recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Tamil Street

**Tamil Street** is a short narrow street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs along the southern side of the famous Chowrasta Market, between Penang Road to the west and Jalan Kuala Kangsar to the east. The street is lined with several restaurants serving Indian Muslim and Malay cuisines.

The street was obviously named as the area was part of the large Indian portion of George Town. Up to the mid-20th. century, Tamil Street was predominantly southern Indian in character.

## Etymology

Tamil Street was obviously named after the majority ethnic group that once populated the street. In the past, the Tamils of southern India settled here and opened up shops along the street. The southern Indians also made up most of the vendors inside Chowrasta Market.

As with Chowrasta Road along the northern side of Chowrasta Market, Tamil Street was known as *Keh1 Leng2 Na4 Barn3 san1*in Hokkien, meaning 'the southern Indian market'.

## History

The area around Chowrasta Market, including Tamil Street, was once part of George Town's massive Indian enclave. Tamil traders from Tamil Nadu, India, began to populate Tamil Street since at least the mid-19th. century.

As a result, most traders along Tamil Street at the time were ethnic Tamils. Freed Indian convicts would also find employment inside Chowrasta Market.

In 1890, the famous Chowrasta Market was built by the George Town Municipal Council. It was then replaced with the present structure in 1961. The market, which has just recently underwent renovations, is one of the busiest wet markets in George Town. One can find various Penang produce here, such as preserved nutmegs and *tau sar pneah*.

Meanwhile, Tamil Street remained predominantly Indian in character until the mid-20th. century. Today, most hawker stalls and restaurants along Tamil Street are still run by ethnic Tamils, although one can also find Malay and Indonesian cuisine these days.

## 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 Book
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/tamil-street.htm
Union Street

**Union Street**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a narrow street that links Penang Street to the west and Beach Street to the east. It is part of the city's historic commercial centre.

Union Street was laid out in the early 19th. century and once formed the southern boundaries of a police precint centred at the current State Assembly Building.

## Etymology

Union Street was created in the early 19th. century to commemorate the 1800 Acts of Union that formally united the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland into a single political entity - the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

The street was also known by the Chinese as *Po Leh Au* in Hokkien and *Poli Si Hau* in Cantonese, meaning 'the road behind the police station'. Both terms referred to the Central Police Station that once occupied the land around where the State Assembly Building now stands.

## History

Union Street was laid out in the early 19th. century, soon after the four major streets of George Town - Light Street, Beach Street, Pitt Street and Chulia Street - were created. It was named after the Acts of Union signed in 1800 between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland; this formalised the political union of both kingdoms in a single entity named the United Kingdom.

The Central Police Station, which bordered Union Street, Beach Street and Light Street, was built in the mid-19th. century. A police precint gradually grew within the area with the addition of a police barracks, the Police Office (now the Immigration Department Building) and a fire engine garage.

As the adjoining Beach Street grew in importance as the commercial centre of George Town in the late 19th. century, banks and retail establishments - in the form of the Logan Building - began to spill into Union Street as well.

## Bank

* Maybank
	+ Country of Origin : Malaysia

## Food

* D'Dapor Restaurant
* Kareem *Pasembur* Stall
* Tea Garden Cafe

## 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/union-street.htm
TPO Friendship Park

The **TPO Friendship Park** is a small landscaped urban park within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opened to the public in 2011 by the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, it was dedicated to the 68 Asian city mayors who participated in the 5th. Forum of the Tourism Promotion Organisation (TPO) for Asia-Pacific (TPO) in 2012.

It is located at Farquhar Street, between Bayview Hotel to the west and St. Xavier's Institution to the south. Situated at the well-manicured park are *Bucida Molineti* trees, a fountain and the TPO Sculpture.

## History

The TPO Friendship Park was officially opened by Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, in 2011. It commemorates the 5th. Forum of the Tourism Promotion Organisation (TPO) for Asia Pacific, which was held on Penang Island the following year. 68 city mayors from across the Asia-Pacific region attended the forum.

During the forum, the participating city mayors also planted *Bucida Molineti* trees at the park. Over time, the trees are expected to provide shade to the park.

Also, a fountain and a sculpture commemorating the forum have also been installed at the well-manicured park. The fountain was jointly built by the then Penang Island Municipal Council and Penangite developer, BSG Property, while the TPO Sculpture bears the signatures of Chief Minister Lim, Penang Island Municipal Council President (now Mayor of Penang Island) Patahiyah Ismail and two South Korean mayors.

