *Padang* within George Town's Esplanade is an open-air public speaking area. It is Malaysia's first public speakers' corner, and was opened in 2010 to epitomise the commitment by the Democratic Action Party-led Penang state government towards freedom of expression.

It covers the northern part of the *Padang* just south of the Millennium Monument.

## History

Inspired by Hyde Park in London, the Speakers' Square, the first of its kind in Malaysia, was opened to the public in 2010 by the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng. Launched just two years after the opposition alliance consisting of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), People's Justice Party (PKR) and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) was voted into power in Penang, it reflects the new Penang state government's commitment towards free speech in Penang.

The northern part of the *Padang* was selected as the Speakers' Square, as there is a stage facing the *Padang* at the spot and it is a distance away from vehicular traffic.

Tan Seng Hai became the first speaker to speak at the Speakers' Square. He used his speech to announce his online petition on the proposed Penang International Convention Centre.

Since then, the Speakers' Square has been serving as a focal point for demonstrations by parties supporting and opposing the Democratic Action Party-led Penang state government, as well as by Penang's vocal non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

## Restrictions

Members of the public are allowed to speak at the Speakers' Corner between 1800 hours and 2200 hours every Wednesday and Sunday. Speakers are not allowed to use loudspeakers, megaphones and any other sound amplifiers.

Those wishing to speak at the Speakers' Square shall do it at their own risk. The Penang state government and the Penang Island City Council are not responsible for any prosecution or legal action taken by the Royal Malaysian Police.

## Note

1. ↑ PAS turned against the coalition in 2015, leaving the DAP and the PKR as the current ruling parties in Penang.

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/speakers-square.htm
2. http://anilnetto.com/democracy/first-speakers-step-up-at-speakers-square/
3. http://limguaneng.com/index.php/2010/05/04/launching-of-the-first-speakers-corner-in-malaysia/
4. http://www.thesundaily.my/node/146742
5. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2010/05/05/speak-up-literally-at-penangs-speakers-square/
106 & 104 Pitt Street

**106 & 104 Pitt Street** is a three-storey colonial building within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the junction between Pitt Street and Buckingham Street, it combines European and Moorish architectural designs.

To this day, the building houses a number of small-medium businesses.

## History

Built in 1934, the building bounded by Pitt Street to the east, Buckingham Street to the north and Kampung Kolam to the south combined both European and Moorish influences under a Late Arts and Crafts architectural style.

The ground floor that wraps around the building is a continuous arcade sheltering a five-foot way along the shopfronts. To this day, the building has been used for commercial purposes.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/104-106-pitt-street.htm
State Assembly Building

The **State Assembly Building** is an Anglo-Indian classical style 'Parliament' for the State of Penang. Situated near the eastern end of Light Street within the centre of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colonial building was built in the 1820s.

As this building serves as the 'Parliament' of Penang, it is off limits to the public. You can only view the building from the outside.

## History

The State Assembly Building was constructed in the 1820s using Indian convict labour. It was renovated in 1874. A block was added in 1890 to house the administrative offices of the Straits Settlements Police Force; it is now used separately as the Immigration Department Building.

The Anglo-Indian classical style building was once used as the Recorder's Court and the Magistrates' Court, as well as a part of the Central Police Station. The Police Court was also housed inside the building, enabling a convenient hearing of all criminal cases.

During World War 2, the Japanese utilised the building as the administrative centre for Penang.

Since the early 1960s, the building has been used as the legislative building for the Penang state government. The former court building was converted into the chambers for the Penang State Assembly at a cost of over $150,000 (Malaya and British Borneo dollar).

In recent years, there have been calls for the Penang state government to build a new state legislative building elsewhere within George Town to cope with the increase in the number of elected state assemblymen.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.26 Padang Kota State Assemblyman : Chow Kon Yeow (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Hockton, K., Howard Tan, 2012. *Penang : An Inside Guide to Its Historic Homes, Buildings, Monuments and Parks.* MPH Group, Kuala Lumpur.
2. Langdon, M. *A Guide to George Town's Historic Commercial and Civic Precints*. Penang : George Town World Heritage Incorporated.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/state-assembly-building.htm
4. http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1404419
Keng Kwee Street

**Keng Kwee Street**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well-known for two of the most famous *chendul* (*Peranakan* dessert) stalls on Penang Island. It runs from northwest to southeast between Penang Road and Kuala Kangsar Road.

The relatively short street was laid out in the late 19th. century. Previously, the land on which Keng Kwee Street is situated belonged to Chung Keng Kwee, the richest man in Penang at the time and one of the more prominent *Kapitan Cina* (leader of the Chinese community) in British Malaya. Hence, the street was named after him.

Today, Keng Kwee Street is abuzz with tourists and locals alike queueing up daily to sample *chendul* from both stalls. In addition, both stalls make *ais kacang*, another icy *Peranakan* dessert popular in both Malaysia and Singapore.

## Etymology

Keng Kwee Street is also known as *Keng1 Kui1 Kay1* in Hokkien and *Keng Kwai Kai* in the Cantonese.

## History

The land on which Keng Kwee Street is situated once belonged to Chung Keng Kwee, the richest man in Penang in the late 19th. century and one of the most famous *Kapitan China* in British Malaya. He donated the land for the construction of the street in the late 19th. century, hence the street was named after him. It is also one of the two streets in George Town named after Keng Kwee; the other being Ah Quee Street.

## Chendul

*Chendul* is an icy *Peranakan* dessert consisting of a sweet coconut milk broth. Two of Penang's most famous *chendul* stalls are located just opposite each other near the junction between Keng Kwee Street and Penang Road.

