Showing posts with label Penang Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penang Street. Show all posts
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, October 28, 2011
Lebuh Tek Soon (Tek Soon Lane)
abandoned pre-war shophouses, with some in ruins and overgrown with shrubs. This is right in the middle of the city. In actual fact this area has been ear-marked for re-development. Technically this is on Lebuh Tek Soon (Tek Soon Lane), ending at Jalan Maxwell (Maxwell Road), just south of the Prangin Canal and the former Prangin Market. Looks like this area has been forgotten.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Green Lane
Green Lane(青草巷)
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Green Lane(青草巷), or Jalan Masjid Negeri(州清真寺路)as it is called today, is one of the major roads leading out of George Town from Jalan Air Itam, starting from the crossroad junction of Scotland Road(苏格兰路), Air Itam Road(亞也依淡路), passes Glugor Roundabout, continue until it connects with Jalan Tunku Kudin(东姑古汀路). Part of the Green Lane is under Gelugor area. The local Chinese called it Chhen-chhaú-hāng(青草巷), which means green grass lane. But today Green Lane is no longer green…….the residential area has become a commercial area, especially along Jalan Masjid Negeri, mainly with second car dealers. You cannot recognized that is was once a popular middle class residential area in Penang…..
Green Lane , broadly speaking is George Town’s suburb area, part of Gelugor. Narrow definition, it is the areas around Green Lane or Jalan Masjid Negeri.
History of Green lane
Wat Pinbang-Onn ( วัดปิ่นบังอร) was at Green Lane(may not be the name) in 1889, when the area is still a farming area. It is the earliest establishment in early Green Lane.
In the early 1920s, Green Lane was a small lane within a rather small farming community. Opposite Wat Pinbang Onn was a coconut estate, where Lam Wah Hospital now stand.
The most important landmark on that lane was, and still is, the Penang Free School, built by Anglican Church. Wat Nai and Wat Pinbang-Onn have also established themselves in the Green Lane area.
1951- The Straits Times, 23 June 1951, Page 8 - Penang will build 93 houses From Our Stall Correspondent PENANG. Fri. "NINETY-THREE houses will be built by the Penang Municipality and put up for sale. The houses will go up in Green Estate, bounded by Green Lane and Jalan Husein. Penang Municipal Commissioners have, however, not yet decided when to start building or how many houses to put up first, said the Deputy President, Mr SV Adams......
Green Lane was still a quiet country lane in the 1950's, when the land in Green Lane was being developed into one of the earliest suburbs of George Town. The development of Green Lane was carried out in phases. In the 1950's, the government quarters around Cheeseman Road(奇斯曼路)was developed. Within this area are roads such as Taylor Road(泰勒路), Jalan Sir Hussein (named after Sir Dr. Hussein Hasanally Abdoolcader, a noted Penang lawyer, admitted to Registry of Supreme Court on 1-11-1912; Member of Legislative Council Strait Settlement from 25-7-1940 for one year, the first Indian in Malaya to receive the British Knighthood as reported in The Straits Times, 2 January 1948, Page 1 ), Lengkok Ariff(named after Abdullah Ariff), Jalan Kennedy, Jalan Philips.
Cheeseman Road is named after Harold Ambrose Robinson CHEESEMAN, CMG, Esq., who was teachers of PFS for 15 years(1907-1923), Inspector of Schools Penang(1923-1928), superintendent of education in Johore(1928-?), Deputy Director of Education before the war(1941--1942)(later Colonial Education Service), Director of Education, Malayan Union, and former POW Camp internee at Changi, Singapore during Japanese occupation(1942-1945). Mr. Cheeseman assumed duty as an assistant master at the Penang Free School in 1907. In 1923 he became inspector of schools in Penang, and five years later superintendent of education in Johore. Just before the war he was promoted to be Deputy Director of Education... HR Cheeseman, Director of Education in the Federation of Malaya, has just retired from the service at the age of sixty. 1959- Cheeseman, HR, CMG, 6 Cannon Road, Ramsgate, Kent, UK.
On the Penang Free School side of Green Lane are also new roads. These were named after the school itself (Free School Road) as well as some of its headmasters from the turn of the 20th century, including Hamilton Road (after W. Hamilton, 1925-26), Pinhorn Road (R.H. Pinhorn, 1904-1925), Hargreaves Road (W. Hargreaves, 1891-1904) and Hutchings Garden, after the founder of the school, Rev. Sparke Hutchings.
During that time, Church of the Holy Spirit (now Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) established to cater for the Catholic community staying in the area. Convent Green Lane, was also established by the Catholic church.
The land south of Hamilton Road was occupied by the Green Lane Convent as well as Thai Buddhist temples. The housing estate developed behind them all had the word "Hijau" to it. These are some of the earliest roads with numbers in their names in Penang.
In the 1960s, Green Lane evolved from a farming community into several housing estates. Various developers changed the landscape from sleepy farming areas such as Guan Joo Seng and Island and Peninsular Berhad into a new suburb. A new landmark the Holy Spirit Cathedral was already established together with the Guan Joo Seng Estate in the late 50s - now known as Taman Besi. Around the Church of the Holy Spirit was developed Island Park in the 1960's. The roads here were named after metal, namely Mas (for emas, gold), Besi (iron), Tembaga (brass) and Gangsa (bronze). Green Lane now grew from a little lane to a full road.
The early Green Lane had formed……..
With the introduction of the industrial estate at Bayan Lepas, Green Lane became the trunk road connecting Georgetown with the south i.e. Gelugor and Bayan Lepas. Green Lane grew from a single lane to a triple lane road today. It is also one of the busiest roads in Penang.
Penang's first suburbs for the local middle- class were created in the 1960s at Green Lane, a new landmark the Holy Spirit Cathedral was established together with the Guan Joo Seng Estate - now known as Taman Besi. The suburbs have since been extended to Island Glades developed by Island and Peninsular Berhad, it was at the time an estate. Island Glades, later renamed Taman Mutiara. The roads here are all named Delima (ruby). In between Island Glades and Island Park came a later development, Taman Greenview, in the late 1970's.
Green Lane was renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri(State Mosque Road) in the late 1970's, upon the completion of the Penang State Mosque. However the local residents still prefer the old name of Green Lane as it is shorter and easy to call. The name Green Lane however continues to live on, with its icon landmark Convent Green Lane still remind the people that the road was once called Green Lane……...
The road passes through a few major housing estates e.g. Taman Besi, Island Glades and Island Park.
Across Green Lane from Island Glades is the housing development of Batu Lanchang. The Lam Wah Ee Hospital was moved here in the late 1970's. The roads in the suburb bordered by Lebuhraya Gelugor, Lebuhraya Batu Lanchang and Green Lane have their names derived from amalgamating the names of the neighbouring areas. Hence we get names such as Batu Green (Batu Lanchang + Green Lane) and Gelugor Green (Gelugor + Green Lane). Taman Gelugur, Taman Ghee Hiang(Ghee Hiang Hooi) was developed by the famous Ghee Hiang, the famous biscuit (tau sar pneah) & sesame seeds oil manufacturer in Penang.
Jalan Masjid Negeri(Green Lane) today
Green Lane ends at the Udini Roundabout, which is today served by a flyover as well as an underpass. This roundabout marks the traditional city limit of George Town until the 1970's, when the metropolitan area expands and spills south, reach as far as Teluk Kumbar by the turn of the 21st century.
Today , Green Lane is one of the busiest thoroughfares in George Town . Green Lane refers to the environs surrounding Jalan Mesjid Negeri. Important landmarks apart from the aforesaid are the McDonalds drive-in, Penang Free School, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit , Convent Green Lane, The Trinity Methodist Church ,Chung Hwa Confucian High School, Tropicana Medical Centre, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Tesco Jelutong and YWCA.
Public Transport
Despite the fact that from 1960s to 1980s, five bus companies served the island ( including one run by the MPPP, the Penang City Council), yet public transport service to Green Lane was limited, and it was difficult for people who have no private transport. The City council MPPP bus served the area. Bus No 11 and Bus 8. Bus 11 served the route between Air Itam and Jelutong, from Air Itam Market , passing Air Itam Road, Green Lane and turn left to Batu Lanchang Road(now known as Teh Ewe Lim Road), and stopped at Bukit Dumbar station, Jelutong. Bus No. 8 was from Botanical Garden to Glugor Roundabout. The only Yellow bus serving the area was No 77, which started from Maxwell Road station, running along Julutong Road, and turn to Batu Lanchang Road at the junction near Julutong police station, turning to Green Lane, Yeap Chor Ee Road, until Kampong Kastam.(Note : Based on memory, Bus number may be wrong). So at the time, if you do not have own transport, it was difficult to go to Green Lane, a middle class suburb where most of them owned cars.
Today, Rapid served the area.Visitors to Green Lane can take the 103 Rapid Penang bus which plies Batu Ferringhi and the Bayan Lepas International Airport or the 206 which plies Komtar and Tesco, Jelutong.
1889 - Wat Pinbang-Onn(วัดปิ่นบังอร)
Wat Pinbang-Onn is a small Thai Buddhist temple along Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) in Penang. Actually there are two temples sharing this name, the Inner Sanctuary Temple วัดปิ่นบังอร(ใน) at 355 Jalan Masjid Negeri, and the Outer Sanctuary Temple, วัดปิ่นบังอร(นอก), at 379 Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Though the wat had existed since 1889, yet it was only in 1934 that the name 'Wat Pin Bang Onn' was officially given to the temple by Prince Swasdi,( Prince Svasti Sobhon) a son of King Chulalongkorn of Thailand. Until then, it was simply called Wat Nok or 'Outer Temple, to differentiate with Wat Nai or Inner Temple next door. Prince Swasdi died in 1935 in Penang and his remains were cremated in a special pavilion in front of the bot. Present at the funeral was AM Goodman, the Resident Councillor of Penang who came on behalf of the British ...
1928 Penang Free School
On December 31st, 1927 the Penang Free School moved to a new site at Green Lane on Jalan Masjid Negeri in 1928 from its original premises on Farquhar Street(华盖街).
1930- The Straits Times, 9 January 1930- Junior Service Association in Green Lane, almost opposite the Free School. ... PENANG JUNIOR CIVIL SERVICE ASSN. (From Our Own Correspondent). Penang. June 9. THAT there was a big Increase In membership following removal of the club's premises from Green Lane to Dato Kramat Road, opposite the Dato Kramat Gardens and playing fields, last year, is stated in the report of the Junior Civil Service Association Penang , to be presented at the AGM to be held on June 17th, 5 p.m.( The Straits Times, 11 June 1939, Page 5)
1941-1945 During Japanese occupation, many town folks escaped to Green Lane. A training school for The Indian National Army, called the Swaraj Institute set up for training agents who were to be sent into India for espionage and propaganda work. It operated at the site of the Penang Free School on Green Lane.
1957- The Trinity Methodist Church
Trinity Methodist Church Penang, located in Georgetown in the state of Penang is a member of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. It is one of the two English-speaking Methodist churches on the island, situated along Jalan Masjid Negeri. It is located just opposite the Green Lane McDonald's. The Trinity Methodist Church was started in 1957. Over the years, the church has expanded a few times, added new wings for its kindergarten, now called Tadika Trinity Methodist. There are three services held on Sundays, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
http://www.penangtrinity.org/main/
1958 Church of the Holy Spirit
The Catholics who had dispersed into the suburbs of Georgetown during the Japanese occupation (1941-1945) remained put after the war. Meanwhile, new townships and large housings estates began sprouting in the suburbs from Green Lane to the airport. In 1958, when Fr. Surmon MEP returned from his leave in Europe, he was informed by the then Bishop of Penang, the late Rt. Rev. Francis Chan, to establish a new Catholic community in Green Lane area in Penang. Fr. Surmon who was entrusted with this task , took up residence at Little Sisters of the Poor and started gathering his flock of mix races, which numbered 1000.This community was known ‘parish without church’.
They celebrated mass on Sundays and feast days for 10 years at the canteen of the Green Lane Convent. After 10 years of hard work of collecting funds and discussing plans for a new church with the help of some advisors such as Mr. Gerry Reutens, and later of an building committee (1966 – 1973), a piece of land was bought some distance of the main thoroughfare; another piece was added on with the help of Rt. Rev Mother Tarcisius of the IJ Sisters and it was used as a play field and a car park. At the beginning it was decided that the new church would be dedicated to St. Bernadette since that year (1958) was the centenary of Our Ladys’ apparition to Bernadette in Lourdes in 1858. Later on the Vatican II and around 1962, the late Bishop Francis Chan was agreeable to the suggestion that the name to be changed to the Church of Holy Spirit.
1958 YWCA
The Oldest YWCA in Malaysia established in 1909. In 1909, Penang had the distinction of being the first town in the States and Settlement of Malaya (Malaysia) to be chosen for YWCA.
In 1909, Miss Fairburn, a British missionary, threw open the doors of her home in Dato Keramat Road to the needs of young women. She acted as President, Secretary and Treasurer. They started as a weekly Bible reading and prayer group, which grew and expanded its activities.
When Miss Fairburn left, the missionary Ladies carried on until Mrs Dewar, a Major’s wife took over. During the 1914 war, the members knitted for the soldiers. Miss Rutherford, the World’s secretary, came to the Penang Centre on her visit to Malaya.
Subsequently on the 19th January 1924, a Rest Room was opened opposite the Victoria Pier, which was under the care of Mrs Khoo Gek Tuan. The room was very popular, as all the working girls were very regular. Monthly Tiffins were held and they used to be “full house”. This building was pulled down later (former Chinese Chamber of Commerce).
In July 1927, a Hostel called “The Tower” was opened for working girls in Anson Road with Miss Anderson as the Hostel Warden. The Hostel was successful for some time but as the rent was very high and the house was in a poor condition, another house was acquired in Logan Road . However, due to lack of Finance Miss Ewart who was in charge had to close down the Hostel in 1938.
In 1938, The “Y” also ran a Creche at Patani Road for the children of Municipal Labourers. These activities and special efforts connected with the Second World War continued until December 1941.
From 1941 until 1946, all the records and minute books were lost, due to the war. Information about the YWCA history from 1909-1941 were gathered from the old members of the YWCA in 1946 by Miss Ivy Sabapathy and read out to the members at the YWCA meeting held at 5.00pm 13th September 1952.
Anniversary PENANG. Wed. - The Penang Y.W.C.A. will hold a 'family gathering" to celebrate the third anniversary of the opening of its hostel at Green Lane on Saturday. (The Straits Times, 17 August 1961, Page 5)
1961 Convent Green Lane
青草巷修道院女中 SMK Convent Green Lane(CGL) Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, better known as Convent Green Lane, is a girls' secondary school in Penang. It is located along Green Lane, with one side along Hamilton Road.
Convent Green Lane was established by the Roman Catholic missionaries, primarily instrumental being Father M. Surmon of the Missions étrangères de Paris. Father Surmon serves as the parish priest of the Church of the Holy Spirit (now Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) while staying at the Little Sisters of the Poor along Batu Lanchang Lane. Convent Green lane was opened on 3 April, 1961.
The first headmistress of Convent Green Lane was Sister Helen O'Sullivan. From a beginning with just twelve classrooms, the school has expanded over the decades. The school hall was added in 1968 while a library came into being six years down the road
1965 The North Malaysia Malayali Samajam(Established in 1951)
The association is located at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang
The North Malaysia Malayali Samajam was formed in 1951 to cater for the social and cultural needs of Malayalis in the states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis.
Malayalis are those who hail from the ethno- linguistic area of Malabar coast in South India now called Kerala, then comprising of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar with a language of their own called Malayalam. Malayalis have their own traditions and customs and celebrate festivals such as Onam.
