Penang adds value to its old buildings
Published on: Sunday, May 05, 2024
By: Lorena Binisol
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Photo on the left, an old fire station turned into museum and educational centre. On the right, even little alleys or walkways were re-decorated to entice visitors for photo-taking spots.
Many old buildings have been turned into museums or educational centres (instead of being demolished).
Mark Chee, a resident, said many buildings were identified as having significant and cultural consideration and are well-preserved.
The Beach Street, a huge building by itself, was turned into an educational centre, formerly a fire station in 1908.
It has been a Unesco World Heritage site due to its historical value and unique architecture, said Mark.
Other old buildings were re-structured and opened to the public to appreciate its history. Unlike old buildings in other states that were left to deteriorate or demolished altogether.
It goes to show how Penang regards its history and preserving them for the future generation.
Besides being a foodie’s paradise, Penang’s culture and history are equally as interesting.
Even the back alleys and small pathways were re-designed to attract people for photo-taking, dubbed the “Instagrammable places”.
A humble jetty was used for residents to dock their boats and entrance point to catch fish in the deep sea, and now turned into one of the State’s top attractions, not far from the famous Penang Art Street.
Chew Jetty opened to the public as part of tourist attraction, the wooden stilt houses are still maintained as historical value.
Water village called Chew Jetty is also under World Heritage Site in Penang.
Some wooden houses are still being occupied by the original settlers, however, many were transformed into little shops or eateries, said the staff.
A walk to the jetty towards the sea front had different ambience for tourists to enjoy and it was definitely another place for memorable photo-taking.
A resident, who did not want to relocate, said he took the opportunity to rent his boat to tourists as a means to make a living.
“While I enjoy seeing tourists coming to our little water village, it is impressive to know that outsiders do appreciate our simple life,” he said.
While at Penang Art Street, a Caucasian man was seen sitting in front of a shop, selling some pictures (or postcards). When approached, he was reluctant to say anything at first.
He later explained that he was in Malaysia since the pandemic in 2020 and had not been home since.
“I am an avid traveller. I travel to see anything that fascinates me, until I heard about the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“Here I am, still continue travelling and sell pictures just to get by,” he said, adding that he has relatives in both warring countries.
“I am saddened with what is happening there. It should not happen in this era where everyone is supposedly connected.”
In appreciating the contribution of past actors (entertainers), the government had also refurbished and retained the original house of P Ramlee, a renowned and versatile TV and movie actor during his time.
Surprisingly, there was no entrance fee to the former house of the legend, which is turned into a museum. Next to it is a gallery exhibiting all his past contribution in the entertainment industry.
Even the wooden toilet used by P Ramlee outside the house was there to “impress” visitors.
Rumah P Ramlee, a museum meant as educational centre, to appreciate the work of the legendary actor known for promoting the Malaysian identity.
P Ramlee Gallery is open to the public – at no cost.
“Such a humbling moment having to visit this place, educational and at same time touching to see how a legendary figure lived in such a humble abode,” said a local visitor.
Located along Jalan P Ramlee, the building stands out to passers-by and could seen from outside the gated area.
Visitors could go there during visiting hour and freely roam the place without any in-house guide.
However, staff-in-charge was available should there be any queries.
Behind the P Ramlee museum, visitors can find street food, also a popular landmark called Ayer Itam.
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