recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Chung Keng Kwee Temple

**Chung Keng Kwee Temple**, located adjacent to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion at Church Street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Chinese ancestral temple built for the ancestors of a rich 19th. century Penangite tycoon. While the temple is part of the compound housing the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, it is normally closed off from public access.

Built simultaneously with the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (then known as *Hai Kee Chan* in Penang Hokkien) in the 1890s, its main purpose was to worship the ancestors of Chung Keng Kwee, one of the richest men on Penang Island at the time. It was also rumoured that the temple's well was where the *Ghee Hin* secret society disposed of its enemies.

## History

In 1893, Chung Keng Kwee, one of the richest men on Penang Island at the time, acquired two adjacent properties at Church Street - the former headquarters of the rival Chinese secret society, *Ghee Hin* and a Chinese school known as *Goh Hock Tong* (meaning 'Five Luck Villa' in Penang Hokkien). Chung compensated the school with a plot of land at Chulia Street.

On the former *Ghee Hin* headquarters, Chung built a residence-cum-office named *Hai Kee Chan* - which is now the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. As for the site formerly occupied by the school, he built the Chung Keng Kwee Temple in honour of himself; he even had a large bronze statue of himself, dressed in a Mandarin robe of the Second Rank and wearing a Manchu cap, cast and placed within the temple.

In addition, the temple served as an ancestral hall for Chung's ancestors and a family school, with portraits of Chung's parents and wives gracing the walls of the temple. The interior fittings of the temple is similar to that of Ng Fook Thong Temple at Chulia Street; it is believed that both temples and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion were designed and crafted by the same artisans Chung had brought in from southern China.

Behind the temple, in a secluded courtyard accessible only via a narrow eastern path, is a well where the *Ghee Hin* had once disposed of its enemies from the Tua Pek Kong society. Later on, *Hai San*, *Ghee Hin*'s fiercest enemy, also did the same with captured *Ghee Hin* members. Due to its bloody past, the well has since been covered up to allow the souls to rest.

## Travel Advice

Chung Keng Kwee Temple is normally off-limits to the general public, so for those who intend to visit the temple, it is advisable to consult with the Pinang Peranakan Mansion museum staff.

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/chung-keng-kwee-temple.htm
Market Street

**Market Street**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a street within the city's Little India. It runs straight from northwest to southeast between Pitt Street and Beach Street.

Named after a nearby market, the street has been in existence since the early 19th. century. It is still bustling today with shops and businesses owned by ethnic Tamils. Hindus predominate the street, while Indian Muslims also operate businesses around its vicinity.

## Etymology

Market Street was named after one of the original markets of George Town, which was located along the then-adjacent eastern shores of the settlement. It should be noted that, at the time, the eastern shores of George Town ran along the length of Beach Street.

The Tamils, who have been populating the street from the onset, called it *Kadai Teru*, meaning the 'Street of Shops'. During the colonial era, the British also called the street Chola Place or Little Madras.

More recently, Market Street has been regarded as part of George Town's Little India.

## History

Market Street has been in existence since at least the early 19th. century; it appeared in **Captain Francis Light**'s original grid of the settlement.

In the past, there was a market located at the seaside just east of Market Street. The market has since been wiped out, while the eastern shorelines of George Town were expanded eastwards due to land reclamations in the late 19th. century. As a result of the land reclamations, Market Street Ghaut, an extension of Market Street, was also created.

To this day, ethnic Tamils have been populating Market Street and establishing shops along it. One can find various small businesses selling anything from incense to sarees and portraits of Bollywood stars. The colourful decorations and blaring Bollywood music also create an atmosphere akin to that of Indian cities like Mumbai and Chennai.

Most Tamils here are Hindus, while Indian Muslims also operate shops and restaurants around the vicinity of Market Street.

After World War 2, some of the single-storey shophouses along Market Street were rebuilt using salvaged bricks from the destroyed St. Xavier's Institution, which was bombed by Allied bomber aircraft during the war.

Since the late 20th. century, Market Street has been regarded as part of George Town's Little India, in recognition of its long-lasting Indian character.

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/market-street.htm
Singgora Lane

**Singgora Lane** is a two-way lane within the George Town city centre. It runs from north to south between Dato' Keramat Road and Cheah Chew Yoo Road, immediately west of the Northeast District Police Headquarters and parallel to Patani Road on the other end of the police headquarters.