In the year 1952,the Samajam bought a piece of land and a small attap building at 95-E, Jalan Sungei Pinang, Penang , for a price of RM14,750 . This amount was advanced free of interest by some of our members. The advances though late were refunded to them in instalments.
The present premises at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang , was purchased on 2nd February, 1964 at a price of RM52,000 for which we had to dispose our old premises at 95-E, Sungei Pinang Road for RM 48,000. The balance required was raised through donations from our members.
In 1965, the Association moved to its new premises at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang. Extensive renovations were carried out to the building to cater for the social, cultural and sports activities.
1967- The Cerebral Palsy Children's Association of Penang.
The Spastic Children's Association of Penang was founded 1962 by the Rotary Club The first training session started in 1963 with 5 children. In 1966, the late Lim Cheng Ean offered the Association the use of his house, Hardwick, and the training centre was relocated there. In 1967 the Centre opened at Green Lane on one acre of leased land. Staff include teachers, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, as well as a physiotherapist,
There are now 23 members of the staff at the training centre, there are 107 children at 10 classes. In October 2000 a workshop was opened for kids of 18 years and above who are unable to find suitable jobs. It makes book marks, files and other articles for sale.
Penang is the only centre in Malaysia providing treatment by the Dr Wang method. The kids come from as far away as Kuching
1972 Chung Hwa Confucian High School,
Chung Hwa Confucian High School (or 孔圣庙中华中学 in Chinese) is a national-type secondary school located in Green Lane, Penang, Malaysia. The school is one of the 10 Chinese secondary schools in Penang and also has a good record of co-curriculum and public examination results.
It is the only overseas Chinese School to be sanctioned by the Qing Dynasty Government of China, which officially presented it with royal seals bearing the school's name through its consulate and local businessman Cheong Fatt Tze, who is also credited with being the founder of the school.
1981 Lam Wah Ee Hospital
Lam Wah Ee Hospital (traditional Chinese: 南華醫院) is a 700 bedded tertiary acute care hospital located at Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Penang, Malaysia. This not-for-profit private hospital is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health and ISO 9001:2008 certified. The Hospital started as a provider of traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in 1883 while the Western Medicine division commenced operations in 1983.
The idea of setting up a community health care centre in Penang was first mooted by a few Chinese community leaders in 1876 and a fund-raising campaign was subsequently launched. A traditional-style building was completed in 1883 on a plot of land about 10,600 sq. ft. at Muntri Street. This was known as the Lam Wah Ee Hospital.
1981 Lung Yen Association, Penang槟城龙岩会馆(established 1929)
211,Jalan Masjid Negeri 11600 Penang. Tel: 2828021
Lung Yen Association is in Green Lane, at 211, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 116001 Pulau Pinang. But the Association also have a old art deco style building at the corner of Fish Lane and Malay Street, Georgetown. It is a clan association for people from the district of Longyan(龙岩/龍岩) in Fujian province, China.
The Squash Queen, Nicol David
Datuk Nicol David was born in Penang. She studied in Green Lane Convent Secondary School. Datuk Nicol Ann David is a Malaysian female professional squash player. She is currently ranked world number 1 in women's squash, and is the first Asian woman to achieve this. She won the British Open title in 2005, 2006 and 2008, as well as the World Open title in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Her parents are Ann Marie David and Desmond David. Her father is an engineer and her mother is a retired school teacher. Nicol has two sisters. The family is from Green Lane.
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Green Lane(青草巷), or Jalan Masjid Negeri(州清真寺路)as it is called today, is one of the major roads leading out of George Town from Jalan Air Itam, starting from the crossroad junction of Scotland Road(苏格兰路), Air Itam Road(亞也依淡路), passes Glugor Roundabout, continue until it connects with Jalan Tunku Kudin(东姑古汀路). Part of the Green Lane is under Gelugor area. The local Chinese called it Chhen-chhaú-hāng(青草巷), which means green grass lane. But today Green Lane is no longer green…….the residential area has become a commercial area, especially along Jalan Masjid Negeri, mainly with second car dealers. You cannot recognized that is was once a popular middle class residential area in Penang…..
Green Lane , broadly speaking is George Town’s suburb area, part of Gelugor. Narrow definition, it is the areas around Green Lane or Jalan Masjid Negeri.
History of Green lane
Wat Pinbang-Onn ( วัดปิ่นบังอร) was at Green Lane(may not be the name) in 1889, when the area is still a farming area. It is the earliest establishment in early Green Lane.
In the early 1920s, Green Lane was a small lane within a rather small farming community. Opposite Wat Pinbang Onn was a coconut estate, where Lam Wah Hospital now stand.
The most important landmark on that lane was, and still is, the Penang Free School, built by Anglican Church. Wat Nai and Wat Pinbang-Onn have also established themselves in the Green Lane area.
1951- The Straits Times, 23 June 1951, Page 8 - Penang will build 93 houses From Our Stall Correspondent PENANG. Fri. "NINETY-THREE houses will be built by the Penang Municipality and put up for sale. The houses will go up in Green Estate, bounded by Green Lane and Jalan Husein. Penang Municipal Commissioners have, however, not yet decided when to start building or how many houses to put up first, said the Deputy President, Mr SV Adams......
Green Lane was still a quiet country lane in the 1950's, when the land in Green Lane was being developed into one of the earliest suburbs of George Town. The development of Green Lane was carried out in phases. In the 1950's, the government quarters around Cheeseman Road(奇斯曼路)was developed. Within this area are roads such as Taylor Road(泰勒路), Jalan Sir Hussein (named after Sir Dr. Hussein Hasanally Abdoolcader, a noted Penang lawyer, admitted to Registry of Supreme Court on 1-11-1912; Member of Legislative Council Strait Settlement from 25-7-1940 for one year, the first Indian in Malaya to receive the British Knighthood as reported in The Straits Times, 2 January 1948, Page 1 ), Lengkok Ariff(named after Abdullah Ariff), Jalan Kennedy, Jalan Philips.
Cheeseman Road is named after Harold Ambrose Robinson CHEESEMAN, CMG, Esq., who was teachers of PFS for 15 years(1907-1923), Inspector of Schools Penang(1923-1928), superintendent of education in Johore(1928-?), Deputy Director of Education before the war(1941--1942)(later Colonial Education Service), Director of Education, Malayan Union, and former POW Camp internee at Changi, Singapore during Japanese occupation(1942-1945). Mr. Cheeseman assumed duty as an assistant master at the Penang Free School in 1907. In 1923 he became inspector of schools in Penang, and five years later superintendent of education in Johore. Just before the war he was promoted to be Deputy Director of Education... HR Cheeseman, Director of Education in the Federation of Malaya, has just retired from the service at the age of sixty. 1959- Cheeseman, HR, CMG, 6 Cannon Road, Ramsgate, Kent, UK.
On the Penang Free School side of Green Lane are also new roads. These were named after the school itself (Free School Road) as well as some of its headmasters from the turn of the 20th century, including Hamilton Road (after W. Hamilton, 1925-26), Pinhorn Road (R.H. Pinhorn, 1904-1925), Hargreaves Road (W. Hargreaves, 1891-1904) and Hutchings Garden, after the founder of the school, Rev. Sparke Hutchings.
During that time, Church of the Holy Spirit (now Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) established to cater for the Catholic community staying in the area. Convent Green Lane, was also established by the Catholic church.
The land south of Hamilton Road was occupied by the Green Lane Convent as well as Thai Buddhist temples. The housing estate developed behind them all had the word "Hijau" to it. These are some of the earliest roads with numbers in their names in Penang.
In the 1960s, Green Lane evolved from a farming community into several housing estates. Various developers changed the landscape from sleepy farming areas such as Guan Joo Seng and Island and Peninsular Berhad into a new suburb. A new landmark the Holy Spirit Cathedral was already established together with the Guan Joo Seng Estate in the late 50s - now known as Taman Besi. Around the Church of the Holy Spirit was developed Island Park in the 1960's. The roads here were named after metal, namely Mas (for emas, gold), Besi (iron), Tembaga (brass) and Gangsa (bronze). Green Lane now grew from a little lane to a full road.
The early Green Lane had formed……..
With the introduction of the industrial estate at Bayan Lepas, Green Lane became the trunk road connecting Georgetown with the south i.e. Gelugor and Bayan Lepas. Green Lane grew from a single lane to a triple lane road today. It is also one of the busiest roads in Penang.
Penang's first suburbs for the local middle- class were created in the 1960s at Green Lane, a new landmark the Holy Spirit Cathedral was established together with the Guan Joo Seng Estate - now known as Taman Besi. The suburbs have since been extended to Island Glades developed by Island and Peninsular Berhad, it was at the time an estate. Island Glades, later renamed Taman Mutiara. The roads here are all named Delima (ruby). In between Island Glades and Island Park came a later development, Taman Greenview, in the late 1970's.
Green Lane was renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri(State Mosque Road) in the late 1970's, upon the completion of the Penang State Mosque. However the local residents still prefer the old name of Green Lane as it is shorter and easy to call. The name Green Lane however continues to live on, with its icon landmark Convent Green Lane still remind the people that the road was once called Green Lane……...
The road passes through a few major housing estates e.g. Taman Besi, Island Glades and Island Park.
Across Green Lane from Island Glades is the housing development of Batu Lanchang. The Lam Wah Ee Hospital was moved here in the late 1970's. The roads in the suburb bordered by Lebuhraya Gelugor, Lebuhraya Batu Lanchang and Green Lane have their names derived from amalgamating the names of the neighbouring areas. Hence we get names such as Batu Green (Batu Lanchang + Green Lane) and Gelugor Green (Gelugor + Green Lane). Taman Gelugur, Taman Ghee Hiang(Ghee Hiang Hooi) was developed by the famous Ghee Hiang, the famous biscuit (tau sar pneah) & sesame seeds oil manufacturer in Penang.
Jalan Masjid Negeri(Green Lane) today
Green Lane ends at the Udini Roundabout, which is today served by a flyover as well as an underpass. This roundabout marks the traditional city limit of George Town until the 1970's, when the metropolitan area expands and spills south, reach as far as Teluk Kumbar by the turn of the 21st century.
Today , Green Lane is one of the busiest thoroughfares in George Town . Green Lane refers to the environs surrounding Jalan Mesjid Negeri. Important landmarks apart from the aforesaid are the McDonalds drive-in, Penang Free School, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit , Convent Green Lane, The Trinity Methodist Church ,Chung Hwa Confucian High School, Tropicana Medical Centre, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Tesco Jelutong and YWCA.
Public Transport
Despite the fact that from 1960s to 1980s, five bus companies served the island ( including one run by the MPPP, the Penang City Council), yet public transport service to Green Lane was limited, and it was difficult for people who have no private transport. The City council MPPP bus served the area. Bus No 11 and Bus 8. Bus 11 served the route between Air Itam and Jelutong, from Air Itam Market , passing Air Itam Road, Green Lane and turn left to Batu Lanchang Road(now known as Teh Ewe Lim Road), and stopped at Bukit Dumbar station, Jelutong. Bus No. 8 was from Botanical Garden to Glugor Roundabout. The only Yellow bus serving the area was No 77, which started from Maxwell Road station, running along Julutong Road, and turn to Batu Lanchang Road at the junction near Julutong police station, turning to Green Lane, Yeap Chor Ee Road, until Kampong Kastam.(Note : Based on memory, Bus number may be wrong). So at the time, if you do not have own transport, it was difficult to go to Green Lane, a middle class suburb where most of them owned cars.
Today, Rapid served the area.Visitors to Green Lane can take the 103 Rapid Penang bus which plies Batu Ferringhi and the Bayan Lepas International Airport or the 206 which plies Komtar and Tesco, Jelutong.
1889 - Wat Pinbang-Onn(วัดปิ่นบังอร)
Wat Pinbang-Onn is a small Thai Buddhist temple along Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) in Penang. Actually there are two temples sharing this name, the Inner Sanctuary Temple วัดปิ่นบังอร(ใน) at 355 Jalan Masjid Negeri, and the Outer Sanctuary Temple, วัดปิ่นบังอร(นอก), at 379 Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Though the wat had existed since 1889, yet it was only in 1934 that the name 'Wat Pin Bang Onn' was officially given to the temple by Prince Swasdi,( Prince Svasti Sobhon) a son of King Chulalongkorn of Thailand. Until then, it was simply called Wat Nok or 'Outer Temple, to differentiate with Wat Nai or Inner Temple next door. Prince Swasdi died in 1935 in Penang and his remains were cremated in a special pavilion in front of the bot. Present at the funeral was AM Goodman, the Resident Councillor of Penang who came on behalf of the British ...
1928 Penang Free School
On December 31st, 1927 the Penang Free School moved to a new site at Green Lane on Jalan Masjid Negeri in 1928 from its original premises on Farquhar Street(华盖街).
1930- The Straits Times, 9 January 1930- Junior Service Association in Green Lane, almost opposite the Free School. ... PENANG JUNIOR CIVIL SERVICE ASSN. (From Our Own Correspondent). Penang. June 9. THAT there was a big Increase In membership following removal of the club's premises from Green Lane to Dato Kramat Road, opposite the Dato Kramat Gardens and playing fields, last year, is stated in the report of the Junior Civil Service Association Penang , to be presented at the AGM to be held on June 17th, 5 p.m.( The Straits Times, 11 June 1939, Page 5)
1941-1945 During Japanese occupation, many town folks escaped to Green Lane. A training school for The Indian National Army, called the Swaraj Institute set up for training agents who were to be sent into India for espionage and propaganda work. It operated at the site of the Penang Free School on Green Lane.
1957- The Trinity Methodist Church
Trinity Methodist Church Penang, located in Georgetown in the state of Penang is a member of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. It is one of the two English-speaking Methodist churches on the island, situated along Jalan Masjid Negeri. It is located just opposite the Green Lane McDonald's. The Trinity Methodist Church was started in 1957. Over the years, the church has expanded a few times, added new wings for its kindergarten, now called Tadika Trinity Methodist. There are three services held on Sundays, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
http://www.penangtrinity.org/main/
1958 Church of the Holy Spirit
The Catholics who had dispersed into the suburbs of Georgetown during the Japanese occupation (1941-1945) remained put after the war. Meanwhile, new townships and large housings estates began sprouting in the suburbs from Green Lane to the airport. In 1958, when Fr. Surmon MEP returned from his leave in Europe, he was informed by the then Bishop of Penang, the late Rt. Rev. Francis Chan, to establish a new Catholic community in Green Lane area in Penang. Fr. Surmon who was entrusted with this task , took up residence at Little Sisters of the Poor and started gathering his flock of mix races, which numbered 1000.This community was known ‘parish without church’.
They celebrated mass on Sundays and feast days for 10 years at the canteen of the Green Lane Convent. After 10 years of hard work of collecting funds and discussing plans for a new church with the help of some advisors such as Mr. Gerry Reutens, and later of an building committee (1966 – 1973), a piece of land was bought some distance of the main thoroughfare; another piece was added on with the help of Rt. Rev Mother Tarcisius of the IJ Sisters and it was used as a play field and a car park. At the beginning it was decided that the new church would be dedicated to St. Bernadette since that year (1958) was the centenary of Our Ladys’ apparition to Bernadette in Lourdes in 1858. Later on the Vatican II and around 1962, the late Bishop Francis Chan was agreeable to the suggestion that the name to be changed to the Church of Holy Spirit.
1958 YWCA
The Oldest YWCA in Malaysia established in 1909. In 1909, Penang had the distinction of being the first town in the States and Settlement of Malaya (Malaysia) to be chosen for YWCA.
In 1909, Miss Fairburn, a British missionary, threw open the doors of her home in Dato Keramat Road to the needs of young women. She acted as President, Secretary and Treasurer. They started as a weekly Bible reading and prayer group, which grew and expanded its activities.