Paths leading to benches allow tourists and local Penangites alike to take a breather from the sweltering heat of George Town.

## References

1. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/tpo-friendship-park.htm
2. https://www.penang.gov.my/index.php/en/20-general/koleksi-ucapan-yab-km/1157-majlis-perasmian-taman-persahabatan-friendship-park
Acheen Street Ghaut

**Acheen Street Ghaut** is a seaward extension of Acheen Street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs from the western intersection with Beach Street and Acheen Street until Weld Quay to the east.

The street was created in the late 19th. century, when the area was reclaimed from the sea. Prior to that land reclamation, Beach Street had served as the coastal road, with the stone steps at the eastern end of Acheen Street enabling vessels to offload goods to be sent to the warehouses.

## Etymology

Similar to the adjoining Acheen Street, Acheen Street Ghaut was named after the Acehnese settlement that once existed around Acheen Street.

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.

As the imposing Acehnese Store at the junction between Beach Street and Acheen Street had served as the major landmark here, Acheen Street Ghaut was called *Kuan3 Lau2 Lor3 T'hau2* in Penang Hokkien, meaning 'the tall house junction'. In addition, the street was also known as the junction of stonemasons, or *Phak1 Ciok1 Kay1 Lor3 Thau2* in Penang Hokkien,

## History

Acheen Street Ghaut only came into being towards the end of the 19th. century, when the area was reclaimed from the sea.

Prior to the land reclamation, there were stone steps that led out of the water's edge; these steps enabled vessels to unload their goods, which were then sent to the old Acehnese Store and other similar warehouses in the vicinity.

Notably at the time, the Acehnese Store, built in the early 19th. century, was one of the first multi-storey buildings in George Town. Located at the junction between Beach Street and Acheen Street, it served as the main landmark for ships approaching this stretch of waterfront.

## 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/acheen-street-ghaut.htm
Padang Brown

**Padang Brown**, within George Town city centre, is a field bounded by Dato' Keramat Road to the south, Anson Road along its north, Jalan Perak along its west and Jalan Johor to its east. This was reputedly where some of Penang's greatest football players once trained.

Also known as Padang Dato' Keramat, the field was donated by David Brown, one of the richest landowners on the Prince of Wales Island (now Penang Island) in the early 19th. century. A memorial dedicated to him now stands at the corner of Padang Brown next to the Padang Brown Food Court.

Local Penangites would play football here in the evenings, and there is a *pasar malam* ('night street market' in Malay) that operates here once a week.

## History

Padang Brown was named after David Brown, who donated this piece of land. Born in Edinburgh, Brown came to George Town in the footsteps of a fellow Scotsman, James Scott, who was **Captain Francis Light**'s business partner. Brown eventually became one of the richest landowners on the Prince of Wales Island (now Penang Island) in the early 19th. century.

After his passing in the 1820s, the Brown Memorial was erected at the centre of the field. It has since been moved to the northwestern corner of Padang Brown, near the junction between Anson Road and Jalan Perak.

In the past, Padang Brown was the place to watch *boria* performances, which is a type of musical play unique to Penang.

Between the 1960s and 1970s, during the heyday of Penang's football, some of Penang's best footballers, including the Bakar brothers - Ali and Isa, Desmond David (father of Nicol David), Mohamad Bakar, Shukor Salleh and the Abdullah brothers - Namat and Shaharuddin, trained at the field. These players ultimately formed the core of Penang's state football team, which was then one of the strongest in Malaysia. Padang Brown was chosen as a training field due to its location, which is not far from the City Stadium to the west.

To this day, Padang Brown is still used for football matches, particularly in the evenings.

Other than that, a *pasar malam* (night street market) operates here once a week.

## Food

There are two hawker centres at either side of Padang Brown. Both offer a wide variety of Penang street food.

* Padang Brown Food Court, located around the northwestern corner of the field, is the more popular one. It reputedly serves some of the more delicious street fare in the area. Among the more recommended dishes to try here are *popiah*, *rojak*, *oh chien* and *yong tau foo*.
* Padang Brown Jalan Johor Hawker Centre, located around the eastern side of the field bounded by Jalan Johor, is not as well-known as the former. However, *char kuey teow* here comes highly recommended.