The lane was named after the Thai city of Songkhla, which was once known as Singgora.

## Etymology

Singgora Lane was named after the city of Songkhla in southern Thailand. Songkhla was named Singgora in the past and was notably the centre of the Sultanate of Singgora.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

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

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.050 Jelutong Member of Parliament : Ooi Chuan Aun (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/singgora-lane.htm
Nagore Durgha Sheriff

**Nagore Durgha Sheriff**, at Chulia Street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest Indian Muslim shrine on Penang Island. Built in the early 1800s, it is dedicated to Syed Shahul Hamid, a 13th. century Muslim saint of Nagore, India.

It is also one of the two Indian Muslim shrines built in the saint's memory in Southeast Asia, the other being the Nagore Durgha Shrine in Singapore. Within George Town, it is one of the few remaining specimens of early 19th. century South Indian Muslim architecture.

Located at the junction between Chulia Street and King Street, the shrine also contains a short arcade lined with shops selling jewellery, Muslim prayer paraphernalia and *songkok* (a ubiquitous Malay cap worn by males).

## History

Nagore Durgha Shrine was built in 1803 by Muslims of southern Indian origin, then known as the Chuliers by the British. Soon after Captain Francis Light landed on Penang Island in 1786, the Chuliers, who were mostly merchants and moneylenders, began to populate Malabar Street in great numbers, causing the street to be renamed Chulia Street in 1798. The shrine was constructed on the original section of Chulia Street, before its gradual extension westwards.

The Muslim shrine, the oldest of its kind on Penang Island, honours Syed Shahul Hamid, a Sufi Muslim saint who lived in Nagore, India until his death in 1579. The Nagore Durgah in Nagore was built in his memory, as is the Nagore Durgha Shrine in Singapore, which was constructed later in the 1820s.

The white-coloured shrine has a built-in arcade along its King Street side, where shops selling Muslim prayer paraphernalia, jewellery and *songkok* are located. There used to be a well along the King Street side of the shrine as well.

Today, it is one of the few examples of southern Indian Muslim architecture in George Town and perhaps throughout Penang Island. It still serves as the centre of religious observance for the Indian Muslims of Tamil ethnicity; feast days are observed at the shrine with the distribution of food and flag raising.

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/nagore-shrine.htm
Millennium Monument

The **Millennium Monument** is a conical structure at The Esplanade, George Town. Built in conjunction of the millennium celebrations in 2000, it is located at the halfway point along the southern side of Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah.

The square around the structure was raised, while pictures of prominent landmarks in George Town were embedded into a semi-circular wall around the monument. A time capsule was buried within the monument by the third Chief Minister of Penang, Koh Tsu Koon.

## History

Its construction was mooted by the then Barisan Nasional-led Penang state government under the then Chief Minister of Penang, Koh Tsu Koon. Mr. Koh intended to plant a time capsule containing artifacts from around Penang Island as part of the millennium celebrations in 2000.

In spite of popular opposition from local Penangites, including heritage conservationists who believed that the odd-looking modern structure would be an eye sore along the historical Esplanade promenade, the project went ahead. It was completed in time for the millennium celebrations in 2000.

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/millennium-monument.htm
Samak Road

**Samak Road** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It now serves as a residential road, with apartments lining the street.

Unlike the adjoining Bukom Road and Tekong Road, both of which were named after two of the islands within the Republic of Singapore, the name *Samak* was of Thai origin.

 Political Representation

### Penang State Government

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

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.050 Jelutong Member of Parliament : Ooi Chuan Aun (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/jalan-samak.htm
Khoo Sian Ewe Road

**Khoo Sian Ewe Road** is a short two-way road within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It links Phee Choon Road to the north with Burmah Road to the south.

The road was named after the largest private landowner on Penang Island prior to World War 2, who also owned the area surrounding the road.

## Etymology

Created in the early 20th. century, the road was named after Khoo Sian Ewe (1886 - 1964), the landowner of this particular location and the biggest private landowner on Penang Island in the decades before World War 2.