When Miss Fairburn left, the missionary Ladies carried on until Mrs Dewar, a Major’s wife took over. During the 1914 war, the members knitted for the soldiers. Miss Rutherford, the World’s secretary, came to the Penang Centre on her visit to Malaya.
Subsequently on the 19th January 1924, a Rest Room was opened opposite the Victoria Pier, which was under the care of Mrs Khoo Gek Tuan. The room was very popular, as all the working girls were very regular. Monthly Tiffins were held and they used to be “full house”. This building was pulled down later (former Chinese Chamber of Commerce).
In July 1927, a Hostel called “The Tower” was opened for working girls in Anson Road with Miss Anderson as the Hostel Warden. The Hostel was successful for some time but as the rent was very high and the house was in a poor condition, another house was acquired in Logan Road . However, due to lack of Finance Miss Ewart who was in charge had to close down the Hostel in 1938.
In 1938, The “Y” also ran a Creche at Patani Road for the children of Municipal Labourers. These activities and special efforts connected with the Second World War continued until December 1941.
From 1941 until 1946, all the records and minute books were lost, due to the war. Information about the YWCA history from 1909-1941 were gathered from the old members of the YWCA in 1946 by Miss Ivy Sabapathy and read out to the members at the YWCA meeting held at 5.00pm 13th September 1952.
Anniversary PENANG. Wed. - The Penang Y.W.C.A. will hold a 'family gathering" to celebrate the third anniversary of the opening of its hostel at Green Lane on Saturday. (The Straits Times, 17 August 1961, Page 5)
1961 Convent Green Lane
青草巷修道院女中 SMK Convent Green Lane(CGL) Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, better known as Convent Green Lane, is a girls' secondary school in Penang. It is located along Green Lane, with one side along Hamilton Road.
Convent Green Lane was established by the Roman Catholic missionaries, primarily instrumental being Father M. Surmon of the Missions étrangères de Paris. Father Surmon serves as the parish priest of the Church of the Holy Spirit (now Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) while staying at the Little Sisters of the Poor along Batu Lanchang Lane. Convent Green lane was opened on 3 April, 1961.
The first headmistress of Convent Green Lane was Sister Helen O'Sullivan. From a beginning with just twelve classrooms, the school has expanded over the decades. The school hall was added in 1968 while a library came into being six years down the road
1965 The North Malaysia Malayali Samajam(Established in 1951)
The association is located at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang
The North Malaysia Malayali Samajam was formed in 1951 to cater for the social and cultural needs of Malayalis in the states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis.
Malayalis are those who hail from the ethno- linguistic area of Malabar coast in South India now called Kerala, then comprising of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar with a language of their own called Malayalam. Malayalis have their own traditions and customs and celebrate festivals such as Onam.
In the year 1952,the Samajam bought a piece of land and a small attap building at 95-E, Jalan Sungei Pinang, Penang , for a price of RM14,750 . This amount was advanced free of interest by some of our members. The advances though late were refunded to them in instalments.
The present premises at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang , was purchased on 2nd February, 1964 at a price of RM52,000 for which we had to dispose our old premises at 95-E, Sungei Pinang Road for RM 48,000. The balance required was raised through donations from our members.
In 1965, the Association moved to its new premises at 213, Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang. Extensive renovations were carried out to the building to cater for the social, cultural and sports activities.
1967- The Cerebral Palsy Children's Association of Penang.
The Spastic Children's Association of Penang was founded 1962 by the Rotary Club The first training session started in 1963 with 5 children. In 1966, the late Lim Cheng Ean offered the Association the use of his house, Hardwick, and the training centre was relocated there. In 1967 the Centre opened at Green Lane on one acre of leased land. Staff include teachers, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, as well as a physiotherapist,
There are now 23 members of the staff at the training centre, there are 107 children at 10 classes. In October 2000 a workshop was opened for kids of 18 years and above who are unable to find suitable jobs. It makes book marks, files and other articles for sale.
Penang is the only centre in Malaysia providing treatment by the Dr Wang method. The kids come from as far away as Kuching
1972 Chung Hwa Confucian High School,
Chung Hwa Confucian High School (or 孔圣庙中华中学 in Chinese) is a national-type secondary school located in Green Lane, Penang, Malaysia. The school is one of the 10 Chinese secondary schools in Penang and also has a good record of co-curriculum and public examination results.
It is the only overseas Chinese School to be sanctioned by the Qing Dynasty Government of China, which officially presented it with royal seals bearing the school's name through its consulate and local businessman Cheong Fatt Tze, who is also credited with being the founder of the school.
1981 Lam Wah Ee Hospital
Lam Wah Ee Hospital (traditional Chinese: 南華醫院) is a 700 bedded tertiary acute care hospital located at Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Penang, Malaysia. This not-for-profit private hospital is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health and ISO 9001:2008 certified. The Hospital started as a provider of traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in 1883 while the Western Medicine division commenced operations in 1983.
The idea of setting up a community health care centre in Penang was first mooted by a few Chinese community leaders in 1876 and a fund-raising campaign was subsequently launched. A traditional-style building was completed in 1883 on a plot of land about 10,600 sq. ft. at Muntri Street. This was known as the Lam Wah Ee Hospital.
1981 Lung Yen Association, Penang槟城龙岩会馆(established 1929)
211,Jalan Masjid Negeri 11600 Penang. Tel: 2828021
Lung Yen Association is in Green Lane, at 211, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 116001 Pulau Pinang. But the Association also have a old art deco style building at the corner of Fish Lane and Malay Street, Georgetown. It is a clan association for people from the district of Longyan(龙岩/龍岩) in Fujian province, China.
The Squash Queen, Nicol David
Datuk Nicol David was born in Penang. She studied in Green Lane Convent Secondary School. Datuk Nicol Ann David is a Malaysian female professional squash player. She is currently ranked world number 1 in women's squash, and is the first Asian woman to achieve this. She won the British Open title in 2005, 2006 and 2008, as well as the World Open title in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Her parents are Ann Marie David and Desmond David. Her father is an engineer and her mother is a retired school teacher. Nicol has two sisters. The family is from Green Lane.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Rangoon Road
Rangoon Road(仰光路)
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Rangoon Road is located between Burma Road and Macalister Road. It is located within the triangular grid , bordering by Penang Road(檳榔律), Burma Road, Anson Road(安順路)and Macalister Road. In within the grid are roads running parallel to each others. The roads are Macalister Lane(姓王公司後 Sen-ông-kong-si-aū), Kinta Lane(近打冷巷), Madras Lane(油较路), Jahudi Road(爪夷路, now Jalan Zainal Abidin,再纳阿比汀路), Lorong Selamat(平安巷), Rangoon Road(仰光路) and Aboo Sittee Lane(三星巷, 三牲巷).
It is known as yang-gon-lor(仰光路) by local Chinese, having similar meaning as its English name.
Rangoon Road or Jalan Rangoon, is named after the former capital of Burma. Rangoon( now is known as Yangon), it is literally means "End of Strife", it is a former capital of Burma (Myanmar) and the capital of Yangon Region (formerly Yangon Division). Colonial Yangon, with its spacious parks and lakes and mix of modern buildings and traditional wooden architecture, was known as "the garden city of the East." By the early 20th century, Yangon had public services and infrastructure on par with London. Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial centre. Rangoon Road is the off road of Burma Road, road named after the country; and there are also many road names in George Town named after towns or places in Myanmar. Many of them, like Rangoon Road, are side road/off road of Burma Road.
In the old days, when Burma and Penang were under British, there was ferry service between the two cities. There are still barter trade between the two places today.
Penang DAP or DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY(槟州民主行动党)Head Office will be located at Rangoon Road, just behind the former Super Supermarket building. It is time the state DAP have their own building.
May be next time, the street will become Jalan DAP.....
Suggested articles/websites:
1. DAP(DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY (MALAYSIA); http://dapmalaysia.org/newenglish/
2. DAP Penang, http://dappg.org/
View Larger Map
Rangoon Road is located between Burma Road and Macalister Road. It is located within the triangular grid , bordering by Penang Road(檳榔律), Burma Road, Anson Road(安順路)and Macalister Road. In within the grid are roads running parallel to each others. The roads are Macalister Lane(姓王公司後 Sen-ông-kong-si-aū), Kinta Lane(近打冷巷), Madras Lane(油较路), Jahudi Road(爪夷路, now Jalan Zainal Abidin,再纳阿比汀路), Lorong Selamat(平安巷), Rangoon Road(仰光路) and Aboo Sittee Lane(三星巷, 三牲巷).
It is known as yang-gon-lor(仰光路) by local Chinese, having similar meaning as its English name.
Rangoon Road or Jalan Rangoon, is named after the former capital of Burma. Rangoon( now is known as Yangon), it is literally means "End of Strife", it is a former capital of Burma (Myanmar) and the capital of Yangon Region (formerly Yangon Division). Colonial Yangon, with its spacious parks and lakes and mix of modern buildings and traditional wooden architecture, was known as "the garden city of the East." By the early 20th century, Yangon had public services and infrastructure on par with London. Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial centre. Rangoon Road is the off road of Burma Road, road named after the country; and there are also many road names in George Town named after towns or places in Myanmar. Many of them, like Rangoon Road, are side road/off road of Burma Road.
In the old days, when Burma and Penang were under British, there was ferry service between the two cities. There are still barter trade between the two places today.
Penang DAP or DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY(槟州民主行动党)Head Office will be located at Rangoon Road, just behind the former Super Supermarket building. It is time the state DAP have their own building.
May be next time, the street will become Jalan DAP.....
Suggested articles/websites:
1. DAP(DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY (MALAYSIA); http://dapmalaysia.org/newenglish/
2. DAP Penang, http://dappg.org/
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Macalister Lane
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Macalister Lane, or Lorong Macalister, is the first road in a series of side roads between the two main roads of Penang Road and Anson Road. It is within the grid of rectangular area bordered by Penang Road, Burma Road, Anson Road and Macalister Road. It was the first road that run parallel with the Penang Road, between Burma Road and Macalister Road. Like Macalister Road(It was also called Jalan Bahru, literally in Malay means New Road), Macalister Lane was named after Colonel Norman MacAlister, Governor of Penang (1807–1810).
Colonel Norman Macalister, who was a native of Scotland, was Lieutenant-Governor of Prince of Wales Isle (Penang) from 1808 to 1810. The present brick structure of Fort Cornwallis in Penang, was built by convict labour in 1810 during his term as Governor of Penang. He was lost at sea, in the South China Seas, while on the ship "Ocean" traveling back to Scotland (August 1810). Macalister Road and Macalister Lane in Penang are named after him. Macalister Road was originally known as Jalan Bahru or New Road, it may have changed after the death of Colonel Norman Macalister in 1810. Macalister Lane was probably built and named after 1810, prior to that it may be an area behind Ser-ong-kong-si or Ong clan house.
There is a side road connected Macalister Lane to Penang Road, the road is called Lorong Bertam.Bertam is reported to be named after a village in Kepala Batas, Kampong Bertam. The two row of houses are all painted with blue color, a blue lane indeed...
The Chinese called it Ser-ong-kong-si-au(姓王公司後), which literally means “Behind the Ong clan house”. A clan is a group which consists of families that are related to each other, clan house(会馆)is a common institution or meeting place for oversea Chinese in British Malaya, especially Strait Settlement of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. It is a social organization. Normally the family clan houses are either surname related or ancestral village related. Local Penang Hockkian called clan house, “kongsi”( 公司) or Hui-kuan(会馆). Kongsi means “sharing” in Malay, but it is today means company, a commercial enterprise. Kongsi is more meaningfully described the clan house in British Malaya, as it is a place the oversea Chinese who gather together, and shared their stories and living. Some kongsi had hostel facilities for the new comers, and provide medical treatment for the poor. Some call it ancestral temple(宗祠). Penang is the place with many Chinese clan houses, a city of clan houses. Many of these clan houses are now heritage. The earliest clan house in Penang is PERSATUAN KAR YIN FEE KON P. PINANG(檳城嘉應會館), 22, 1st Floor King Street, 10200 Penang; established in 1801. Ong clan house is for people with the surname of Ong(王氏). Ong clan house (王氏宗祠), the local Hockkien called it “Ser-ong-kongsi”(姓王公司). It is located at Penang Road, just directly opposite KOMTAR building in Penang. Macalister Lane is located behind Ong Kongsi.
Persatuan San Kiang Pulau Pinang(槟城三江公会)
Persatuan San Kiang Pulau Pinang(三江公會),槟榔屿三江公所was formed in 1897, it was the earliest San Kiang Association in South East Asia. It is now located at No. 109, Macalister Lane, 10400 Penang. San Kiang Clan house was initially established mainly for the Shanghainese(上海人). But today the clan house is not restricted to Shanghainese, it is opened to all people from San Kiang.
What is San Kiang, which in Chinese it means three rivers(三江), but in China there is no such place or iver called San Kiang or San jiang. Where is the place? It is believed that the term “Sam Kiang” first appeared in 1868 (Emperor Tongzhi’s 7th year). Chinese overseas in Japan established a Sam Kiang ancestral hall in the Xing Fu Temple at Nagaski and later formed a Hezhong Sam Kiang office.
San kiang or San jiang, can be defined in broad sense or narrow definition. In narrow definition, it is the name for three provinces, namely Zhejiang(浙江), Jiangsu( 江蘇)and Jiangxi(江西). It is also called Small San Jiang(“小三江”) . In broad definition, it is the region within the three river basins of Yangtze River(長江)、Yellow River(黃河)、and The Amur(or Heilong) River. The broad definition is also called Big San Jiang(“大三江”). For Nanyang(南洋)Chinese, or oversea Chinese, San Kiang in Hokkian means the third region, other than the two main provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi or the two Guangs which included Hainan(兩廣, 包括海南), and Fujian(福建).
That means if you are Chinese, and your ancestral home is not from Guangdong(粵), Guangxi(桂), Fujian(閩), or Hainan( 琼), you are belong to the group called San Kiang(三江), and you are allowed to join Persatuan San Kiang Pulau Pinang(三江公會).
Chee Cheong Fun at Macalister Lane
Today, Macalister Lane is today famous for the street food, Chee Cheong Fun, the stall is located outside Seow Fong Lye Coffee Shop.
Recommended articles/websites:
1. Norman Macalister, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Macalister
2. Macalisters in Britain's Colonial Past, by Robert M. McAllister, http://www.clanmcalister.org/cma-penang.html
3.Macalister Road, Penang , my ealier blog dated 27th Feb 2010, http://teochiewkia2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/macalister-road-penang.html
Monday, April 25, 2011
Madras Lane
Madras Lane
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Madras Lane is located between Burma Road(车水路)and Macalister Road(中路). The Burma Road end of the road is facing Kuan Yin Si(车水路观音寺), or Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, a Taoist temple along Jalan Burma, and the other end at Macalister Road is facing the former King Edward Memorial Hospital, now restored as art and cultural center. Two minor streets off Madras Road are Jalan Talipon(電訊路) and Ong Chong Keng Street(王宗镜路), which are located between Madras lane and Kinta Lane. Madras Lane is located within the triangular grid , bordering by Penang Road(檳榔律), Burma Road, Anson Road安順路and Macalister Road. In within the grid are roads running parallel to each others. The roads are Macalister Lane(姓王公司後 Sὲⁿ-ông-kong-si-aū), Kinta Lane(近打冷巷), Madras Lane(油较路), Jahudi Road(爪夷路, now Jalan Zainal Abidin(再纳阿比汀路)), Lorong Selamat(平安巷), Rangoon Road(仰光路) and Aboo Sittee Lane(三星巷, 三牲巷).