## References

1. Cheah J. S., 2013. *Penang 500 Early Postcards*. Editions Didier Millet.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/padang-brown.htm
3. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/11/30/no-simple-main-road-the-history-of-dato-keramat-road-is-peppered-with-the-stories-of-giant-personal/
4. http://ssquah.blogspot.my/2013/02/penang-hawker-food-update-2013.html
Anson Bridge

**Anson Bridge** is a relatively short, nondescript bridge within the heart of George Town. It runs along the eastern edge of the now-defunct Sia Boey Market, connecting the southern end of Beach Street with the northern end of Bridge Street (now C.Y. Choy Road)

Today, the bridge appears unassuming and is easy to miss for the untrained eye, as it is at street level. However, in the past, the bridge was a crucial link across the Prangin Canal, linking George Town with the hinterlands to the south of the canal.

## Etymology

Anson Bridge was named after Sir Archibald Edward Harbord Anson, who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Penang between 1867 and 1882.

## History

Built in 1880, Anson Bridge straddles the Prangin Canal, and once served as the only link between George Town and the hinterlands south of the canal. At the time, George Town extended only as far as the northern bank of the Prangin Canal, while the southern bank remained a rural area covered in mangrove swamps.

The bridge was designed as an arch bridge that was higher than the surrounding roads. This design allowed boats and sampans to pass underneath the bridge.

Over the years, the roads around Anson Bridge, such as Prangin Road and Beach Street to the north, and Magazine Road and Bridge Street to the south, have been repeatedly repaved. Consequently, the bridge now appears to be at street level and insignificant to the untrained eye. One would also easily miss the bridge due to the lack of signage.

Also, the higher roads have led to more flooding around the area, especially after heavy downpour.

## Food

The Bridge Street *Hokkien mee* stall at the eastern side of Anson Bridge serves both *Hokkien mee* and *lor mee* between 0700 hours and 1430 hours daily.

## 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.penang-traveltips.com/anson-bridge.htm
Jalan Timah

**Jalan Timah** is a narrow two-way road within the George Town city centre. It runs along the southern side of M Mall 020, connecting Jalan Kampung Jawa Baru to its west with Brick Kiln Road to the east.

The area just north of the road was once a tin-smelting plant owned by Eastern Smelting, hence the name of the road. Today, the tin-smelting facility has been replaced by the Penang Times Square and M Mall 020.

A couple of animal welfare organisations, as well as a department of the Penang Island City Council, are also based here.

## Etymology

Jalan Timah means 'Tin Road' in Malay. Indeed, the area between Dato' Keramat Road and Jalan Timah was once a tin-smelting plant operated by Eastern Smelting since the late 19th. century.

## History

Jalan Timah was probably created due to the adjacent tin-smelting activities between the late 19th. century and the late 20th. century. The facility was closed down for good in the latter half of the 20th. century.

At the start of the 21st. century, the former tin-smelting facility was acquired and redeveloped as Penang Times Square. The Birch Regency, part of Penang Times Square, was built along the northern side of Jalan Timah.

In 2015, M Mall 020, which has a rear entrance along Jalan Timah, was opened.

## 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/jalan-timah.htm
King Edward's Place

**King Edward's Place** is a short two-way street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs from the Light Street Roundabout to the west until the junction with Weld Quay to the east.

Created in the early 20th. century, the street was named after King Edward VII, the monarch of the British Empire between 1901 and 1910. The area where the street now lies was earlier reclaimed from the sea; prior to the land reclamation, Victoria Pier once stood at this spot.

Up until World War 2, the street formed part of the administrative heart of Penang, with the U-shaped Government Offices lining the southern side of the street. Warehouses were also built between the street and the northeastern corner of Penang Island in the early 20th. century.

After the Government Offices was largely destroyed during the Second World War, more modern office blocks were constructed along the street, including the Penang Port Building.

## Etymology

King Edward VII (1841 - 1910) of the British Empire

King Edward's Place was named after King Edward VII (1841 - 1910) of the United Kingdom. He took over the throne of the British Empire after the passing away of Queen Victoria in 1901 and ruled until his death in 1910.

## History

A government-run jetty named Victoria Pier once stood at the area where King Edward's Place now lies. The area was then reclaimed from the sea in the late 19th. century.