The second son of the Kapitan China in Sumatra, Khoo Cheow Teong, Khoo Sian Ewe studied at Penang Free School. He also inherited his father's properties, becoming the largest private landowner on Penang Island.

In addition, he rose to prominence as an influential philanthropic figure within Penang's Chinese community. Other than heading the Penang Chinese Town Hall (1927 - 1964) and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (1933 - 1941), he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1920 and a member of the Straits Settlements Legislative Council until 1941. In 1954, he was bestowed with the title of the Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/khoo-sian-ewe-road.htm
3. http://wongchunwai.com/2013/03/cinemas-of-old-had-their-own-identity-and-architectural-design/
Jalan Pahang

**Jalan Pahang** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It runs from the northwest to the southeast, linking Dato' Keramat Road to the south with Anson Road.

The road was created in the early 20th. century, as George Town was expanding westwards.

## Etymology

Jalan Pahang was named after the Sultanate of Pahang, which is the largest state on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

## History

George Town continued expanding westwards out of Penang Road at the turn of the 20th. century. As a result, several new roads off Dato' Keramat Road, including Jalan Pahang, were created and named after the component states of the then British Malaya.

Prior to that, wooden villages had been established around the vicinity of Jalan Pahang. When the area around Jalan Pahang became the outskirts of George Town, the wooden houses were replaced with brick houses built in the Art Deco style.

Today, most of these houses are still in use, although some have been converted into commercial properties.

## 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/pahang-road.htm
Weld Quay Bus Terminal

**Weld Quay Bus Terminal**, located at Weld Quay within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main public bus terminal in the city. This is where most Rapid Penang bus routes within Penang Island originate and terminate.

The bus terminal is located next to Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, the Penang Ferry Terminal. Taking a Rapid Penang bus is therefore convenient for tourists who arrive via the Penang Ferry from Butterworth. In addition, the bus terminal is situated not far from Swettenham Pier, which serves cruise ships calling on George Town.

 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)
Kampung Kolam

**Kampung Kolam** is a very short street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The straight street runs from the intersection between Carnavon Street and Kampung Kaka to the west, towards Pitt Street to the east.

As with the adjacent Kampung Kaka, Kampung Kolam was once a Muslim settlement inhabited by immigrants from southern India. However, the village was wiped out by the mid-20th. century. It remains as a short street to this day.

## Etymology

Kampung Kolam, or 'Pond Village' in Malay, was named after a water tank that used to exist in front of the residence of Caudeer Mohuddeen @ Kader Mydin Merican, who founded the nearby Kapitan Keling Mosque in 1801.

## History

Kampung Kolam was formerly inhabited by Indian Muslims from southern India since the late 18th. century. The founder of Kapitan Keling Mosque, Caudeer Mohuddeen @ Kader Mydin Merican, had a water tank that catered to the poor, hence the name of the village.

At the start of the 20th. century, Sun Yat-sen, the Chinese revolutionist, set up his Penang base at 120 Armenian Street, just off the eastern end of Kampung Kolam. This location, within the Malay enclave of George Town, was considered discreet and enabled him to evade the British authorities who were rounding up Chinese revolutionists plotting to overthrow the Qing government of China.

However, Kampung Kolam ceased to exist when the village was replaced with brick shophouses in the early 20th. century. Today, it exists only as a short street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

## 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/kampung-kolam.htm
Jalan Perlis

**Jalan Perlis** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It runs between Jalan Selangor to the north and Dato' Keramat Road to the south.

The road was created in the early 20th. century, when the urban population of George Town was spilling westward out of Penang Road.

## Etymology

Jalan Perlis was named after the Sultanate of Perlis, the northernmost state in Malaysia and the smallest Malaysian state. Perlis, located about 170km north of George Town, borders the Kingdom of Thailand to the north, and the Sultanate of Kedah to the south and west.

## History

George Town continued expanding westwards out of Penang Road at the turn of the 20th. century. As a result, several new roads off Dato' Keramat Road, including Jalan Perlis, were created and named after the component states of the then British Malaya.

## 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/perlis-road.htm
Lung Yen Association

**Lung Yen Association** is a Hokkien clan association based at Malay Street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The association's building was built in the 1950s in the Art Deco style.

## History

Lung Yen Association was founded for Hokkien immigrants who came from Longyan in Fujian Province, China.