Madras Lane or Lorong Madras, the official name, was named after city of Madras in India, now known as Chennai . Chennai, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It was named , may be due to the early Tamil inhabitants, from the Indian city of Madras staying in the area. The overwhelming majority of migrants from India migrated to Penang were ethnic Tamil and from British Presidency of Madras. The Madras Presidency, officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included much of southern India, including the present-day Indian State of Tamil Nadu, the Malabar region of North Kerala, Lakshadweep Islands, the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, Ganjam district of Odisha and the Bellary, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts of Karnataka. The presidency had its winter capital at Madras and summer capital at Ootacamund. In 1947 Tamils Indian represented approximately 85 per cent of the total Indian population in Malaya and Singapore. Opposite Madras Lane was a community of Indian, mainly Indian Muslim at Kedah Road, many of them were Malabaris people, some of them married local Malay woman and assimilated into the Malay community and was known as Jawi Peranakan. One of the descendant of the early community was later become Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was not surprise, before the development of the area, there was people from Madras Presidency living here, and it was officially named Madras Lane.
To the local Chinese it is called Yu-ka-lor( 油絞路) or Chhâ-lơ̄-thaû(柴落頭).
Chha-lo-thau(柴落頭), a timber landing place
Why was it called Chha-lo-thau, which means timber landing place?, it may be possibly the timber vessel carrying the timbers sailed until the Titi Papan( which means Plank bridge, after the bridge over the Prangin Ditch) near Titi Papan Mosque to download their timbers. The Prangin River(later Prangin Ditch) ended there at the junction of Transfer Road/Burma Road. The place was called Tiaù-kiô-thaû(吊橋頭), which means Suspension-bridge head, the name of Penang Rd/Burma Road. It was also near to Transfer Ditch along Transfer Road(near today's Penang Road Police station). The area was actually a water transport hub, with active activities. Madras Lane(near junction of Burma Road)is nearby, closest to Titi Papan, which was the landing place or depot for timber merchants. Timbers may also collected from the hinterland by land transport to gather there.
Yu-Ka-Lor(油絞路), the oil mill road
To know the name, we need to know some history of Penang copra oil industry in Penang.
Then why it was called Yu-ka-lor( 油絞路) by local Chinese until today? WHEN PENANG WAS occupied by the British, it was intended not only to serve as a trading port but also as land for the cultivation of commercial crops such as peppers, nutmegs, cloves, sugarcanes and coconuts. Of these, coconuts turned out to be the only crop successfully cultivated on a large scale on the island, contributing considerably to the economy for almost one century. The mid-19th century witnessed an unprecedented expansion of coconut estates in Penang. These increased from a few thousand acres in the 1830s to 17,000 acres in the 1870s. In the process, Penang became the largest grower of coconut palm in Malaya, with Chinese businessmen on the island being the major owners.In the 1880s, Penang was already a centre that supplied copra and coconut oil to Singapore, Malacca, Kedah, Perak, southern Burma and southern Siam. To capitalise as fully as possible on this “coconut boom”, estate owners set up home-based mills to produce coconut oil for export. By 1892, there were 183 oil mills worked by foot power in Penang. Khie Heng Bee Mill, was the first modern rice and oil mill equipped with steam and hydraulic machinery.( Wong Yee Tuan,2011).
This initiative prompted four more modern oil mills to be established in Penang. They were: Sun Wo Loong owned by Ng Sui Kam, Ban Teik Bee Co. Ltd owned by the Lim brothers, Ban Hin Lee Oil Mills Ltd owned by Yeap Chor Ee, and Hock Hin Brothers owned by Choong Lye Hock and Choong Lye Hin. These controlled over 85% of the total output of oil in Penang. Sun Wo Loong was the largest and produced 80 tonnes of oil per day while the others had an average production capacity of 40 to 50 tonness.( Wong Yee Tuan,2011).
Sun Wo Loong( a sole proprietorship), was formed earlier than that, it was a family business established before 1892. Ng Swee Cam, being a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University, USA, should be the one who modernize the family oil mill. It must be after he took over from the family, or at least when he come back to Penang after graduation in USA. It was later established as limited company.
SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. (“新和隆油較廠” ), manufacturer or rice bran oil and coconut oil , was located at 51, Madras Lane, Penang, just next to Hu Yew Seah. The timbers may be used as fire woods for the oil mill, or for easy transport to other places in Penang, by bullock carts. That was the reason why the oil mill was set up at Madras Lane(柴落頭), near to the source of timber(timber landing place). So timber merchant must have come first.....
The heritage and Personalities
The landmarks at Madras Lane are Hu Yew Siah, Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church, Telekom Penang headoffice(fronting Burma Road and along Madras Lane), and colonial government quarters. SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. (“新和隆油較廠” ) had been closed down, and development plan has been emplaced for the former oil mill site.
Three historical personality were related to the street, Ng Swee Cam(owner of SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD.), Choong Thiam Poe(Founder of Hu Yew Siah), and Dr Rabrindranath Tagore from, Calcutta, India(Hu Yew Seah building was opened in 1927 by Rabindranath Tagore, the 1913 Nobel Prize laureate for Literature). If included Dr Ong Chong Keng(Jalan Ong Chong Keng, a side road, was named after him), it will be four.
1. Hu Yew Siah
The organization was founded by Choong Thiam Poe alias Chung Lok Shan (鐘樂臣, Zhong Lechen, 1888-1930) in 1914 and specifically created to promote Chinese language education among the English-speaking Babas and Nyonyas in Penang. The Hu Yew Seah building was opened in 1927 by Rabindranath Tagore, the 1913 Nobel Prize laureate for Literature from Calcutta. The building was used by the Hu Yew Seah as a venue to promote and teach Chinese language. Because by the turn of the 20th century there were a number of English-educated Chinese, characteristically the Baba or Straits Chinese elite, who grew up not knowing their mother tongue. In the 70s, it was used to provide free tuition to teach Malay language to Chinese students who are weak in the national language.
Dr Rabrindranath Tagore, Asia’s first nobel laureate, visited Penang in 1927 and was received at the Butterworth train station by notable Penang personalities including the late Mr Khoo Sian Ewe, at the time a Legislative Council member. Tagore gave speeches at the Hu Yew Seah, a Straits Chinese educational institution, and Chung Ling High School. He was recorded in the Straits Echo to have had a rousing welcome from Penang’s Asian and Western communities. He also gave a lecture about his philosophy of internationalism at the Empire Theatre (in Magazine Road) and laid the foundation stone of the Hu Yew Seah building in Madras Lane.
Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Hu Yew Seah(辅友社华小）
Today, the Hu Yew Siah building housed a Chinese primary school, called Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Hu Yew Seah(辅友社华小）.
2. Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church(槟城油较路卫理公会)
Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church as its name describes, is a church of the Methodist Chinese assembly in George Town. It is also known as the Penang Hokkien Methodist Church, to differentiate it from the Cantonese Methodist Church at Macalister Road.
Dr. West and Mr. Lau Seng Chong on May 5, 1895 to start work among the Hokkien speaking Chinese of Penang as the "Gospel Light (which began) to shine upon this particular group of people who afterwards called themselves Methodists".
These pioneers rented and old shop house at 29 Galdestone Road. Records show that they did not confine themselves to the preaching of the Gospel alone; they branched out into dispensary work, Sunday school work and even started a Chinese school - all within an incredibly short period of 3 months.
The faithful and energetic efforts of these pioneers and their successors contributed to the growth of the Church both numerically and spiritually during the next forty years. The period saw the birth of the Epworth League and the Ladies Aid Society. Both groups together with the Sunday School and other Church programmes resulted in increased membership and attendance. The pressure of space necessitated the Church to move twice each time to a larger building before the congregation finally moved into the present building in Madras Lane in 1937.
The new building was indeed the fruit of the vision, faithfulness and dedication of the pastors, church workers and members before 1937.
Trinity Methodist Church was found in Madras Lane
In 1939, the English Speaking section of the Chinese Methodist Church was inaugurated. The idea of starting the English speaking section was to cater to the needs of the increasing number of children of the Chinese congregation, who attended English schools and found it difficult to understand the sermons in Hokkien. This section started with about 30 adult and youth members. When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the membership had increased to 80.
After the war, the English Speaking section, despite some minor setbacks, experienced a steady but slow growth. By 1950, the Sunday School and the Youth programmes of the section were activated with the help of the family of the late Rev. Khoo Cheng Hoe and others. The formation of the Boys' Brigade and Girls' Life Brigade alone greatly contributed to the upsurge of youth activities and Sunday School work and attracted an aggregate of over 200 youths. The pressure on space was similar to that experienced by the Mother Church in the pre-1937 period. Under these circumstances, the youth activities on many occasions had to be held at the premises of Union Institution in Burmah Road.
All this while, the English Speaking Section was without a regular pastor. The late Mr. Goh Kim Leong, being the most regular member of the congregation was appointed the Supply Pastor. Although Mr. Goh in his own words described himself as "not gifted to preach sermons", he had executed his duties as Supply Pastor faithfully and fruitfully. Through the God inspired vision and dedicated service of his leadership and faithfulness of the senior members of the congregation, the English Speaking Section was admitted to the Malayan Annual Conference, marking the birth of the Trinity Methodist Church in 1957. The late Rev. Khoo Oon Eng was appointed our first regular pastor by the Malayan Annual Conference.
Since this congregation was organized as a Local Church in 1957, God has richly showered His Grace upon us. The Local Church began with a membership of 80 in December 1957 with a full range of varied activities i.e. WSCS, MYF, MIF, BB, GLB and Sunday School among others. The crying need for a building of its own was immediately realized. Despite its weak financial position, the leadership of the new Church acted entirely on faith in proceeding to purchase the site in Green Lane. With God's blessings on the various fund-raising activities, the Trinity Methodist Church had a building of its own within three years in 1960. The present parsonage adjoining the Church building was also acquired at about the same time.
Founding of Boy's Brigade at Madras Lane,1st Penang Company
The Boys' Brigade did not come to Malaya until the after the second World War. A British soldier by the name of Robert Davis (former Captain of 6th Birkenhead Company at the Tranmere Freehold Methodist Church and later Tranmere United Reformed Church) gave the idea of The Boys' Brigade to one of Penang 's great educationist, the late Mr Geh Hun Kheng, who accepted the challenge becoming the first BB Captain in Malaya. Mr Geh realised that he had to do his "small share" to win the Boys over from the various subversive groups that were so rife after the Pacific War. The 1st Penang Company was officially started on 20th July, 1946. The first meeting of 20 Boys was held in the Methodist Church in Madras Lane on a Sunday in September 1946. Penang thus became the springboard from which Companies were started first in Kuala Lumpur and then in other parts of the country.
3. Telekom Penang
In 1870, postal, telegraph, and telephone systems were introduced in the Malayan Peninsula with the construction of a submarine cable linking the Straits Settlement to London.
1874 The telephone makes its debut in Perak
1882 Perak and Penang are linked by telephone via a submarine cable
The Telecommunications Department was established in 1902
But we do not know when the Telekom Penang was established at Madras Lane...Jalan Telefon must have built after that....
1877-1904
Despite Macalister Road or New Road/Jalan Bahru, was built in late 19th century, which was mentioned in Singapore Directory of Strait Settlement in 1877; the two landmarks, Hu Yew Siah building was completed in 1927, Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church was completed in 1937.
As per Kelly Map from 1891-1893, the Madras Lane had been built, in fact all the roads there were named with the name "Lane". Macalister Lane, Kinta Lane, Madras Lane, Jahudi Lane. However Kinta Lane was a shorter lane than today's Kinta Lane, which did not continue until Burmah Road, but met its dead end about half way of the current Kinta Lane, may be at the Jalan Telefon of today. Jalan Telefon and Ong Chong Keng Street were not yet built in 1891-1893 period. Jewish burial ground already at Jahudi Lane.
We do not know when the office and workshop of Telekom was built, neither we know when was SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. constructed. In 1904, there was mentioned of Anson Road, Logan Road, Cantonment Road, Scotland Road, Scott Road, Burmah Road, Aboo Sitee Lane, Ayer Etam Road, Dato Kramat Road, Klawei Road,Perak Road, Jelutong Road, Transfer Road, Scotland Road,, Johore Road,and Barrack Road. This revealed that a good road system of the city had already developed.
Jalan Telepon and Jalan Ong Chong Keng is obviously years later in 20th century.
Recommend articles:
1. Before palm oil, there was coconut oil… , by Wong Yee Tuan ,February 2011 issue of the Penang Economic Monthly. (Wong Yee Tuan is a research fellow with the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies, and obtained his PhD in history from the Australian National University in 2007).
View Larger Map
Madras Lane is located between Burma Road(车水路)and Macalister Road(中路). The Burma Road end of the road is facing Kuan Yin Si(车水路观音寺), or Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, a Taoist temple along Jalan Burma, and the other end at Macalister Road is facing the former King Edward Memorial Hospital, now restored as art and cultural center. Two minor streets off Madras Road are Jalan Talipon(電訊路) and Ong Chong Keng Street(王宗镜路), which are located between Madras lane and Kinta Lane. Madras Lane is located within the triangular grid , bordering by Penang Road(檳榔律), Burma Road, Anson Road安順路and Macalister Road. In within the grid are roads running parallel to each others. The roads are Macalister Lane(姓王公司後 Sὲⁿ-ông-kong-si-aū), Kinta Lane(近打冷巷), Madras Lane(油较路), Jahudi Road(爪夷路, now Jalan Zainal Abidin(再纳阿比汀路)), Lorong Selamat(平安巷), Rangoon Road(仰光路) and Aboo Sittee Lane(三星巷, 三牲巷).
Madras Lane or Lorong Madras, the official name, was named after city of Madras in India, now known as Chennai . Chennai, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It was named , may be due to the early Tamil inhabitants, from the Indian city of Madras staying in the area. The overwhelming majority of migrants from India migrated to Penang were ethnic Tamil and from British Presidency of Madras. The Madras Presidency, officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included much of southern India, including the present-day Indian State of Tamil Nadu, the Malabar region of North Kerala, Lakshadweep Islands, the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, Ganjam district of Odisha and the Bellary, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts of Karnataka. The presidency had its winter capital at Madras and summer capital at Ootacamund. In 1947 Tamils Indian represented approximately 85 per cent of the total Indian population in Malaya and Singapore. Opposite Madras Lane was a community of Indian, mainly Indian Muslim at Kedah Road, many of them were Malabaris people, some of them married local Malay woman and assimilated into the Malay community and was known as Jawi Peranakan. One of the descendant of the early community was later become Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was not surprise, before the development of the area, there was people from Madras Presidency living here, and it was officially named Madras Lane.
To the local Chinese it is called Yu-ka-lor( 油絞路) or Chhâ-lơ̄-thaû(柴落頭).
Chha-lo-thau(柴落頭), a timber landing place
Why was it called Chha-lo-thau, which means timber landing place?, it may be possibly the timber vessel carrying the timbers sailed until the Titi Papan( which means Plank bridge, after the bridge over the Prangin Ditch) near Titi Papan Mosque to download their timbers. The Prangin River(later Prangin Ditch) ended there at the junction of Transfer Road/Burma Road. The place was called Tiaù-kiô-thaû(吊橋頭), which means Suspension-bridge head, the name of Penang Rd/Burma Road. It was also near to Transfer Ditch along Transfer Road(near today's Penang Road Police station). The area was actually a water transport hub, with active activities. Madras Lane(near junction of Burma Road)is nearby, closest to Titi Papan, which was the landing place or depot for timber merchants. Timbers may also collected from the hinterland by land transport to gather there.
Yu-Ka-Lor(油絞路), the oil mill road
To know the name, we need to know some history of Penang copra oil industry in Penang.