The street came into being within the first decade of the 20th. century and named after the then monarch of the British Empire, King Edward VII. At that time, the U-shaped Government Offices was being constructed along the southern side of King Edward's Place, eventually occupying the piece of land bounded by King Edward's Place to the north, Beach Street to the west, Downing Street to the south and Weld Quay to the east.

As the street lies near the northeastern tip of Penang Island, warehouses were also erected along the northern side of the street, right next to Swettenham Pier.

The Government Offices was eventually destroyed during the Second World War. During the post-war era, more modern office blocks were built; these now house a variety of government agencies including the Penang Port, Penang Tourist Centre and Malaysia's Inland Revenue Board.

## Notable Landmarks

From west to east :

* Light Street Roundabout
	+ Pinang Fountain
* Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
* Penang Port Building
* Swettenham Pier

## 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.penang-traveltips.com/king-edward-place.htm
3. http://wongchunwai.com/category/penang-history-my-story/page/5/
4. http://penangport.com.my/Services/Swettenham-Pier-Cruise-Terminal
Naning Street

**Naning Street** is a short street off Macalister Road within the George Town city centre. It runs from northeast to southwest between Macalister Road and Seang Tek Road.

The street is mostly lined with small and medium enterprises. A coffee shop at the junction between Naning Street and Lorong Seratus Tahun serves among the best *curry mee* on Penang Island.

## Etymology

Naning Street was named after the district of Naning in Malacca. Formerly part of the Sultanate of Negeri Sembilan located north of Malacca, it was annexed into the Straits Settlement of Malacca by the British in 1832.

## Food

A coffee shop at the junction between Naning Street and Lorong Seratus Tahun serves among the best Penang *curry mee*. It opens daily between 0800 hours and noon.

## 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/naning-street.htm
India House

The **India House** at the junction between Beach Street and Church Street Ghaut within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site is an Art-Deco styled double storey building. Built in 1937 by an ethnic Indian, it was finished in Shanghai plaster, giving the building its dull grey look.

The building was left unoccupied during the Japanese Occupation of Penang in World War 2. After the war, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) was temporarily housed inside the building until the completion of the HSBC Building in 1951. The India House was subsequently used by the United States Information Service (USIS) up to the 1970s.

## History

The land on which the India House now stands was previously occupied by a number of businesses. The Huttenbach Brothers & Co, a mercantile shipping firm, and Frazer and Neave, now famous for its brand of canned soft drinks, were sited here in the early 20th. century.

The India House was built by S.N.A.S Sockalingam Chettiar between 1937 and 1941. It was constructed in the Indian Art-Deco style and finished in Shanghai plaster. At the time, it was the highest assessment payer along Beach Street.

The building was still unoccupied by the time the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Penang Island in December 1941.

After World War 2, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) was temporarily housed inside India House, as the bank's headquarters was destroyed during the war. HSBC was finally relocated into the HSBC Building upon its completion in 1951.

The India House subsequently accommodated the Lincoln Resource Centre of the United States Information Service (USIS) until the 1970s. The Lincoln Resource Centre was one of the many well-stocked libraries established worldwide by the USIS to promote an understanding of the United States of America '*as a nation, its institutions, culture and ideals*'.

## 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*. George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Penang.
3. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
4. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/india-house.htm
Fort Point Hindu Temple

**Fort Point Hindu Temple** is located at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small Hindu shrine has a history dating back to the British colonial era, when Indian convicts were brought in to develop the infrastructure on Penang Island.

It now sits within a small plot of land owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy at the northeastern tip of the George Town promontory.

## History

The Hindu shrine was probably established sometime in the 19th. century, when the British were bringing in Indian convict labourers en masse onto Penang Island. At the time, the *Padang* within the nearby Esplanade was the place where newly-arrived Indian convicts were sorted out.

The British administrators of Penang Island continued this practice for much of the 19th. century in order to develop the infrastructure on the island. For instance, it was the ethnic Indians who built the adjacent Fort Cornwallis, worked on the streets of George Town and cleared the jungles for further development.

The Hindu shrine currently sits within a plot of land owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy along the northeastern seafront at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah. Next to the shrine is the Royal Malaysian Navy station, where the Resident Naval Officer of Penang resides.