The association's building was built in 1950 in the Art Deco style. The exterior was painted with Shanghai plaster, giving it its distinctive solid grey façade.

Other than this building at the junction between Malay Street and Toh Aka Lane, the association also owns another building at Green Lane.

## 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/lung-yen-association.htm
2. http://www.mypenang.gov.my/itemprint.aspx?id=1679
Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah

**Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah** is the coastal road within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs along The Esplanade and Fort Cornwallis. The two-way road stretches between the junction with Light Street to the west and the Light Street Roundabout to the east, forming a semi-rectangle.

The seafront road was initially two different roads - Fort Road and The Esplanade. Fort Road was the eastern half of Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah between the Light Street Roundabout and the northwestern corner of Fort Cornwallis, whereas The Esplanade was the western half of Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah stretching from the western end of Fort Cornwallis to the junction with Esplanade Road.

Both roads were renamed Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in the 1970s, after the third Governor of Penang who served between 1969 and 1975. The road was also extended further west, joining Light Street just opposite the Supreme Court of Penang.

## Etymology

In the past, there were two different roads along this stretch of the northern coast of George Town - Fort Road and The Esplanade. As their names implied, Fort Road and The Esplanade ran along Fort Cornwallis and The Esplanade respectively.

Fort Road stretched between the Light Street Roundabout to the east and the northwestern corner of Fort Cornwallis to the west, directly in front of Fort Cornwallis.

The Esplanade, meanwhile, continued from the northwestern corner of Fort Cornwallis to the junction with Esplanade Road, along the northern end of the *Padang*.

The road bends right in front of the northwestern corner of Fort Cornwallis; this bend was called Fort Point.

Both roads were combined and renamed Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, after the third Governor of Penang, Tun Syed Sheh Al-Haj bin Syed Hassan Barakbah, who served between February 1969 and February 1975.

The former Esplanade stretch was also known as *Kuan1'a1 Kak3* and *Phak Kew Por* in Penang Hokkien, meaning Checkpoint Corner and Playing Ball Field respectively.

## History

Fort Road was the road that stretched along the northern and eastern sides of Fort Cornwallis, while The Esplanade continued from the western end of Fort Road and ran along the northern end of the *Padang*. Both roads had been in existence by the end of the 19th. century.

In the 1970s, the roads were renamed Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, which was also extended west up to the junction with Light Street opposite the Supreme Court.

## Notable Landmarks

From west to east :

* Logan Memorial
* Dewan Sri Pinang auditorium
* City Hall
* The Cenotaph
* The Esplanade
* Millennium Monument
* Speakers' Square
* Royal Malaysian Navy station
* Fort Cornwallis
* Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse
* Jubilee Clock Tower
* Pinang Fountain (Light Street Roundabout)

## Food

* Kompleks Makanan Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama

 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/jalan-tun-syed-sheh-barakbah.htm
Tye Kee Yoon Road

**Tye Kee Yoon Road** is a very short, narrow two-way road within the George Town city centre. It branches out of Brick Kiln Road, running southwest before coming to a dead end in front of a warehouse.

This narrow road, lined with double-storey Chinese shophouses and parking lots along its northern side, was named after Tye Kee Yoon, the Vice-Consul of Qing China in Penang in the early 20th. century. Also one of the biggest property owners on Penang Island at the time, he contributed significantly to Penang's development by donating to various institutions, from Penang Free School to Kek Lok Si Temple.

## Etymology

Tye Kee Yoon (1849 - 1919), after whom the road was named, served as Qing China's Vice-Consul in Penang between 1907 and 1912. He was concurrently Qing China's Acting Consul-General in Singapore between 1911 and 1912.

Mr. Tye had come to Penang as a penniless coolie, but by the end of the 19th. century, he became among the biggest property owners on Penang Island, as well as a diplomat. He was also involved in the distribution of spirits, opium and medicine.

With his wealth, Mr. Tye was able to contribute massively to Penang's development. He donated generously to several institutions within Penang Island, including the famous Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Free School, Penang Adventist Hospital, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Chung Hwa Confucian School. In addition, he founded the Shih Chung School, which was housed inside the now-abandoned Goh Chan Lau building at Northam Road.