Then why it was called Yu-ka-lor( 油絞路) by local Chinese until today? WHEN PENANG WAS occupied by the British, it was intended not only to serve as a trading port but also as land for the cultivation of commercial crops such as peppers, nutmegs, cloves, sugarcanes and coconuts. Of these, coconuts turned out to be the only crop successfully cultivated on a large scale on the island, contributing considerably to the economy for almost one century. The mid-19th century witnessed an unprecedented expansion of coconut estates in Penang. These increased from a few thousand acres in the 1830s to 17,000 acres in the 1870s. In the process, Penang became the largest grower of coconut palm in Malaya, with Chinese businessmen on the island being the major owners.In the 1880s, Penang was already a centre that supplied copra and coconut oil to Singapore, Malacca, Kedah, Perak, southern Burma and southern Siam. To capitalise as fully as possible on this “coconut boom”, estate owners set up home-based mills to produce coconut oil for export. By 1892, there were 183 oil mills worked by foot power in Penang. Khie Heng Bee Mill, was the first modern rice and oil mill equipped with steam and hydraulic machinery.( Wong Yee Tuan,2011).
This initiative prompted four more modern oil mills to be established in Penang. They were: Sun Wo Loong owned by Ng Sui Kam, Ban Teik Bee Co. Ltd owned by the Lim brothers, Ban Hin Lee Oil Mills Ltd owned by Yeap Chor Ee, and Hock Hin Brothers owned by Choong Lye Hock and Choong Lye Hin. These controlled over 85% of the total output of oil in Penang. Sun Wo Loong was the largest and produced 80 tonnes of oil per day while the others had an average production capacity of 40 to 50 tonness.( Wong Yee Tuan,2011).
Sun Wo Loong( a sole proprietorship), was formed earlier than that, it was a family business established before 1892. Ng Swee Cam, being a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University, USA, should be the one who modernize the family oil mill. It must be after he took over from the family, or at least when he come back to Penang after graduation in USA. It was later established as limited company.
SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. (“新和隆油較廠” ), manufacturer or rice bran oil and coconut oil , was located at 51, Madras Lane, Penang, just next to Hu Yew Seah. The timbers may be used as fire woods for the oil mill, or for easy transport to other places in Penang, by bullock carts. That was the reason why the oil mill was set up at Madras Lane(柴落頭), near to the source of timber(timber landing place). So timber merchant must have come first.....
The heritage and Personalities
The landmarks at Madras Lane are Hu Yew Siah, Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church, Telekom Penang headoffice(fronting Burma Road and along Madras Lane), and colonial government quarters. SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. (“新和隆油較廠” ) had been closed down, and development plan has been emplaced for the former oil mill site.
Three historical personality were related to the street, Ng Swee Cam(owner of SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD.), Choong Thiam Poe(Founder of Hu Yew Siah), and Dr Rabrindranath Tagore from, Calcutta, India(Hu Yew Seah building was opened in 1927 by Rabindranath Tagore, the 1913 Nobel Prize laureate for Literature). If included Dr Ong Chong Keng(Jalan Ong Chong Keng, a side road, was named after him), it will be four.
1. Hu Yew Siah
The organization was founded by Choong Thiam Poe alias Chung Lok Shan (鐘樂臣, Zhong Lechen, 1888-1930) in 1914 and specifically created to promote Chinese language education among the English-speaking Babas and Nyonyas in Penang. The Hu Yew Seah building was opened in 1927 by Rabindranath Tagore, the 1913 Nobel Prize laureate for Literature from Calcutta. The building was used by the Hu Yew Seah as a venue to promote and teach Chinese language. Because by the turn of the 20th century there were a number of English-educated Chinese, characteristically the Baba or Straits Chinese elite, who grew up not knowing their mother tongue. In the 70s, it was used to provide free tuition to teach Malay language to Chinese students who are weak in the national language.
Dr Rabrindranath Tagore, Asia’s first nobel laureate, visited Penang in 1927 and was received at the Butterworth train station by notable Penang personalities including the late Mr Khoo Sian Ewe, at the time a Legislative Council member. Tagore gave speeches at the Hu Yew Seah, a Straits Chinese educational institution, and Chung Ling High School. He was recorded in the Straits Echo to have had a rousing welcome from Penang’s Asian and Western communities. He also gave a lecture about his philosophy of internationalism at the Empire Theatre (in Magazine Road) and laid the foundation stone of the Hu Yew Seah building in Madras Lane.
Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Hu Yew Seah(辅友社华小）
Today, the Hu Yew Siah building housed a Chinese primary school, called Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Hu Yew Seah(辅友社华小）.
2. Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church(槟城油较路卫理公会)
Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church as its name describes, is a church of the Methodist Chinese assembly in George Town. It is also known as the Penang Hokkien Methodist Church, to differentiate it from the Cantonese Methodist Church at Macalister Road.
Dr. West and Mr. Lau Seng Chong on May 5, 1895 to start work among the Hokkien speaking Chinese of Penang as the "Gospel Light (which began) to shine upon this particular group of people who afterwards called themselves Methodists".
These pioneers rented and old shop house at 29 Galdestone Road. Records show that they did not confine themselves to the preaching of the Gospel alone; they branched out into dispensary work, Sunday school work and even started a Chinese school - all within an incredibly short period of 3 months.
The faithful and energetic efforts of these pioneers and their successors contributed to the growth of the Church both numerically and spiritually during the next forty years. The period saw the birth of the Epworth League and the Ladies Aid Society. Both groups together with the Sunday School and other Church programmes resulted in increased membership and attendance. The pressure of space necessitated the Church to move twice each time to a larger building before the congregation finally moved into the present building in Madras Lane in 1937.
The new building was indeed the fruit of the vision, faithfulness and dedication of the pastors, church workers and members before 1937.
Trinity Methodist Church was found in Madras Lane
In 1939, the English Speaking section of the Chinese Methodist Church was inaugurated. The idea of starting the English speaking section was to cater to the needs of the increasing number of children of the Chinese congregation, who attended English schools and found it difficult to understand the sermons in Hokkien. This section started with about 30 adult and youth members. When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the membership had increased to 80.
After the war, the English Speaking section, despite some minor setbacks, experienced a steady but slow growth. By 1950, the Sunday School and the Youth programmes of the section were activated with the help of the family of the late Rev. Khoo Cheng Hoe and others. The formation of the Boys' Brigade and Girls' Life Brigade alone greatly contributed to the upsurge of youth activities and Sunday School work and attracted an aggregate of over 200 youths. The pressure on space was similar to that experienced by the Mother Church in the pre-1937 period. Under these circumstances, the youth activities on many occasions had to be held at the premises of Union Institution in Burmah Road.
All this while, the English Speaking Section was without a regular pastor. The late Mr. Goh Kim Leong, being the most regular member of the congregation was appointed the Supply Pastor. Although Mr. Goh in his own words described himself as "not gifted to preach sermons", he had executed his duties as Supply Pastor faithfully and fruitfully. Through the God inspired vision and dedicated service of his leadership and faithfulness of the senior members of the congregation, the English Speaking Section was admitted to the Malayan Annual Conference, marking the birth of the Trinity Methodist Church in 1957. The late Rev. Khoo Oon Eng was appointed our first regular pastor by the Malayan Annual Conference.
Since this congregation was organized as a Local Church in 1957, God has richly showered His Grace upon us. The Local Church began with a membership of 80 in December 1957 with a full range of varied activities i.e. WSCS, MYF, MIF, BB, GLB and Sunday School among others. The crying need for a building of its own was immediately realized. Despite its weak financial position, the leadership of the new Church acted entirely on faith in proceeding to purchase the site in Green Lane. With God's blessings on the various fund-raising activities, the Trinity Methodist Church had a building of its own within three years in 1960. The present parsonage adjoining the Church building was also acquired at about the same time.
Founding of Boy's Brigade at Madras Lane,1st Penang Company
The Boys' Brigade did not come to Malaya until the after the second World War. A British soldier by the name of Robert Davis (former Captain of 6th Birkenhead Company at the Tranmere Freehold Methodist Church and later Tranmere United Reformed Church) gave the idea of The Boys' Brigade to one of Penang 's great educationist, the late Mr Geh Hun Kheng, who accepted the challenge becoming the first BB Captain in Malaya. Mr Geh realised that he had to do his "small share" to win the Boys over from the various subversive groups that were so rife after the Pacific War. The 1st Penang Company was officially started on 20th July, 1946. The first meeting of 20 Boys was held in the Methodist Church in Madras Lane on a Sunday in September 1946. Penang thus became the springboard from which Companies were started first in Kuala Lumpur and then in other parts of the country.
3. Telekom Penang
In 1870, postal, telegraph, and telephone systems were introduced in the Malayan Peninsula with the construction of a submarine cable linking the Straits Settlement to London.
1874 The telephone makes its debut in Perak
1882 Perak and Penang are linked by telephone via a submarine cable
The Telecommunications Department was established in 1902
But we do not know when the Telekom Penang was established at Madras Lane...Jalan Telefon must have built after that....
1877-1904
Despite Macalister Road or New Road/Jalan Bahru, was built in late 19th century, which was mentioned in Singapore Directory of Strait Settlement in 1877; the two landmarks, Hu Yew Siah building was completed in 1927, Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church was completed in 1937.
As per Kelly Map from 1891-1893, the Madras Lane had been built, in fact all the roads there were named with the name "Lane". Macalister Lane, Kinta Lane, Madras Lane, Jahudi Lane. However Kinta Lane was a shorter lane than today's Kinta Lane, which did not continue until Burmah Road, but met its dead end about half way of the current Kinta Lane, may be at the Jalan Telefon of today. Jalan Telefon and Ong Chong Keng Street were not yet built in 1891-1893 period. Jewish burial ground already at Jahudi Lane.
We do not know when the office and workshop of Telekom was built, neither we know when was SUN WO LOONG OIL MILL CO. LTD. constructed. In 1904, there was mentioned of Anson Road, Logan Road, Cantonment Road, Scotland Road, Scott Road, Burmah Road, Aboo Sitee Lane, Ayer Etam Road, Dato Kramat Road, Klawei Road,Perak Road, Jelutong Road, Transfer Road, Scotland Road,, Johore Road,and Barrack Road. This revealed that a good road system of the city had already developed.
Jalan Telepon and Jalan Ong Chong Keng is obviously years later in 20th century.
Recommend articles:
1. Before palm oil, there was coconut oil… , by Wong Yee Tuan ,February 2011 issue of the Penang Economic Monthly. (Wong Yee Tuan is a research fellow with the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies, and obtained his PhD in history from the Australian National University in 2007).
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Yahudi Road (Jalan Zainal Abidin)
Yahudi Road (Jalan Zainal Abidin) & SM Zainal Abidin
The Jalan Zainal Abidin(再纳阿比汀路) is located between Burma Road and Macalister Road. It is within the rectangular grid between Penang Road, Burma Road, Anson Road and Macalister Road. The entrance at Burma Road is directly facing Kedah Road. Joined with Madras Lane(油较路) by "Z" shape lane, and connected with Lorong Selamat(平安巷) by a straight lane.
View Larger Map
Jalan Zainal Abidin was originally known as Yahudi Road. It got its name from the Jewish presence in the area, a reminder of which being the Jewish Cemetery along the road. It was later changed to Jalan Zainal Abidin, named after SM Zainal Abidin, BA (Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin), retired Inspector of Malay Schools, Penang and politician.
The two most important landmarks are Jewish Cemetery and the 10 storey Menara UMNO(or UMNO Complex), a headquarter of Penang UMNO political party. Incidentally, the two names,Yahudi Road & Jalan Zainal Abidin were related to the two landmarks. Zainal Abidin was the UMNO Penang chairman.
Background of Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin(also known as SM Zainal Abidin, Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin)(b 3/10/1898- ?)
Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin was born on 3rd October 1898 at 167, Argyll Road (Formally known as Cakela Lane), Penang. He was the fourth son of Puan Tangcima and Tuan A.P. Sultan Mydin.
He had his early education in Chowrasta School, Penang in 1903 and then he continued his education to Penang Free School till he passed the Senior Cambridge at the age of 16.
Due to his vast interest in the teaching profession, he became a trainee teacher at Penang Free School in 1915. He was the School Captain of Penang Free School from 1917 – 1918. After normal training, he served in the same school in 1918. As a teacher, he was a strict disciplinarian but popular among the students. It was reported that Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia was one of his students.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was also a dedicated scout master. He was bestowed with "Medal of Merit" and was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Scout. He used the rules and regulation of scouting as his guidance.
One very special attribute of Haji Zainul Abidin was his prowess in mastering many languages such as Malay, English, Latin, Tamil, French, Japanese and Arabic.
Due to his enthusiasm to succeed in education, he enrolled in an out-campus programme with the University of London. He was the first Malay student to be honoured with B.A (Hon) Londonin 1935. In line with his success, he was appointed as the headmaster of Francis Light School in Penang in 1938. In 1945, he became the school inspectorate in Prai.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin became well-known in the political arena when he went against the Malayan Union in 1946. With a few friends he set up UMNO Penang. Unfortunately, as a civil servant he was not allowed to be active in politics. After retiring in 1953, he became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang. He won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election. He was offered the post of Education Minister but he declined as he did not want to leave Penang. In his 11 years tenure in Penang, he managed to build UMNO house in Macalister Road.
Due to his vast experience and qualification, Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was appointed as a member of University Court (Universiti Malaya) for several years. He was also a committee member of Razak Report and Rahman Talib Report and also a member of Alliance Council. He was also involved in the setting of Bahasa Baku Melayu/Indonesia.
In economics, he was active in Penang Malays' Co-operative Society as the president. This co-operative managed to build the first flat in Taman Abidin, Perak Road, Penang in 1973.
Despite is challenging career, he could find time for his interest. He was good in tennis,billiard, chess and draught. He was also a judo exponent until he got a black belt and became an instructor. He also wrote many books. In his free time he indulged in cooking,reading and concorted traditional medicines. His interest in music could be seen through his composition and setting up of 'Dar-Es-Salam Harmonian Party' band headed by him together with his children. He was also a member of Penang Wireless Society which used Penang Radio Station as the headquarter. He became the announcer for the Malay section managing the news and song request. During the Japanese Occupation he was appointed as the station supervisor for Radio Penang.
As appreciation for his contribution, he was bestowed the "Darja Johan Mangku Negara(DJMN) and JP or Justice of Peace(Jaksa Pendamai)medals.
(source: http://smkhzapenang.blogspot.com/2009/08/background-of-haji-sm-zainul-abidin.html)
Family
SM Haniff, elder brother of SM Zainal Abidin
The late Muhammad Yusof b Sultan Maidin or SM Yusoff, brother, was office assistant Education Office, Penang
SM Zainal Abidin & Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena Malaya(PASPAM)
The first national conference of Sahabat Pena, a pen-pal club, was held at Sunlight Muslim Association, 212 Kota Road, Taiping on 11 November 1934. It was "the first pan-Malayan Malay gathering of a non-official kind ever held." Among those present were Syed Alwi bin Syed Sheikh al-Hadi, S.M. Zainal Abidin and Sheikh Abdullah al-Maghribi, literary figures and Kaum Muda Islamic reformist leaders who were later to become prominent in the Malay nationalist movement. One of Islamic reformist Syeikh Abdullah Magribi was elected as Penasihat Umum(general advisor); SM Zainal Abidin was elected as Yang Dipertua(President) and Syed Alwi al-Hadi was General Secretary(Setiausaha Agung).
SM Zainal Abidin & Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang(PEMENANG)
Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang is an association in Penang. Also known by its acronym PEMENANG, the association has its headquarters at an Art Deco bungalow at 60, Jalan Pemenang, formerly part of Cantonment Road.