## 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/fort-point-hindu-temple.htm
Chee cheong fun

***Chee cheong fun*** ('pig intestine noodle' in Chinese Cantonese dialect) is actually a steamed rice roll dish that originated from Guangdong Province in southern China. The steamed rice rolls give the appearance of pig intestine, hence its name. Its popularity has spread across the numerous overseas Chinese communities worldwide, including in Singapore and Malaysia.

As with other street dishes in the region, *chee cheong fun* comes in a number of variations, with each being common in a particular geographical region. The Penang variant comes with its distinctive black sticky *heh ko* ('sweet shrimp paste' in Penang Hokkien) and *thnee cheo* (a type of sweet dark red sauce).

*Chee cheong fun* can be found in some of the hawker centres and coffee shops across Penang Island. It is usually eaten as a snack or a side dish.

## Ingredients

What sets Penang *chee cheong fun* apart from the other variants in Malaysia is the combination of *heh ko* and *thnee cheo*, which gives the Penang version a sweeter taste.

Also, the Penang version has a somewhat subtle fishy flavour, due to the *heh ko* which is made of shrimp.

* Steamed flat rice noodles (*kuey teow*)
* *Heh ko* (sweet shrimp paste in Penang Hokkien)
* *Thnee cheo* (thick sweet dark red sauce)
* *Sambal* (a type of Malay chilli paste)
* Sesame seeds
* Oil

## Recommended Places

Penang *chee cheong fun* is served in certain hawker centres and coffee shops across Penang Island. The following are among the more recommended places to sample Penang *chee cheong fun*.

* Genting Cafe, Lorong Delima 6, Green Lane, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 0800 hours - 1600 hours
* Seow Fong Lye Coffee Shop, Macalister Lane, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 0730 hours - 1100 hours
* *Chee cheong fun* stall, junction between Jalan Kuala Kangsar and Kimberley Street, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 0730 hours - 1130 hours
* New Lane Hawker Centre, New Lane, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 1800 hours - 2300 hours
* Batu Lanchang Hawker Centre, Batu Lanchang, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 0600 hours - 1100 hours
* Sin Guat Keong Coffee Shop, junction between Kimberley Street and Cintra Street, George Town
	+ Opening Hours : 1800 hours - 2200 hours

## References

1. http://www.themalaymailonline.com/eat-drink/article/presenting-the-northern-style-chee-cheong-fun
2. http://www.what2seeonline.com/2010/11/best-of-penang-chee-cheong-fun-rice-roll/
3. http://www.penang-vacations.com/chee-cheong-fun.html
4. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/chee-cheong-fun.htm
Francis Light Statue

The **Francis Light Statue** was erected in 1936 in honour of **Captain Francis Light**, the founder of George Town. It now stands inside Fort Cornwallis, the spot on Penang Island where he first set foot on 17 July 1786.

Contrary to popular belief, the statue was actually modelled after Light's son, William Light, as there was no picture of the senior Light. William Light was the founder of the Australian city of Adelaide.

The bronze statue also came with a sword, which has been missing since World War 2. It is believed that the Japanese, who removed the statue during their Occupation of Penang, took away the sword.

## History

The bronze statue of Captain Francis Light was sculpted by F.J. Wilcoxson and cast at Burton's Foundry in Thames Ditton, England. It was erected in 1936 to commemorate the 150th. anniversary of the founding of George Town by Light.

Wilcoxson had to sculpt the statue after Light's son, William Light, as there was no picture of the senior Light. William Light was the illegitimate second son of Light and his unrecognised Eurasian wife, Martina Rozells. William spent his early years on Penang Island and went on to found the city of Adelaide in Australia.

The statue was transported from Britain to George Town and mounted on a high granite plinth inside Fort Cornwallis, which was the spot on Penang Island where Light first set foot. During its installation, the statue was accidentally dropped on its head, causing a slight indentation at the base of the skull. Nonetheless, the statue was put up in the hope that no one would notice, as it was too late to send it back to Britain.

The statue was unveiled in 1939 by Sir Shenton Thomas, the then Governor of the Straits Settlements.

During the Second World War, the occupying Imperial Japanese Army removed the statue and reportedly threw it onto a rubbish heap, where it remained throughout the war. When it was recovered after the war, its sword was missing, possibly taken by the Japanese.

The statue was briefly placed within the nearby Supreme Court of Penang, before being finally relocated to Fort Cornwallis, where it still stands to this day.