Mr. Tye passed away on Penang Island in 1919. At the time, he was '*reputed to be the richest man in Penang*', with $5,000,000 (Straits dollar) worth of properties in Penang and other parts of British Malaya.

## 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/tye-kee-yoon-road.htm
3. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressb19300507-1.2.55.aspx
Jalan Kajang

**Jalan Kajang** is a short road off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre. It runs from north to south between Dato' Keramat Road and Jalan S.P. Chelliah.

The road was created in the early 20th. century, when the urban population of George Town was spilling westward out of Penang Road.

## Etymology

Jalan Kajang was named after the town of Kajang in the Sultanate of Selangor, the state surrounding the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Kajang also forms part of the Klang Valley, also known as the Greater Kuala Lumpur Conurbation, Malaysia's largest metropolitan area.

## Political Representation

###  Penang State Government

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

### Malaysian Federal Parliament

P.050 Jelutong Member of Parliament : Ooi Chuan Aun (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/kajang-road.htm
Herriot Street

**Herriot Street** is a short street within George Town's Seven Streets Precint (*chit tiau lor* in Penang Hokkien). It connects Brick Kiln Road to the west with Mcnair Street to the east.

## Etymology

Herriot Street was named after Stuart Herriot, a British trader who lived in the 19th. century. Born in England in 1812, he moved to the Prince of Wales Island (as Penang Island was then known) in the 1830s and remained here until his death in the 1870s.

When a war erupted within the neighbouring Sultanate of Perak over the monopoly of tin mining there, Herriot, who was educated, wrote a petition on behalf of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee to the British authorities, urging them to intervene in Perak. The ensuing British intervention in Perak led to the creation of the mining towns of Taiping and Kamunting.

## 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/herriot-street.htm
Choo Chay Keong Temple

**Choo Chay Keong Temple** at the junction between Armenian Street and Cannon Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Chinese temple for the Yap clan. Completed in 1924, it is dedicated to the patron deity of the Yaps, *Hoay Che Chung Wang*.

As it serves as the clan temple for the Yap Kongsi located right next to it, the temple is also known as the Yap Ancestral Temple.

## History

Initially, there were two Yap clan associations within George Town - Tong Eng Siah Kongsi and Hook Teik Choon Ong Yap Kongsi. Both merged in the early 20th. century to form the Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi, which is currently housed inside the Yap Kongsi building adjacent to the temple.

The land on which the temple now stands was donated by Yap Chor Ee, who was a Yap clansman. The temple, completed in 1924, was built in honour of the patron deity of the Yap clan, *Hoay Che Chung Wang*. In addition, the temple houses the Yap ancestral tablets of the departed.

Although Choo Chay Keong Temple is relatively small sized compared to most Chinese temples within George Town, it has a number of distinct features, such as the dragon pillars supporting its front porch and a polygonal structure in front of it, which was only added in the 1990s.

## 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. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/yap-temple.htm
2001 Winter Universiade

Zakopane, Poland

**2001 Winter Universiade** was a multi-sporting event during the 2000-01 season. It was held in Zakopane, Poland.

## Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure\_skating\_at\_the\_2001\_Winter\_Universiade

https://web.archive.org/web/20120401025712/http://www.eiskunstlauf-ecke.de/archiv/2000-01/winteruniversiade2001.shtml
Esplanade Road

**Esplanade Road**, within the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies along the western end of the *Padang* at The Esplanade. It runs from north to south, between the coastal Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakhbah to the north and Light Street to the south.

The relatively short road was created in the 1880s; simultaneously, the Town Hall was also built. By the time the Town Hall was completed in 1883, a dirt path had been created along the front of the building. Esplanade Road gained further significance with the completion of the City Hall immediately north of the Town Hall in 1906.

## History

Esplanade Road was laid out in the 1880s, at the same time when the Town Hall was completed. It runs along the western edge of the *Padang* at The Esplanade.

By the time the Town Hall was completed in 1883, a dirt track had been cleared along the front of the building.

Also, a Chinese Penangite millionaire, Koh Seang Tat, donated the Municipal Fountain to the Municipal Council of George Town, in conjunction with the opening of the Town Hall in 1883. To this day, the fountain stands just south of the Town Hall at the junction between Esplanade Road and Light Street.