The Penang Malay Association traces its history to the gathering held at the home of local Malay millionaire Mohamad Ariff Tajuddin(or popularly known as Mohamad Ariff) at Hutton Lane (across the road from Masjid Jamek Jalan Hatin) on a Sunday afternoon in March 27th, 1927. The gathering was attended by members of the Malay intellectuals and property owners. The members discussed the setting up of an organisation to look after the interest of the Malays in Penang and to protect their religion under British administration.
In the 1970's, the state government under Dr Lim Chong Eu granted the association a plot of land at the junction of Anson Road and Macalister Road, where they built Bangunan Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang, a four-storey shoplot. The building, at 117 Jalan Macalister today houses a car showroom on the ground floor.
(source: http://www.penang-traveltips.com/penang-malay-association_pemenang.htm)
SM Zainal Abidin was the President of Penang Malay Association between 1948 - 1951.
SM Zainal & UMNO(The United Malays National Organisation)
After the British returned to Malaya in the aftermath of World War II, the Malayan Union was formed. However, the Union was met with much opposition due to its constitutional framework, which allegedly threatened Malay sovereignty over Malaya. A series of Malay congresses were held, culminating in the formation of the nationalist party, UMNO on May 11, 1946 at the Third Malay Congress in Johor Bahru, with Datuk Onn Jaafar as its leader. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was among the 41 Malay societies to the Malay Congress, the three representatives from Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang were Tuan Yusoff Izuddin as Yang Di Pertua(or President), Tuan Haji Taha Ali, and Tuan Mohamad Zain bin Ahmad(Master Zain).
1946 - On April 1, 1946 the Malayan Union officially came into existence with Sir Edward Gent as its governor. The capital of the Union was Kuala Lumpur.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang had participated with other establishment and institutions in Kongres Melayu or Malay Congress, under the leadership of Dato Onn bin Jaafar was held at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampong Baru, Kuala Lumpur from 1st to 4th Mac 1946. The result of the congress that was attended by 41 society and institution, establishment , it was resolved that a national organization to be formed, and to be named Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (PEKEMBAR) or United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
After the completion of registration , in the second Malay Congress held at Istana Besar, Johor Baru between 11th and 12th May 1946, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (UMNO) was officially announced established on 11th May 1946.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was one of the 40 establishment and societies that was accepted as Foundation Member( Ahli Pengasas) of UMNO on 11 Mei 1946. With the acceptance of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang as UMNO alliance member( Ahli Gabungan UMNO), all 2,000 members of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang become direct member of UMNO.
UMNO strongly opposed the Malayan Union, but originally did not seek political power. The Malayan Union was a federation of the Malay states and the Straits Settlements of Penang and Malacca. It was the successor to British Malaya and was conceived to unify the Malay Peninsula under a single government so as to simplify administration.
UMNO was comfortable with continuing to play its supporting role to the British rulers. The leaders cooperated with the British and helped to defeat the communist insurgency.
1948 – The Federation of Malaya (Persekutuan Tanah Melayu), a federation of 11 states formed on 31 January 1948, based on Federation of Malaya Agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on 21 January 1948. Comprising the nine Malay states and the British settlements of Penang and Malacca. It went into effect on 1st February 1948.
When UMNO annual conference was held at Francis Light School, Penang on 24th April 1948, it was agreed that direct membership vide the membership of alliance institutions (AhIi Berdaftar Terus, yakni menerusi Persatuan-Persatuan Bergabung) to be terminated, and branches to be established in various states of Malaya.
After the formation of the UMNO branch in Penang, Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang resolved that the society will not involve in political activities, but only concentrated their activities in social, religion, culture art, of Malay community in Penang.
Leaders of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang who were appointed as office bearer in UMNO Malaya were Tuan S M Zainul Abidin had been Pengerusi Tetap Persidangan Agung UMNO Malaya when UMNO was having their annual conferences at Francis Light School, Penang on 1946 and 1948. Tuan S M Aidid was Economic & Treasury officer(Pegawai Ekonomi dan Kewangan), and eventually become Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya in 1948, Captain Mohamed Noor Bin Mohamed was appointed as Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya to succeed Tuan S M Aidid in 1950.
1951 - In 1951, Onn Jaafar left UMNO after failing to open its membership to non-Malay Malayans to form the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP). Tunku Abdul Rahman replaced Dato' Onn as UMNO President.
1953 - After retiring in 1953, SM Zainal Abidi became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang under the presidency of his former pupil, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
1955 - SM Zainal Abidi won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election
Legacies
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin再纳阿比汀中学
Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965. It was later renamed Haji Zainal Abidin Secondary School, named after a teacher, SM Zainal Abidin.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin was located formally at Scotland Road, Penang. It was opened in 1965 as an extension school. Six other extension schools were also transferred to this school at that time. It was then transformed into a lower secondary school with the name Scotland Road Secondary School with a student population of about 726.
In 1967, the school was officiated by the then cheif minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee. 1986 saw an increase in the number of students to 1371. In 1972 the name of the school was changed to Haji Zainul Abidin School in rememberance to the noble deed of a local Malay educationist who is none other than Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin bin Sultan Mydin of Penang.
On 12th Sep 2009 Sekolah Haji Zainul Abidin, Jalan Scotland officially transferred to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor. SHZA then relocated to Jalan Hamilton and was known as SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin). It is now located at Jalan Hamilton Jelutong, Penang.
Taman Abidin and Jalan Zainul Abidin are the other legacies.
Jewish Cemetery in Yahudi Road, Penang
The first contact between Jews and the inhabitants of Malaya (later part of Malaysia) goes back to the 9th century A.D. on the riverbanks of the Bujang Valley, and later well into the 18th Century A.D. in the cosmopolitan bazaars of Malacca. The presence of Sephardic Baghdadi Jews in Penang probably occurred in the turn of the 19th century as the fledgling British ruled entreport grew and attracted Jewish trading families like the Sassoons and Meyers from India. There was also significant emigration of Jews from the Ottoman province of Baghdad as a result of the persecutions of the Governor, Daud Pasha whose rule lasted from 1817 to 1831.
The Malaysian Jews consist mainly of Oriental Jews (the majority of whom are Baghdadi Jews), with the rest being European Jews (Ashkenazi Jews) and possibly Chinese Jews, who fled from Kaifeng, China, during the Communist take-over of mainland China from the Nationalist Chinese in 1949.
The presence of Jewish cemetery revealed the harmony of the area before WW2, with people from various communities living peacefully together, practicing different religions. Mosques, churches and temples are nearby, especially along Burma Road . There were Malays, Indian Muslim, Jawa Peranakan, Indian, Chinese, Indonesian(Acheh,Java, Rawa etc). The cemetery was established in 1805, by the Legislative Council, opened by Rev Ezekiel Menassah, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Penang,Phillip Dundas(d 1807, Penang).
After WW2, most of the Jews left the place for Singapore , Australia or other places due to political climate changes.
Recommended articles/websites;
1. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (PEMENANG), http://pemenang.org.my/sejara/sejarah.html
2. Malayan Union, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Union
3. United Malays National Organisation, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Malays_National_Organisation
4. UMNO official website; http://www.umno-online.com/
5. Federation of Malaya, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Malaya
6. My earlier blog dated Sunday, April 12, 2009, Jewish Cemetery in Penang; http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/04/jew-cemetry-in-penang.html
7. A Penang Kaddish: The Jewish Cemetery in Georgetown, http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/rart_doc/RaimyCheRoss.pdf
8. Jewish Cemetery, http://www.penang-traveltips.com/jewish-cemetery.htm
9. The Jewish Virtual History Tour Malaysia ; http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/malaysia.html
The Jalan Zainal Abidin(再纳阿比汀路) is located between Burma Road and Macalister Road. It is within the rectangular grid between Penang Road, Burma Road, Anson Road and Macalister Road. The entrance at Burma Road is directly facing Kedah Road. Joined with Madras Lane(油较路) by "Z" shape lane, and connected with Lorong Selamat(平安巷) by a straight lane.
View Larger Map
Jalan Zainal Abidin was originally known as Yahudi Road. It got its name from the Jewish presence in the area, a reminder of which being the Jewish Cemetery along the road. It was later changed to Jalan Zainal Abidin, named after SM Zainal Abidin, BA (Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin), retired Inspector of Malay Schools, Penang and politician.
The two most important landmarks are Jewish Cemetery and the 10 storey Menara UMNO(or UMNO Complex), a headquarter of Penang UMNO political party. Incidentally, the two names,Yahudi Road & Jalan Zainal Abidin were related to the two landmarks. Zainal Abidin was the UMNO Penang chairman.
Background of Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin(also known as SM Zainal Abidin, Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin)(b 3/10/1898- ?)
Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin was born on 3rd October 1898 at 167, Argyll Road (Formally known as Cakela Lane), Penang. He was the fourth son of Puan Tangcima and Tuan A.P. Sultan Mydin.
He had his early education in Chowrasta School, Penang in 1903 and then he continued his education to Penang Free School till he passed the Senior Cambridge at the age of 16.
Due to his vast interest in the teaching profession, he became a trainee teacher at Penang Free School in 1915. He was the School Captain of Penang Free School from 1917 – 1918. After normal training, he served in the same school in 1918. As a teacher, he was a strict disciplinarian but popular among the students. It was reported that Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia was one of his students.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was also a dedicated scout master. He was bestowed with "Medal of Merit" and was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Scout. He used the rules and regulation of scouting as his guidance.
One very special attribute of Haji Zainul Abidin was his prowess in mastering many languages such as Malay, English, Latin, Tamil, French, Japanese and Arabic.
Due to his enthusiasm to succeed in education, he enrolled in an out-campus programme with the University of London. He was the first Malay student to be honoured with B.A (Hon) Londonin 1935. In line with his success, he was appointed as the headmaster of Francis Light School in Penang in 1938. In 1945, he became the school inspectorate in Prai.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin became well-known in the political arena when he went against the Malayan Union in 1946. With a few friends he set up UMNO Penang. Unfortunately, as a civil servant he was not allowed to be active in politics. After retiring in 1953, he became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang. He won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election. He was offered the post of Education Minister but he declined as he did not want to leave Penang. In his 11 years tenure in Penang, he managed to build UMNO house in Macalister Road.
Due to his vast experience and qualification, Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was appointed as a member of University Court (Universiti Malaya) for several years. He was also a committee member of Razak Report and Rahman Talib Report and also a member of Alliance Council. He was also involved in the setting of Bahasa Baku Melayu/Indonesia.
In economics, he was active in Penang Malays' Co-operative Society as the president. This co-operative managed to build the first flat in Taman Abidin, Perak Road, Penang in 1973.
Despite is challenging career, he could find time for his interest. He was good in tennis,billiard, chess and draught. He was also a judo exponent until he got a black belt and became an instructor. He also wrote many books. In his free time he indulged in cooking,reading and concorted traditional medicines. His interest in music could be seen through his composition and setting up of 'Dar-Es-Salam Harmonian Party' band headed by him together with his children. He was also a member of Penang Wireless Society which used Penang Radio Station as the headquarter. He became the announcer for the Malay section managing the news and song request. During the Japanese Occupation he was appointed as the station supervisor for Radio Penang.
As appreciation for his contribution, he was bestowed the "Darja Johan Mangku Negara(DJMN) and JP or Justice of Peace(Jaksa Pendamai)medals.
(source: http://smkhzapenang.blogspot.com/2009/08/background-of-haji-sm-zainul-abidin.html)
Family
SM Haniff, elder brother of SM Zainal Abidin
The late Muhammad Yusof b Sultan Maidin or SM Yusoff, brother, was office assistant Education Office, Penang
SM Zainal Abidin & Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena Malaya(PASPAM)
The first national conference of Sahabat Pena, a pen-pal club, was held at Sunlight Muslim Association, 212 Kota Road, Taiping on 11 November 1934. It was "the first pan-Malayan Malay gathering of a non-official kind ever held." Among those present were Syed Alwi bin Syed Sheikh al-Hadi, S.M. Zainal Abidin and Sheikh Abdullah al-Maghribi, literary figures and Kaum Muda Islamic reformist leaders who were later to become prominent in the Malay nationalist movement. One of Islamic reformist Syeikh Abdullah Magribi was elected as Penasihat Umum(general advisor); SM Zainal Abidin was elected as Yang Dipertua(President) and Syed Alwi al-Hadi was General Secretary(Setiausaha Agung).
SM Zainal Abidin & Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang(PEMENANG)
Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang is an association in Penang. Also known by its acronym PEMENANG, the association has its headquarters at an Art Deco bungalow at 60, Jalan Pemenang, formerly part of Cantonment Road.
The Penang Malay Association traces its history to the gathering held at the home of local Malay millionaire Mohamad Ariff Tajuddin(or popularly known as Mohamad Ariff) at Hutton Lane (across the road from Masjid Jamek Jalan Hatin) on a Sunday afternoon in March 27th, 1927. The gathering was attended by members of the Malay intellectuals and property owners. The members discussed the setting up of an organisation to look after the interest of the Malays in Penang and to protect their religion under British administration.
In the 1970's, the state government under Dr Lim Chong Eu granted the association a plot of land at the junction of Anson Road and Macalister Road, where they built Bangunan Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang, a four-storey shoplot. The building, at 117 Jalan Macalister today houses a car showroom on the ground floor.
(source: http://www.penang-traveltips.com/penang-malay-association_pemenang.htm)
SM Zainal Abidin was the President of Penang Malay Association between 1948 - 1951.
SM Zainal & UMNO(The United Malays National Organisation)
After the British returned to Malaya in the aftermath of World War II, the Malayan Union was formed. However, the Union was met with much opposition due to its constitutional framework, which allegedly threatened Malay sovereignty over Malaya. A series of Malay congresses were held, culminating in the formation of the nationalist party, UMNO on May 11, 1946 at the Third Malay Congress in Johor Bahru, with Datuk Onn Jaafar as its leader. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was among the 41 Malay societies to the Malay Congress, the three representatives from Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang were Tuan Yusoff Izuddin as Yang Di Pertua(or President), Tuan Haji Taha Ali, and Tuan Mohamad Zain bin Ahmad(Master Zain).
1946 - On April 1, 1946 the Malayan Union officially came into existence with Sir Edward Gent as its governor. The capital of the Union was Kuala Lumpur.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang had participated with other establishment and institutions in Kongres Melayu or Malay Congress, under the leadership of Dato Onn bin Jaafar was held at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampong Baru, Kuala Lumpur from 1st to 4th Mac 1946. The result of the congress that was attended by 41 society and institution, establishment , it was resolved that a national organization to be formed, and to be named Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (PEKEMBAR) or United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
After the completion of registration , in the second Malay Congress held at Istana Besar, Johor Baru between 11th and 12th May 1946, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (UMNO) was officially announced established on 11th May 1946.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was one of the 40 establishment and societies that was accepted as Foundation Member( Ahli Pengasas) of UMNO on 11 Mei 1946. With the acceptance of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang as UMNO alliance member( Ahli Gabungan UMNO), all 2,000 members of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang become direct member of UMNO.
UMNO strongly opposed the Malayan Union, but originally did not seek political power. The Malayan Union was a federation of the Malay states and the Straits Settlements of Penang and Malacca. It was the successor to British Malaya and was conceived to unify the Malay Peninsula under a single government so as to simplify administration.
UMNO was comfortable with continuing to play its supporting role to the British rulers. The leaders cooperated with the British and helped to defeat the communist insurgency.
1948 – The Federation of Malaya (Persekutuan Tanah Melayu), a federation of 11 states formed on 31 January 1948, based on Federation of Malaya Agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on 21 January 1948. Comprising the nine Malay states and the British settlements of Penang and Malacca. It went into effect on 1st February 1948.
When UMNO annual conference was held at Francis Light School, Penang on 24th April 1948, it was agreed that direct membership vide the membership of alliance institutions (AhIi Berdaftar Terus, yakni menerusi Persatuan-Persatuan Bergabung) to be terminated, and branches to be established in various states of Malaya.