## 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/francis-light-statue.htm
Seck Chuan Lane

**Seck Chuan Lane**, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a narrow T-shaped lane linking Chulia Street to the north, Buckingham Road to the south and Carnavon Street to the west.

The lane was named after Khoo Seck Chuan, one of the largest landowners in 19th. century George Town. His mansion was also located along the lane.

## Etymology

Seck Chuan Lane was named after Khoo Seck Chuan, a landowner who had his mansion at the lane in the 19th. century.

The Chinese called the lane *Tua Mui Lau Lai* in Hokkien and *Tai Mun Lau Lung* in Cantonese, both meaning 'the rear side of the huge entrance arch'. They referred to the two huge entrance arches along Seck Chuan Lane and facing Chulia Street. At the time, the lane led to Seck Chuan's huge mansion.

In addition, Seck Chuan Lane was known to the Hokkiens as *Tu Bak Hang*, meaning 'pork-selling alley'. It alluded to a busier past, when market produce, including pork, were distributed along the lane.

## History

Seck Chuan Lane has been in existence since at least the late 19th. century. Khoo Seck Chuan, one of the biggest landowners in George Town at the time, had his mansion built at the lane. Notably, Seck Chuan was also a member of the board of directors of the Khoo Kongsi and Khoo Hock Keong (Goddess of Mercy Temple).

In the past, Seck Chuan Lane served as a distribution centre for market produce, including pork. Hawkers would also serve dishes and delicacies around the busy lane, such as the *Ting Ting Thong* rock candy.

## Street Art

The Rock Candyman wrought iron sculpture has been installed near the northern junction with Chulia Street. Its description is as follows.

> *Seck Chuan Lane was a distribution centre for market produce. Many itinerant hawkers took advantage of the crowds by plying their food here. One of the favourite foods sold is Ting Ting Thong or rock candy, a hardened mixture of sugar, seeds and nuts loved by kids. It has to be chiselled and hammered to break it up into smaller biteable pieces.*
>
>

## 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/seck-chuan-lane.htm
State Anthem of Penang

***Untuk Negeri Kita*** ('For Our State' in Malay) is the anthem of the **State of Penang**. Composed by James W. Boyle, an Eurasian Penangite, the song was introduced in 1972.

By law, the state anthem is sung in Malay after the national anthem of Malaysia, *Negaraku*, accompanied by the raising of the Penang flag. It is regularly played during official state ceremonies and events, including the Malaysian Independence Day (31 August) and the birthday of the current Governor of Penang (9 July).

## History

   *Untuk Negeri Kita* was composed by James W. Boyle (1922-1971), an Eurasian Penangite. In the post-war years, he gained fame worldwide as a jazz musician and composer. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the introduction of his song as the state anthem.

It was first played on 22 December 1972, during the birthday celebrations of the then Governor of Penang, Tun Syed Sheh Hassan Barakhbah.

## Decorum

By law, *Untuk Negeri Kita* must be played after the Malaysian national anthem, *Negaraku*, in official ceremonies and events within the State of Penang. It is also played at least once weekly in all schools throughout Penang.

The anthem is also accompanied by the raising of the Penang flag.

When the state anthem of Penang is played, all persons present must stand at attention facing the Penang flag with their arms by their sides.

The anthem is to be sung in its original composition, which is in Malay.

## Lyrics

*Selamat Tuhan kurniakan*

*Selamat Pulau Pinang*

*Negeriku yang mulia*

*Ku taat dan setia*

*Aman dan bahagia*

*Majulah, jayalah*

*Negeriku yang ku cinta*

*Bersatu dan bersama*

*Untuk negeri kita*

### English Translation

May God grant safety

Safety to Penang

My noble state

To which I am loyal and faithful

Peaceful and happy

Progress and succeed

My state which I love

United and together

For our state

## References

1. http://www.e-lasallian.org/index.php?option=com\_content&task=view&id=167&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=2
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/penang-state-anthem.htm
3. http://www.penangstory.net.my/mino-content-paperrozells.html
Gaol Road

**Gaol Road** is a two-way road along the western edge of the Penang Prison in George Town. It stretches from northeast to southwest, between Western Road to the south and Tull Road to the north.

The road was created in the late 19th. century, as the British were shifting the prison and military facilities out of the centre of George Town to the west.

## Etymology

Gaol Road was obviously named after the Penang Prison along the road.