In 1903, to cope with the increasing demand for office space, the Penang City Hall was built immediately north of the Town Hall in 1903. Completed in 1906, the magnificent Baroque City Hall now serves as the headquarters of the Penang Island City Council.

 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/esplanade-road.htm
Noordin Street

**Noordin Street** is a narrow two-way street within the George Town city centre. Located within the city's Seven Streets Precint (*Chit Tiau Lor* in Penang Hokkien), it is the second street from the north (after Magazine Road), linking Brick Kiln Road to its west with Bridge Street to the east.

As its name implies, it is the only street within the Seven Streets Precint to be named after a Muslim. Habib Merican Noordin, from which the street got its name, was one of the founders of the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the most historic mosque in the heart of George Town.

However, the street only came into existence towards the end of the 19th. century, when the area was developed into an urban residential area known as the Seven Streets Precint. Double-storey Chinese Eclectic-style houses line the street to this day.

## Etymology

Noordin Street was named after Habib Merican Noordin, an Indian Muslim merchant who arrived on Penang Island in the late 18th. century. Noordin, an alumni of Penang Free School, was one of the major benefactors of the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest and most iconic mosque within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, he built the Noordin Family Tomb.

When Noordin Street was laid out, it was the second street south of the Prangin Canal after Magazine Road. As such, the Chinese call the street *Jee33 Tiau3 Lor3*, meaning 'the second street' in Penang Hokkien.

## History

Noordin Street came into existence in the late 19th. century, as George Town was expanding south past the Prangin Canal. Together with eight other parralel streets, the area south of the canal became known as the Seven Streets Precint (*Chit Tiau Lor*) and was earmarked for the development of an urban residential area.

Between the late 19th. century to the 1930s, Straits Chinese Eclectic-style double storey terrace houses were built within the Precint, catering mostly to the middle-class Chinese.

These houses remain standing along Noordin Street to this day; some have been converted into cafes and budget hostels. There are also a number of clan associations based inside ornate Chinese buildings along the street.

After Noordin Street had been laid out, land reclamation off the eastern end of the street led to the creation of a seaward extension named Noordin Street Ghaut.

## 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/noordin-street.htm
3. http://wongchunwai.com/category/penang-history-my-story/page/5/
Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple

**Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple** at Queen Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the oldest Hindu temples on Penang Island. Built in 1833, the Dravidian-style temple is dedicated to Sri Muthu Mariamman, a Hindu deity.

The temple stands out due to its imposing 23-feet tall sculptured tower, called *gopuram*, which has 38 statues of Hindu deities. It is also the central venue for important Hindu festivals, such as Thaipusam and Navarithri.

As of July 2016, the temple is undergoing renovations.

## History

By 1801, about 2,000 southern Indian workers were living within the vicinity of what will become today's Little India. Most worked as harbour workers in the newly-established Port of Penang.

The land on which the temple stands was given in 1801 by British authorities to Betty Lingam Chetty, the *Kapitan* (leader) of southern Indians at the time. Thus the temple had its origins as a small Hindu shrine founded in 1801, which was intended to ensure that southern Indians remained in one particular locality, allowing the British easier management of the different ethnic groups on Penang Island.

However, it was only in 1833 when the temple we see today was built. Dedicated to the Hindu deity, Sri Muthu Mariamman, its name was derived from the words *mari*, meaning power, and *amman*, meaning mother. The deity is portrayed as a motherly figure in Hindu mythology, as well as the patron deity of southern Indian peasants.

One of the most imposing features of the Dravidian-style temple is its 23-feet tall tower at the front facade that contains 38 statues of Hindu deities. Also known as the *gopuram*, it also has four serious-looking swans.

When the temple was completed in the 1830s, it was named Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple. It was only renamed Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple in 1980, and has since also been known as Sri Mariamman Temple.

The temple serves as the main focal point for annual Hindu festivals like Thaipusam and Navarithri.

## Travel Advice

The temple is open daily between 0630 hours and 1200 hours, as well as 1630 hours and 2100 hours.

As of July 2016, the temple is undergoing renovation works.

## 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. http://www.timeout.com/penang/attractions/sri-mahamariamman-temple#tab\_panel\_2
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/mahamariamman-temple.htm
Chong San Wooi Koon

**Chong San Wooi Koon** is a Cantonese clan association based at the intersection between Church Street and King Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its building, which was built in the 19th. century, features exquisite, intricate Cantonese architectural styles and decorations.