After the formation of the UMNO branch in Penang, Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang resolved that the society will not involve in political activities, but only concentrated their activities in social, religion, culture art, of Malay community in Penang.
Leaders of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang who were appointed as office bearer in UMNO Malaya were Tuan S M Zainul Abidin had been Pengerusi Tetap Persidangan Agung UMNO Malaya when UMNO was having their annual conferences at Francis Light School, Penang on 1946 and 1948. Tuan S M Aidid was Economic & Treasury officer(Pegawai Ekonomi dan Kewangan), and eventually become Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya in 1948, Captain Mohamed Noor Bin Mohamed was appointed as Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya to succeed Tuan S M Aidid in 1950.
1951 - In 1951, Onn Jaafar left UMNO after failing to open its membership to non-Malay Malayans to form the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP). Tunku Abdul Rahman replaced Dato' Onn as UMNO President.
1953 - After retiring in 1953, SM Zainal Abidi became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang under the presidency of his former pupil, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
1955 - SM Zainal Abidi won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election
Legacies
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin再纳阿比汀中学
Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965. It was later renamed Haji Zainal Abidin Secondary School, named after a teacher, SM Zainal Abidin.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin was located formally at Scotland Road, Penang. It was opened in 1965 as an extension school. Six other extension schools were also transferred to this school at that time. It was then transformed into a lower secondary school with the name Scotland Road Secondary School with a student population of about 726.
In 1967, the school was officiated by the then cheif minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee. 1986 saw an increase in the number of students to 1371. In 1972 the name of the school was changed to Haji Zainul Abidin School in rememberance to the noble deed of a local Malay educationist who is none other than Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin bin Sultan Mydin of Penang.
On 12th Sep 2009 Sekolah Haji Zainul Abidin, Jalan Scotland officially transferred to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor. SHZA then relocated to Jalan Hamilton and was known as SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin). It is now located at Jalan Hamilton Jelutong, Penang.
Taman Abidin and Jalan Zainul Abidin are the other legacies.
Jewish Cemetery in Yahudi Road, Penang
The first contact between Jews and the inhabitants of Malaya (later part of Malaysia) goes back to the 9th century A.D. on the riverbanks of the Bujang Valley, and later well into the 18th Century A.D. in the cosmopolitan bazaars of Malacca. The presence of Sephardic Baghdadi Jews in Penang probably occurred in the turn of the 19th century as the fledgling British ruled entreport grew and attracted Jewish trading families like the Sassoons and Meyers from India. There was also significant emigration of Jews from the Ottoman province of Baghdad as a result of the persecutions of the Governor, Daud Pasha whose rule lasted from 1817 to 1831.
The Malaysian Jews consist mainly of Oriental Jews (the majority of whom are Baghdadi Jews), with the rest being European Jews (Ashkenazi Jews) and possibly Chinese Jews, who fled from Kaifeng, China, during the Communist take-over of mainland China from the Nationalist Chinese in 1949.
The presence of Jewish cemetery revealed the harmony of the area before WW2, with people from various communities living peacefully together, practicing different religions. Mosques, churches and temples are nearby, especially along Burma Road . There were Malays, Indian Muslim, Jawa Peranakan, Indian, Chinese, Indonesian(Acheh,Java, Rawa etc). The cemetery was established in 1805, by the Legislative Council, opened by Rev Ezekiel Menassah, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Penang,Phillip Dundas(d 1807, Penang).
After WW2, most of the Jews left the place for Singapore , Australia or other places due to political climate changes.
Recommended articles/websites;
1. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (PEMENANG), http://pemenang.org.my/sejara/sejarah.html
2. Malayan Union, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Union
3. United Malays National Organisation, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Malays_National_Organisation
4. UMNO official website; http://www.umno-online.com/
5. Federation of Malaya, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Malaya
6. My earlier blog dated Sunday, April 12, 2009, Jewish Cemetery in Penang; http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/04/jew-cemetry-in-penang.html
7. A Penang Kaddish: The Jewish Cemetery in Georgetown, http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/rart_doc/RaimyCheRoss.pdf
8. Jewish Cemetery, http://www.penang-traveltips.com/jewish-cemetery.htm
9. The Jewish Virtual History Tour Malaysia ; http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/malaysia.html
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Aboo Sittee Lane
Aboo Sittee Lane, Mamak Pushi & Bangsawan
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Aboo Sittee Lane located at the side road between Macalister Road and Burma Road.
I do not know who is Aboo Sittee, but it sound like an Indian Muslim name, or may be Jawi Peranakan. Abu means Father or 'Father of ...'. For example, 'Abu Ahmed' means Father of Ahmed. In Arab countries most people are called Abu X, (where X is the name of the first son or daughter,) by people who know them, instead of their official name. Abu is an Arabic term meaning "father." It is used as a "kunya," an honorific that incorporates the bearer's firstborn child's name into the bearer's own. For instance, if the bearer's firstborn son is called Hakim, the bearer might take the name "Abu Hakim." أبو كريم "Abu Karim" for "father of Karim"
Sittee is Arabic word for grandmother, Abu sittee is the meaning of father of grandmother? Or the father of the person with name of Sittee? But it seems that Sittee should be a female name, like Siti? But as father of Siti, it become a male name......who is Aboo Sittee?......
Among the Chinese, Aboo Sittee Lane was known as Samseng Hang(三星巷, 三牲巷), or Gangster Alley, because it was where Chinese hooligans used to group there. Literally 三牲巷 mean three animals lane, why three animals? Is is the place for the butchers? ; 三星巷 means three stars lane, this may be the simplified version of 三牲巷. In Chinese it sound like Samseng Hang in Hockkien, Samseng means gangster, hang means lane, the name become gangster lane. Which name is earlier Chinese name? Samseng first or later?. The official name, Abu Sittee Lane has no link with its Chinese name, Samseng Hang by Hockkien Chinese?. There must be many gang members or samseng in the area.....
During the period, a number of Georgetown streets became centres of Muslim gangster activities. Chulia Street, Hutton Lane, Macalister Road, Dato Kramat, Malay Street, Argyll Road, Burma Road, Abu Sittee Lane, Kimberley Street, Queen Street, Campbell Street and Pinang Road all earned notorious reputation for such activities. The area from the junction of Jalan Bahru to Anson Road and up to Kramat Road was Jalan Bahru White Flag territories.(source: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Volume 72, 1999, by Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Malaysian Branch). May be the Chinese called it Samseng Hang due to the Muslim gangster in the area....There were two Mohamedan secret societies at Penang; the White Flag Society and its rival the Red Flag. In the Moharram in May 1867, the White Flag Society quarreled with the Red Flag. Full-scale riots broke out in 1867 after a member of the White Flag Society reportedly flung a rambutan skin at one of his rivals. Fighting escalated, knives replaced fruit peel, and hundreds were killed. It was called The Penang Riots in 1867, it was not a racial riots,as there were cooperation between different races group within both opposing parties. Ghee Hin and the White Flag(白旗會)of Masjid Pintal Tali; and Tua Pek Kong(or Kien Tek Society(督公,大伯公), which were mainly Hokkien) with Red Flag of Acheen Street area. Tua Pek Kong was the ally of Hai San. The riot was actually violence conflict or war between two commercially interest parties. The war last for 10 days, all activities in George Town was stopped during the period between 3-8-1867 to 14-8-1867.Penang R
The Malay however called it Lorong Pushi, because this place is the residential place of Mama Pushi, the father of Bangsawan.The name "Bangsawan", which means "nobility" is believed to have been given by Tunku Kudin. Then why the official name is not Lorong Pushi or Jalan Pushi? But some source said the name Aboo Sittee is the name of Mamak Pushi, the man who found Malay opera called Bangsawan in Penang. Mama Pushi, also known as Mamak Pushi and Mohamad Pusi (Edrus 1960:50-4). Mama Pushi was a wealthy Parsi from Penang. It is reported in the literature oh Malay theatre that the company he founded was thè first Malay Bangsawan to travel abroad. His troupe, known variously as 'Wayang Mama Pushi', 'Empress Victoria', 'Jawi Peranakan Theatrical Company', and 'Pushi Indera Bangsawan of Penang',
During an age where there was still no television, street operas and wandering theaters are a popular form of entertainment in early Penang, and even Malaya and Indonesia. It drew a following not only among the Malays, but also the Chinese population.
The Bangsawan opera traces its roots among the Indian Muslims. Indeed Abu Siti was also known by the nickname Mamak Pushi. His Bangsawan troupe, the Kumpulan Pusi Indera-Bangsawan, was formed in the 1890's and staged a touring concert throughout Malaya and Indonesia.
The 'trans-ethnic' theatre came to Indonesia from India through Malaysia (Penang). It was called Wayang Parsi by the Malays. For some reasons the troupe returned to India, and its manager sold the properties, costumes etc. to a Malay enterpreneur, Mohammad Pushi. Mohammad Pushi changed the name of the troupe into 'Bangsawan' (1885). The 'Bangsawan' was a professorial theatre and used Malay language in its performances. The repertoire consisted of local melodramas of kings, queens, princes, princesses and demons, tales from India or the Middle East. It is evident that the theatre was meant for entertainment. And as such it was well received by Malay-speaking and town-dwelling audience in Singapore and Sumatera (Indonesia). When it visited Java (Jakarta, then Batavia) it was not well received and failed financially. It was once again dissolved and sold to a Turk named Jaafar. Jaafar renamed the troupe 'Stamboel' (for Istamboel, the Turkish name for Constantinople). It was successful and another 'Stamboel' theatre was established in Surabaya (1891). The leader of this troupe was August Mahieu (of French-Indonesian parents) was born in Surabaya in 1860. He named his theatre Komedi Stamboel. To avoid the kind of failure suffered by the Bangsawan Theatre, he added to the repertoire the popular local (Indonesian) stories, such as Nyai Dasima, Si Conat, Oey Tambaksia, and stories from Shakespeare in adapted forms. It was assumed that he also used a Malay-dialect more acceptable to the Javanese, rather than the High or Court-Malay used in the Bangsawan Theatre. As a theatre it relied on glamourous costumes and gorgeous set, as for the acting it almost resembled the modern musicals of Broadway. Emotions were expressed through songs, and dances were important parts of the theatre. Though it used Malay language and was well received by many ethnic groups, it could not be classified as the national theatre, because it did not express the awareness and aspirations towards nationhood. The goal of the trans-ethnic theatre was financial, the method was entertainment. But from the point of view of the birth, growth and development of the Indonesian theatre, both the ethnic and trans-ethnic theatres are very important. They prepared the way for it.
(http://www.mindspring.com/~accra/indoXchange/rendraRef.html)
Masjid Tarik Air
Masjid Tarik Air is a small mosque along Burmah Road, George Town, just next to the entrance to Aboo Sittee Lane, off Burma Road. It dates to 1880, to a very different era when pipe water is not readily available in Penang.
In the old days, a battalion of water carriers would convey fresh water collected from the Waterfall (now the Botanical Gardens Waterfall) and carry it all the way to town. Bullock carts and oxen were used to transport the water from the Waterfall, but sometime coolies were carrying water pails on yokes. That is why Burmah Road is known in Hokkien as Gû-chhia-chuí(牛車水), which means bullock cart water. It was later called Chia Chooi Lor(車水路),which means the road of cart water, the word bull(牛)was deleted. May be at that time, no more bullock cart was used to carry water as aquaduct had been constructed. To cut short the street name to Chia chooi(車水), instead of Gu-chia-chui(牛車水), bull(牛) was then missing. The Malay called it Tarek Ayer(which means drawing water), and later Jalan Kereta Ayer, which means "water cart road". The water carriers and water carts were drawing water from the waterfall at Waterfall garden, later aquaduct was constructed from Waterfall to Leith Street, which ran along Burmah Rd.
Masjid Tarik Air was a resting place or stop for the coolies, many of whom were Indian Muslims. It was also the site where they perform their daily prayers before continuing on their journey to the town.
Coconut Stall
Coconut stalls at Aboo Sittee Lane is now a tourist attraction. It is a natural way of quenching your thirst, much better than drinking unhealthy soft drink, while you go walking in the city.
View Larger Map
Aboo Sittee Lane located at the side road between Macalister Road and Burma Road.
I do not know who is Aboo Sittee, but it sound like an Indian Muslim name, or may be Jawi Peranakan. Abu means Father or 'Father of ...'. For example, 'Abu Ahmed' means Father of Ahmed. In Arab countries most people are called Abu X, (where X is the name of the first son or daughter,) by people who know them, instead of their official name. Abu is an Arabic term meaning "father." It is used as a "kunya," an honorific that incorporates the bearer's firstborn child's name into the bearer's own. For instance, if the bearer's firstborn son is called Hakim, the bearer might take the name "Abu Hakim." أبو كريم "Abu Karim" for "father of Karim"
Sittee is Arabic word for grandmother, Abu sittee is the meaning of father of grandmother? Or the father of the person with name of Sittee? But it seems that Sittee should be a female name, like Siti? But as father of Siti, it become a male name......who is Aboo Sittee?......
Among the Chinese, Aboo Sittee Lane was known as Samseng Hang(三星巷, 三牲巷), or Gangster Alley, because it was where Chinese hooligans used to group there. Literally 三牲巷 mean three animals lane, why three animals? Is is the place for the butchers? ; 三星巷 means three stars lane, this may be the simplified version of 三牲巷. In Chinese it sound like Samseng Hang in Hockkien, Samseng means gangster, hang means lane, the name become gangster lane. Which name is earlier Chinese name? Samseng first or later?. The official name, Abu Sittee Lane has no link with its Chinese name, Samseng Hang by Hockkien Chinese?. There must be many gang members or samseng in the area.....
During the period, a number of Georgetown streets became centres of Muslim gangster activities. Chulia Street, Hutton Lane, Macalister Road, Dato Kramat, Malay Street, Argyll Road, Burma Road, Abu Sittee Lane, Kimberley Street, Queen Street, Campbell Street and Pinang Road all earned notorious reputation for such activities. The area from the junction of Jalan Bahru to Anson Road and up to Kramat Road was Jalan Bahru White Flag territories.(source: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Volume 72, 1999, by Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Malaysian Branch). May be the Chinese called it Samseng Hang due to the Muslim gangster in the area....There were two Mohamedan secret societies at Penang; the White Flag Society and its rival the Red Flag. In the Moharram in May 1867, the White Flag Society quarreled with the Red Flag. Full-scale riots broke out in 1867 after a member of the White Flag Society reportedly flung a rambutan skin at one of his rivals. Fighting escalated, knives replaced fruit peel, and hundreds were killed. It was called The Penang Riots in 1867, it was not a racial riots,as there were cooperation between different races group within both opposing parties. Ghee Hin and the White Flag(白旗會)of Masjid Pintal Tali; and Tua Pek Kong(or Kien Tek Society(督公,大伯公), which were mainly Hokkien) with Red Flag of Acheen Street area. Tua Pek Kong was the ally of Hai San. The riot was actually violence conflict or war between two commercially interest parties. The war last for 10 days, all activities in George Town was stopped during the period between 3-8-1867 to 14-8-1867.Penang R
The Malay however called it Lorong Pushi, because this place is the residential place of Mama Pushi, the father of Bangsawan.The name "Bangsawan", which means "nobility" is believed to have been given by Tunku Kudin. Then why the official name is not Lorong Pushi or Jalan Pushi? But some source said the name Aboo Sittee is the name of Mamak Pushi, the man who found Malay opera called Bangsawan in Penang. Mama Pushi, also known as Mamak Pushi and Mohamad Pusi (Edrus 1960:50-4). Mama Pushi was a wealthy Parsi from Penang. It is reported in the literature oh Malay theatre that the company he founded was thè first Malay Bangsawan to travel abroad. His troupe, known variously as 'Wayang Mama Pushi', 'Empress Victoria', 'Jawi Peranakan Theatrical Company', and 'Pushi Indera Bangsawan of Penang',
During an age where there was still no television, street operas and wandering theaters are a popular form of entertainment in early Penang, and even Malaya and Indonesia. It drew a following not only among the Malays, but also the Chinese population.