Gaol is the older term for the word 'jail'. It has its roots in Latin and old French languages, and was more commonly used between the 17th. and 19th. centuries.

## History

Gaol Road has been in existence since at least the late 19th. century. At the time, as George Town was expanding westwards and its population continued to increase, the British Army found it necessary to move its barracks, prison and parade grounds out of the town centre to the west.

Between the 1850s and 1870s, the British Army occupied large tracts of land between Macalister Road and Dato' Keramat Road, turning the area west of George Town proper into a military precint. The Penang Prison itself was moved to its present location in the 1870s.

Today, the still-functioning Penang Prison is the oldest jail in Malaysia.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

N.25 Pulau Tikus State Assemblyman : Yap Soo Huey (Democratic Action Party)

### Malaysian Federal Government

P.048 Bukit Bendera Member of Parliament : Zairil Khir Johari (Democratic Action Party)

## References

1. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/gaol-road.htm
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/penang-prison.htm
Fish Lane

**Fish Lane** is a short narrow lane within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs diagonally from northeast to southwest, linking Malay Street to the north with Prangin Lane to the south.

As its name implies, Fish Lane was where fish caught in the sea would be dried under the Sun. It was located close to the now-defunct Sia Boey Market, and the working-class neighbourhood of Fish Lane at the time provided the manpower for the drying of salted fish.

## Etymology

Fish Lane, or Lorong Ikan in Malay, was obviously named due to the drying of salted fish conducted along the lane.

The Chinese also called this lane *Kiam3 Hu3 Hang2* in Hokkien and *Ham Yu Hong* in Cantonese, both meaning the 'Alley of Salted Fish'. In addition, the lane was also known as *Kiam3 hu3 Tnia2* in Hokkien, meaning the 'Salted Fish Yard'.

## History

Fish Lane has been in existence since at least the mid-19th. century, when the fish-drying industry began to take root along the lane. A small working-class community along Fish Lane provided the manpower for the drying of salted fish, which were then sent to the nearby Sia Boey Market.

## Street Art

A wrought iron sculpture titled 'Cows and Fishes' has been installed near the northern junction with Malay Street to commemorate the lane's past. Its description is as follows.

> *Not only were hapless cows bred and slaughtered here, but you could also smell the fish hung out to dry.*
>
>

The sculpture also alluded to the slaughtering of cows during Muslim celebrations at the adjoining Malay Street, which was once home to a Malay-Muslim community.

## Political Representation

### Penang State Government

**Western side**

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

**Eastern side**

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/fish-lane.htm
3. https://travel2penang.wordpress.com/tag/fish-lane/
Irving Road

**Irving Road**, off Dato' Keramat Road within the George Town city centre, runs from northwest to southeast between Dato' Keramat Road to the south and Krian Road to the north.

This mostly residential, narrow two-lane road once served as a minor road within the outer suburb of George Town.

## Etymology

Irving Road was named after Charles John Irving, the acting Lieutenant-Governor of Penang between 1879 and 1880 when Penang Island was part of the Straits Settlements. Irving also served as the Resident Councillor of Penang from 1885 to 1887.

Irving was one of the few British officers who had studied the Malay political and social systems. Due to his expertise, he was frequently sent to the Malay Peninsula to negotiate with the Malay sultanates there.

## 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. Cyril N.P., 1960. *British Intervention in Malaya, 1867-1877*. University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/irving-road.htm
Lorong Seratus Tahun

**Lorong Seratus Tahun** is a two-way lane within the George Town city centre. It runs from northwest to southeast between Naning Street and Jalan Selangor.

A coffee shop at the junction between Lorong Seratus Tahun and Naning Street serves among the best Penang *curry mee* on Penang Island.

## Etymology

Rumour has it that Lorong Seratus Tahun was named after a Malay woman who lived up to the age of 100.

## Curry Mee

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

*Curry mee* is a noodle dish that comes with a curry broth. Ubiquitous in both Malaysia and Singapore, nonetheless, there are different versions of *curry mee*, each being popular in a particular geographical region.

The coffee shop at the western junction between Lorong Seratus Tahun and Naning Street sells one of the best Penang *curry mee* on Penang Island. Owned by the Moey family who opened their stall in 1960, it serves *curry mee* for breakfast until noon daily.

The smallest bowl of curry mee, without coagulated pig's blood and cockles, costs merely RM4.00.