* **Penang Road Famous Teochew *Chendul*** is the more popular stall among the two. It has attracted several celebrities such as the current Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Singaporean actor, Gurmit Singh. The stall is owned by Tan Chong Kim, who took over the business from his father in 1936. The business has also expanded, with franchises in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
* **Penang Road Famous *Chendol***, just opposite the above-mentioned stall, is owned by Loh Ewe Seng, who took over the business from his mother in the 1970s. To this day, he and his wife along with a few assistants manage the stall. Like its rival stall, it has franchises outside Penang Island, namely in Butterworth and Singapore.

If you are entering Keng Kwee Street from Penang Road, the stall to the right is the **Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul**, while the one to the left is the **Penang Road Famous Chendol**.

Both stalls also make *ais kacang*, another icy *Peranakan* dessert consisting of several toppings added onto a chunk of shaved ice.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/keng-kwee-street.htm
2. http://www.chendul.my/index.html
3. http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F9%2F18%2Fnorth%2F7058481&sec=North
Jalan Kuantan

**Jalan Kuantan** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It was named after the town of Kuantan on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The road was created in the late 19th. century, as George Town was expanding westwards. The slightly curvy road runs between Dato' Keramat Road and Jalan Kajang to the south.

## Etymology

Jalan Kuantan was named after the town of Kuantan on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuantan is the capital of the Sultanate of Pahang, one of Malaysia's 13 component states.

## History

Jalan Kuantan was created towards the end of the 19th. century, as George Town was expanding outwards towards the western direction.

An Art Deco-styled market was built along the road in the early 20th. century. Today, the bustling Jalan Kuantan market is packed with shoppers every morning.

## Food

Jalan Kuantan is home to a famous *curry mee* stall. It opens every morning just outside the Timesway Restaurant at the junction between Jalan Kuantan and Dato Keramat Road. Even the current Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, patronised the stall once.

The road is also the place to be to try *char hor fun*, another Chinese noodle dish, in the evenings.

* Timesway Restaurant
* Lok Yen Coffee Shop

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

**Western side**

N.29 Dato Keramat State Assemblyman : Jagdeep Singh Deo (Democratic Action Party)

**Eastern side**

N.28 Komtar State Assemblyman : Teh Lai Heng (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/kuantan-road.htm
Schmidt Küstermann Building (Royale Bintang Hotel)

The **Schmidt Küstermann Building** is one of the colonial buildings that line Weld Quay in the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 1890s, it, along with Boustead Building, next door now houses the Royale Bintang Hotel .

The building was originally erected to house Schmidt, Küstermann & Co., one of the first German businesses to establish a branch in Penang. The firm, which also had earlier set up another branch in Singapore, specialised in maritime trade. As the owners were German, the company's assets, including this building, were seized by the British during World War 1; the building was subsequently sold off to a Chinese businessman, Heah Swee Lee.

Both the Schmidt Küstermann Building and Boustead Building were renovated in recent years and has been transformed into the Royale Bintang Hotel, complete with conference and banquet halls, as well as a handful of eateries within.

## History

Schmidt, Küstermann & Co., which had earlier established a branch in Singapore, set up another branch at Beach Street, George Town in 1858. The firm, owned by German and Swiss merchants, focused on maritime and mercantile trade, acting as agents for Ohlendorff & Co. in London in the 1870s, and later for the Sun Insurance Office and the Austrian branch of Lloyds Steam Navigation Company in the 1890s.

The Schmidt Küstermann Building was built in the early 1890s, right after the construction of neighbouring Boustead Building.

However, the outbreak of the First World War spelled doom for the firm. British authorities in the then Straits Settlements moved to arrest all German nationals and seize their assets. The assets of Schmidt, Küstermann & Co., including this building, were no exception. At the time, two of the three owners of the firm were German; consequently, both had all their shares confiscated. The remaining owner, a Swiss, was spared of the fate, and attempted to revive the business as Sturzenneger & Co. at Church Street, but this firm eventually went into bankruptcy in 1922.

The Schmidt Küstermann Building was put on auction in 1916 and sold off to Heah Swee Lee, a local tycoon, for $283,000 (Straits dollar) the following year.

The building underwent restoration works during the early 2010s and is now part of the four-star Royale Bintang Hotel complex, which also includes Boustead Building.

 Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.26 Padang Kota State Assemblyman : Chow Kon Yeow (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Langdon, M. *A Guide to George Town's Historic Commercial and Civic Precints*. Penang : George Town World Heritage Incorporated.
2. Cheah J. S., 2013. *Penang 500 Early Postcards*. Editions Didier Millet.
3. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang.
4. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/schmidt-kustermann.htm
5. http://www.royalebintang-penang.com/
Chetty Lane

**Chetty Lane** is a very short no-through lane within the George Town city centre. Located within the city's Seven Streets Precint (*chit tiau lor* in Penang Hokkien), it branches out of Noordin Street, stretching for 35 metres before coming to a dead end.

This narrow lane is lined with decrepit double-storey Chinese Eclectic-style terrace houses, while diagonal parking lots take up its western side. With the parking spaces deterring drivers from making a U-turn to exit the lane, one would have to slowly reverse his/her vehicle towards Noordin Street.

## Etymology

To this day, it is still unknown how precisely Chetty Lane got its name. It was either named after the Chettiar community from southern India, or someone by the name of 'Chetty'.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/chetty-lane.htm
2. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP\_2013-12-11\_165654.html