Founded in 1801 as Heong San Hoay Kuan, it was renamed after Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China and revolutionist who hailed from Heong San (now Zhongshan) in Guangdong, China.

## History

Heong San Hoay Kuan was established in 1801 to protect the interests and well-being of the small community of Cantonese immigrants from Heong San.

Its association building was subsequently constructed sometime in the mid-19th. century; colonial-era documents revealed its existence as far back as the 1870s. To this day, the association's original name can still be seen on the lintel above the front entrance of the building.

True to the association's origins, the building comprises elements of Cantonese architecture and interior furnishings. Its front façade is graced by a couple of granite columns and intricately-designed corbels featuring terracotta reliefs, while glazed tiles cover its roof.

In the early 20th. century, Heong San Hoay Kuan was renamed Chong San Wooi Koon, in honour of Sun Yat-sen (*Sun Chong San* in Cantonese), the famous Chinese nationalist who played an instrumental role in the Chinese Revolution of 1911 and founded the Republic of China. He was also born in Heong San (which has since been renamed Zhongshan after Dr. Sun himself), hence the name change. The association's current name has been inscribed onto wooden plaques at both sides of the building's front door.

The building underwent a major renovation in 2012, befitting its status as a heritage building within the core zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two door gods have been painted on the front door, while a statue of Sun Yat-sen now welcomes visitors inside the building.

## Travel Advice

While the building is normally closed to the public, it is open only once a year - the sixth day of Chinese New Year. Traditionally celebrated as a Chinese deity's birthday, clan houses within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Chong San Wooi Koon, open their doors on this day for visitors. Thus, this is a rare opportunity to survey the exquisite Cantonese interior architecture, and learn more about the association's beginnings and links with Sun Yat-sen.

## 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/chong-san-wooi-koon.htm
2. http://www.timeout.com/penang/attractions-and-museums/kongsi-in-penang
3. http://m.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?hl=Public+invited+to+temples+and+clan+houses+on+Feb+13&sec=metro&id=%7B6BB555B5-CA70-4D7F-B4D5-AE1DBB0FEA66%7D
Penang General Post Office

The **General Post Office** atDowning Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main post office in the State of Penang. The building in which the office is housed, Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra, was one of the first administrative buildings to be built in Penang after the Malayan Independence in 1957.

The post office has had a long history dating back to the late 19th. century, when the British colonial authorities reclaimed the area from the sea and began building governmental complexes. The spot on which the General Post Office now stands was where colonial buildings like the Treasury Department once stood, while the post office itself was housed inside a U-shaped administrative complex across Downing Street.

However, most of the colonial architecture were destroyed during World War 2. Later, Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra was erected in the 1960s, and has since housed Penang's General Post Office.

The General Post Office mainly serves the heart of the city and contains special counters for various services.

## History

Soon after the reclamation of the area between 1883 and 1889, the British colonial authorities began constructing administrative buildings within the said area. Upon the completion of the U-shaped Government Offices along the northern side of Downing Street in 1907, Penang's main post office was based in its eastern wing facing Weld Quay.

At the time, the site on which the current post office stands was occupied by two colonial buildings - one housing the Education and Treasury Departments, while the other served as the Town Club. Founded by Robert Yeats of the British trading company Boustead & Co., the Town Club became a watering hole for European merchants.

Sadly, these buildings were destroyed by Japanese and Allied bombers during World War 2. In the case of the Government Offices, only a section along the adjoining Beach Street survived; it now serves as the Penang Islamic Council Building.

In 1961, the foundation stone of Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra was laid by the then Prime Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Named after the then King of Malaysia, this International-style building was completed the following year and declared open by Raja Tun Uda, the first Governor of Penang in the post-Independence era.

Initially serving as the seat of the Penang state government before its eventual relocation to KOMTAR, Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra now houses Penang's General Post Office, which mainly serves central George Town.

## Opening Hours

Monday - Friday : 0830 hours - 1730 hours

Saturday : 0830 hours - 1300 hours

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books, Penang.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/bangunan-tuanku-syed-putra.htm
Chung Siew Yin Building

**Chung Siew Yin Building** at Light Street, in the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a double storey Art-Deco style house that is now part of Wisma Great Eastern. It was built in the mid-19th. century, with an additional wing added in the mid-20th. century.