The stall also provides a small bowl of their home-made *sambal* (chilli paste in Malay). One can add as much *sambal* as he/she likes into the bowl of *curry mee*.

## 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/lorong-seratus-tahun.htm
2. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/lorong-seratus-tahun-curry-mee.htm
3. https://www.hungryonion.org/t/penang-lorong-seratus-tahun-curry-mee/3881
4. http://www.kenhuntfood.com/2014/02/penang-curry-mee-lorong-seratus-tahun.html
Duke Street

**Duke Street**, within the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short street off Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakhbah along The Esplanade. The street runs south behind the City Hall and opposite the street, stands the Dewan Sri Pinang auditorium.

It was named after the Duke of Edinburgh who visited Penang Island in 1869. At the time, the street stretched between The Esplanade and Light Street, and along it was a mansion owned by Koh Seang Tat, a local Chinese millionaire.

Today, the street has been cut short just behind the compound of the Dewan Sri Pinang.

## Etymology

Duke Street was named after the Duke of Edinburgh who visited in 1869. During his visit, the Duke stayed inside a mansion at Light Street owned by Koh Seang Tat, an influential local Chinese millionaire. The mansion, which was served by a minor road stretching from Light Street to The Esplanade, was said to be the most impressive residence in George Town at the time, complete with amenities befitting the Duke.

The Duke was impressed and renamed the mansion as Edinburgh House. The minor road next to the mansion which stretched between Light Street and The Esplanade was also renamed Duke Street.

## History

The Edinburgh House once stood immediately west of the Town Hall, facing Light Street and was linked to The Esplanade via Duke Street. Today, the mansion was long gone; the site where the mansion once stood now forms part of the Dewan Sri Pinang auditorium.

The southern part of the street which led to Light Street was also blocked by the Dewan Sri Pinang. As a result, Duke Street is now a much shorter side street behind the City Hall.

## 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. Khoo S.N., 2007. *Streets of George Town, Penang*. Areca Books.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/duke-street.htm
Saw Seng Kew Building

The **Saw Seng Kew Building** at Beach Street, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a double-storey colonial office building. Designed by Stark & McNeill, it was constructed in the 1920s and once housed the Southern Bank, which was founded by Saw Seng Kew. He was also a former president of the Penang branch of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

As of April 2016, the building is occupied by a real estate company.

## History

The site on which Saw Seng Kew Building now stands was once occupied by several businesses, including Cunningham Clarke & Co. and the Lux Brothers. The building, designed and owned by Stark & McNeill, was built in the early 1920s and named the British India House.

Its front façade consists of five rusticated arches, while on its upper floor, recessed double windows were installed between pairs of pillasters. On either ends of the front façade are balustraded balconies. The building is crowned with a parapet bounded along its bottom by a cornice.

Upon its completion, the building was first occupied by Sime Darby & Co. Ltd. Over the decades, the offices inside the building were used by several businesses, until the 1960s when Saw Seng Kew acquired the building.

Born in 1900, Mr. Saw made his fortune in rubber and banking, before entering Malaya's new political scene at the time. He rose to become the president of the Penang branch of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component party of the ruling Alliance coalition (now Barisan Nasional). In 1968, he managed to persuade the Malaysian federal government to expand the Port of Penang's facilities.

In 1965, with a capital of $20 million (Malaya and British Borneo dollar), he opened the Southern Bank at the upper floors of the building. Since then, the building is known as the Saw Seng Kew Building. Although the bank no longer exists today, the building still houses a real estate business.

## 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, Penang.
3. http://www.penang-traveltips.com/saw-seng-kew-building.htm
Brani Road

**Brani Road** is a short road off Singapore Road within the George Town city centre. It is one of the few roads on Penang Island that were named after the islands within the Republic of Singapore.

Like Singapore Road, Brani Road was created in the mid-20th. century. It now serves as a residential road.

## Etymology

Brani Road was named after Pulau Brani, one of the 63 islands within the Republic of Singapore. Pulau Brani is located between the southern coast of Singapore and the famous Sentosa Island, near Keppel Harbour.

Although Pulau Brani took its name from the Malay word *Berani*, meaning brave, the island is still spelled as Pulau Brani, hence the spelling of Brani Road.

 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-brani.htm
2. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP\_150\_2005-01-20.html