A relatively modern office block was also added in 2005 to provide more office space in the heart of the city. It was designed to merge seamlessly with the older architecture. Both buildings now serve as the Penang headquarters of Great Eastern Life Assurance Co. Ltd., the largest Singaporean insurance firm.

The newer office block currently houses the British Council as well.

## History

\**All prices are quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (RM), unless stated*.

The double-storey Chung Siew Yin Building was constructed sometime in the mid-19th. century. It was the residence of Chung Siew Yin, the daughter of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, who was one of the richest men on Penang Island in the late 19th. century.

In the mid-20th. century, an Art-Deco style wing was added to the building.

   In 2005, a RM51 million office block was constructed around Chung Siew Yin Building. Intended to add office space in the heart of George Town, it was designed to merge seamlessly with the older architecture of Chung Siew Yin Building. Concurrently, Chung Siew Yin Building was also restored to its former glory.

Both buildings now form Wisma Great Eastern, the Penang headquarters of Great Eastern Life Assurance Co. Ltd., which is currently the largest Singapore-based insurance company and the oldest insurance firm in Asia. A subsidiary of

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Singapore's largest bank, Great Eastern Life Assurance Co. Ltd. has over S$60 billion (Singapore dollar) worth of assets.

In addition, the newer office block now houses the British Council, where one can take English-language classes and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

## Opening Hours

### Great Eastern Life Assurance

Monday - Friday : 0830 hours - 1700 hours

### British Council

Tuesday - Sunday : 0900 hours - 1700 hours

## 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/wisma-great-eastern.htm
2. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19330120.2.48.1
3. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2007/06/30/goodbye-to-colonial-feel/
4. https://www.greateasternlife.com/sg/en/about-us/company-profile/a-trusted-name-in-insurance.html
5. https://www.britishcouncil.my/english/schools/penang
KOMTAR Octopus Pedestrian Bridge

The **KOMTAR Octopus Pedestrian Bridge** at Penang Road in the heart of George Town is a four-way pedestrian bridge. The bridge, which resembles an octopus or a spider when seen from the air, has four arms that allow pedestrians to cross the intersecting Penang Road, Prangin Road and Burmah Road.

The northern and southern arms link Penang Road, while the western arm begins at Burmah Road and the eastern arm at Prangin Road.

As of April 2016, the bridge has been partially closed due to ongoing renovations, which include the installation of escalators at each of the four arms. Slated to be completed in 2017, this renovation project by Ensignia Construction Sdn. Bhd. is expected to cost RM6 million, to be funded by the company.

## History

\**All prices are quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).*

The bridge was constructed in 1993 by the then Penang Island Municipal Council at a cost of RM1.25 million.

Since then, the bridge has received mixed responses. In addition, there had been security issues on the bridge; it became a favourite haunt for snatch thieves, vagabonds and beggars

In 2010, a *feng shui* (ancient Chinese geomancy) master claimed that the bridge was inauspicious. In light of this, the then Komtar state assemblyman, Ng Wei Aik (now the Tanjung Member of Parliament), proposed to allow street performances and stalls on the bridge to revitalise it. The Penang Island Municipal Council also called for tenders for the setting up of kiosks on the bridge, but nothing materialised.

Following negative comments received from the public, the Penang state government conducted a month-long public survey on whether to demolish the bridge. However, 70% of the respondents wanted the bridge to be retained.

In 2016, Ensignia Construction Sdn. Bhd. began renovation works on the bridge, including the installation of escalators at each of its four arms and the replacement of the walls with glass panels for safety purposes. Approved by the Penang Island Municipal Council in 2014, the project will cost RM6 million, to be funded entirely by the company. It is expected to be completed by 2017. In the meantime, the bridge has been partially closed in stages, necessitating the installation of traffic lights to allow pedestrian access across the intersection.

## References

1. http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2013%2F5%2F17%2Fnorth%2F13122117&sec=north
2. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2014/11/01/new-look-for-spider-bridge/
3. http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1322123
4. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/komtar-pedestrian-crossing.htm