The Bangsawan opera traces its roots among the Indian Muslims. Indeed Abu Siti was also known by the nickname Mamak Pushi. His Bangsawan troupe, the Kumpulan Pusi Indera-Bangsawan, was formed in the 1890's and staged a touring concert throughout Malaya and Indonesia.
The 'trans-ethnic' theatre came to Indonesia from India through Malaysia (Penang). It was called Wayang Parsi by the Malays. For some reasons the troupe returned to India, and its manager sold the properties, costumes etc. to a Malay enterpreneur, Mohammad Pushi. Mohammad Pushi changed the name of the troupe into 'Bangsawan' (1885). The 'Bangsawan' was a professorial theatre and used Malay language in its performances. The repertoire consisted of local melodramas of kings, queens, princes, princesses and demons, tales from India or the Middle East. It is evident that the theatre was meant for entertainment. And as such it was well received by Malay-speaking and town-dwelling audience in Singapore and Sumatera (Indonesia). When it visited Java (Jakarta, then Batavia) it was not well received and failed financially. It was once again dissolved and sold to a Turk named Jaafar. Jaafar renamed the troupe 'Stamboel' (for Istamboel, the Turkish name for Constantinople). It was successful and another 'Stamboel' theatre was established in Surabaya (1891). The leader of this troupe was August Mahieu (of French-Indonesian parents) was born in Surabaya in 1860. He named his theatre Komedi Stamboel. To avoid the kind of failure suffered by the Bangsawan Theatre, he added to the repertoire the popular local (Indonesian) stories, such as Nyai Dasima, Si Conat, Oey Tambaksia, and stories from Shakespeare in adapted forms. It was assumed that he also used a Malay-dialect more acceptable to the Javanese, rather than the High or Court-Malay used in the Bangsawan Theatre. As a theatre it relied on glamourous costumes and gorgeous set, as for the acting it almost resembled the modern musicals of Broadway. Emotions were expressed through songs, and dances were important parts of the theatre. Though it used Malay language and was well received by many ethnic groups, it could not be classified as the national theatre, because it did not express the awareness and aspirations towards nationhood. The goal of the trans-ethnic theatre was financial, the method was entertainment. But from the point of view of the birth, growth and development of the Indonesian theatre, both the ethnic and trans-ethnic theatres are very important. They prepared the way for it.
(http://www.mindspring.com/~accra/indoXchange/rendraRef.html)
Masjid Tarik Air
Masjid Tarik Air is a small mosque along Burmah Road, George Town, just next to the entrance to Aboo Sittee Lane, off Burma Road. It dates to 1880, to a very different era when pipe water is not readily available in Penang.
In the old days, a battalion of water carriers would convey fresh water collected from the Waterfall (now the Botanical Gardens Waterfall) and carry it all the way to town. Bullock carts and oxen were used to transport the water from the Waterfall, but sometime coolies were carrying water pails on yokes. That is why Burmah Road is known in Hokkien as Gû-chhia-chuí(牛車水), which means bullock cart water. It was later called Chia Chooi Lor(車水路),which means the road of cart water, the word bull(牛)was deleted. May be at that time, no more bullock cart was used to carry water as aquaduct had been constructed. To cut short the street name to Chia chooi(車水), instead of Gu-chia-chui(牛車水), bull(牛) was then missing. The Malay called it Tarek Ayer(which means drawing water), and later Jalan Kereta Ayer, which means "water cart road". The water carriers and water carts were drawing water from the waterfall at Waterfall garden, later aquaduct was constructed from Waterfall to Leith Street, which ran along Burmah Rd.
Masjid Tarik Air was a resting place or stop for the coolies, many of whom were Indian Muslims. It was also the site where they perform their daily prayers before continuing on their journey to the town.
Coconut Stall
Coconut stalls at Aboo Sittee Lane is now a tourist attraction. It is a natural way of quenching your thirst, much better than drinking unhealthy soft drink, while you go walking in the city.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Rifle Range Flats urban renewal
Finally the results of Rifle Range Penang Malaysia urban renewal design ideas Competition has been announced by the organizers on 4-11-2010. The effort of Penang state government to improve the living condition of the Rifle Range Flats. The said low cost flats had been an eyesore as slum area for a long time, and the previous government was not able to get rid of the image. This is a place where the politician will gather during the election time, any government that can change the place will be a break through for the state, and a new chapter for the residents of Rifle Range Flats. The residents will be thankful for the change and the improvement in their living conditions.
In the Star dated 15-6-2010, State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Penang’s first public low-cost housing project in Air Itam – the Rifle Range flats – will be upgraded under an urban renewal plan to rid it of its slum image. This was indeed a good news for the residents at Rifle Range Flats. The project would kick off the government’s plan for other similar projects in Penang, that is very good for the state, and a positive step for the CAT government, a people centered and people benefited projects.
This international design ideas competition for 'Urban Renewal For Rifle Range, Penang' is jointly organized by the Penang State Government, Penang Municipal Council, Malaysian Institute of Architects (Northern Chapter) and Malaysian Institute of Planners (Northern Branch).The main objective of this competition is to get a creative ideas and practical solution in redeveloping an existing housing area in Rifle Range, Penang into a vibrant, sustainable and well-planned residential and commercial area. The State government hopes that through this exercise, the quality of life of Rifle Range community, in particular, will be significantly improved.
The proposed site is located on lots 1268, 1275-1283, 2022 and 2104, Section 2, George Town, Jalan Padang Tembak, North East District, Penang. It also includes the existing Public Wet Market and Hawker's Centre. The overall site area is approximately 19.0 acres (please refer to the site plan). The neighboring developments surrounding the site are Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Padang Tembak (primary school), DNP textile factory and the head quarters for Penang Water Corporation (PBA).
There are 9 blocks of 17-storey apartments within the site containing 3,663 residential units and 62 shop lots. They were built in 1969. Whereby, the 7 blocks of 4-storey walk-up apartments, owned by the Penang Municipal Council, are located on Lots 2022 and 2104. The total number of residential units is 114 units.
Koi Lik Wai and Wan Jihana Azman of DEAKIN UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA was the 1st prize winner under the student category. Michael Ong, Cheah Lye Aik, Ang Tok Meng, Abidah Bahrudin, Ho Seng Keen, Lee K Jin from BYG ARCHITECTURE SDN. BHD., Malaysia was the 1st prize winner for the Professionals Category. The Professional category had attracted many entries from oversea.
Now the state government has take the initiative step to change Rifle Range Flats, what will the residents of Rifle Range Flats do? the first is to changed the habit of throwing rubbish everywhere, to maintain the clean image of the resident area, after all this is the home. The residents association should take the steps to educate the residents to change, to make the Rifle Range Flats the home that every one will be proud of .....the change for better.
Thanks to the state government, and the ball is now at the foot of the residents; let us kick it off.........
Related websites and articles:
1.Rifle Range Penang Malaysia urban renewal design ideas Competition, http://www.penangriflerange.com.my/index.html
2. Life in Penang, is more than beautiful: Rifle Range Flat, Air Itam, http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/06/rifle-range-flat.html
3. Rifle Range to undergo urban renewal, The star dated 15-6-2010; http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/15/nation/6466729&sec=nation
4. Between faith and hope / Home on the range - Penang Economic Monthly; http://www.penangeconomicmonthly.com/selected/july10/PEM_MAG_JULY_FA_rifle_range.pdf
In the Star dated 15-6-2010, State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Penang’s first public low-cost housing project in Air Itam – the Rifle Range flats – will be upgraded under an urban renewal plan to rid it of its slum image. This was indeed a good news for the residents at Rifle Range Flats. The project would kick off the government’s plan for other similar projects in Penang, that is very good for the state, and a positive step for the CAT government, a people centered and people benefited projects.
This international design ideas competition for 'Urban Renewal For Rifle Range, Penang' is jointly organized by the Penang State Government, Penang Municipal Council, Malaysian Institute of Architects (Northern Chapter) and Malaysian Institute of Planners (Northern Branch).The main objective of this competition is to get a creative ideas and practical solution in redeveloping an existing housing area in Rifle Range, Penang into a vibrant, sustainable and well-planned residential and commercial area. The State government hopes that through this exercise, the quality of life of Rifle Range community, in particular, will be significantly improved.
The proposed site is located on lots 1268, 1275-1283, 2022 and 2104, Section 2, George Town, Jalan Padang Tembak, North East District, Penang. It also includes the existing Public Wet Market and Hawker's Centre. The overall site area is approximately 19.0 acres (please refer to the site plan). The neighboring developments surrounding the site are Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Padang Tembak (primary school), DNP textile factory and the head quarters for Penang Water Corporation (PBA).
There are 9 blocks of 17-storey apartments within the site containing 3,663 residential units and 62 shop lots. They were built in 1969. Whereby, the 7 blocks of 4-storey walk-up apartments, owned by the Penang Municipal Council, are located on Lots 2022 and 2104. The total number of residential units is 114 units.
Koi Lik Wai and Wan Jihana Azman of DEAKIN UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA was the 1st prize winner under the student category. Michael Ong, Cheah Lye Aik, Ang Tok Meng, Abidah Bahrudin, Ho Seng Keen, Lee K Jin from BYG ARCHITECTURE SDN. BHD., Malaysia was the 1st prize winner for the Professionals Category. The Professional category had attracted many entries from oversea.
Now the state government has take the initiative step to change Rifle Range Flats, what will the residents of Rifle Range Flats do? the first is to changed the habit of throwing rubbish everywhere, to maintain the clean image of the resident area, after all this is the home. The residents association should take the steps to educate the residents to change, to make the Rifle Range Flats the home that every one will be proud of .....the change for better.
Thanks to the state government, and the ball is now at the foot of the residents; let us kick it off.........
Related websites and articles:
1.Rifle Range Penang Malaysia urban renewal design ideas Competition, http://www.penangriflerange.com.my/index.html
2. Life in Penang, is more than beautiful: Rifle Range Flat, Air Itam, http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/06/rifle-range-flat.html
3. Rifle Range to undergo urban renewal, The star dated 15-6-2010; http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/15/nation/6466729&sec=nation
4. Between faith and hope / Home on the range - Penang Economic Monthly; http://www.penangeconomicmonthly.com/selected/july10/PEM_MAG_JULY_FA_rifle_range.pdf
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Westlands Road, Penang
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Westlands Road(卫斯兰路)is the road connected Jalan Anson or Anson Road and Jalan Padang Victoria (Victoria Green Road)just in front of the Westlands School field). Victoria Green Road was named after Victoria Green, the grounds of Chinese Recreation Club(CRC) which boast a statue of Queen Victoria there.The side road connected to it are Khaw Sim Bee Road and Pykett Avenue. Westlands Road is mainly Residential area, but lately there are some offices opened in the area. It is not a busy street, mainly used by parents or school buses sending students to Pykett Methodist Primary School and Westlands Secondary School.
The side roads of Victoria Green Road are Jalan Mandalay, Jalan immigration, Jalan Loh Boon Siew. At the T junction of Jalan Mandalay is the entrance gate of the Westlands Primary School. Jalan Loh Boon Siew is named after the famous Penang tycoon, or popular known as Honda King who introduced Honda motorcycle to Malaysia. Jalan Mandalay was named after Burmese city, in fact many of the side street around the area are named after Burmese towns. Jalan immigration was probably named due to the government quarters there.
Westlands Road ; Westlands Schools
Why it is called Westlands Road? Is it named after the name of a person or place or a school? or is it because it is located at the west side of Georgetown?
Westlands is a suburban area and ward in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The name Westland or Westlands may refer to an area in Newcastle-under-Lyme , Staffordshire or Westlands of Hereford and Worcester.
Is it named after Westlands Primary School, the school with the same name, from other country? If yes,then why the school is named afer Westlands? There is a school, Westlands Primary school, Ostend Place, Westlands, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 2QY(http://www.westlands.ik.org/) or Westlands Primary School in Nairobi?.
From the Kelly Map in the year 1893, the area was called Westlands already there. There was also bungalow called Westlands Bungalow or Westlands House. The vast area opposite today's Pykett School may be called “Westlands” in the old days . Obviously the Westlands School is later named after the name of the area. Noticed “Westlands Road” is still not built yet and the area was only with few bungalows, the rows of houses along Westlands Road is not constructed yet. This proved that the area may be named Westlands, even before the building of the Westlands Road and Westlands School. The road and the school(Westlands School ) are probably named after the place, called Westlands.
Historically there was three schools with the name of the Westlands:-
1. Westlands Primary School(1921/1922?), now closed
2. Westlands Secondary School(1957), located at No.3, Jalan Khaw Sim Bee,Penang.
3. Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland, which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965. It was later renamed Haji Zainal Abidin Secondary School, named after a teacher.
Westlands Road built before the war
1945 .. Bishop Edwin Ferdinand Lee moved ACS Primary School (Standards 1-6) to the Suffolk House while the Secondary section stayed at Westlands Road with the intention of providing the upper forms with more adequate facilities.(source: MBS history) In 1953 the present MBS building at Ayer Itam Road was put up. It was then decided to have a separate building for the secondary school. Thus the secondary section was named MBS and the Primary Section Pykett Methodist School(source: history of MBS, wikipedia) This revealed that the Westland Road existed before the war. It is probably built after Westlands Primary School.
Westlands Primary School(1921/1922?)
Westland primary School,Penang was a pre war school, before the Japanese occupation during the world war II(1942-1946). Westlands School is an elementary English School for boys; an "English" school in Malaya(Oversea education: a journal of educational experiment and research in tropical and sub-tropical areas, Volumes 17-18, Great Britain. Colonial Office, Great Britain. Dept. of Technical Co-operation, Oxford Univ. Press., 1947). It was a Westland Government Feeder School – Primary class 1 & 2 up to Vii, VIII. 480 boys and 16 teachers.
In Penang, the Northam Road School was opened in 1922 with 12 teachers (Wolff 1923,208)Is it Wellesley school?. The Hillview Government School was opened the following year(1923) (Volues 1998, 321). Farquhar Street English School was opened in 1926 (Winstedt 1927) Is it Hutching school?. The High School, Bukit Mertajam, was opened in 1927 with an enrolment of 327 (Winstedt 1928, 164).
In the list of Government English boys’schools in the Straits Settlements in 1921 and 1938, Westland School Penang was in the list, but date of establishment was NA. In 1921, there was no report of enrolment, but in 1938 it was with enrolment of 318. Hutching school(1928), Francis Light school(1930), Wellesley school(NA), Free school(1816), BM High School(1927) was in the list. That means Westland School, which was primary school should be established before 1938…..(source: The beginning and development of English boys’ and girls’ schools and school libraries in the Straits Settlements, 1786-1941, by Lim Peng Han, Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, Vol.14, no.1 April 2009: 57-81.)
In 1938 there were six Government English Boys’ Schools in Penang (Appendix C). Westlands school was one of the 6 English schools. In Nov 1946, there was only 7 government English schools, 5 mission schools, 122 Chinese schools, 98 Malay schools, 34 Indian schools(source: Federation of Malaya and Colony of Singapore: UNESCO post-war education survey, 1948)
From an organizational point of view, English schools were divided into two types: the feeder system and the combined school system. In general the government preferred the feeder system as it was the solution to the problem of providing, within a limited supply of more highly qualified staff, for the increasing demand of English education in the rapidly growing towns (Wong 1966, 471). Wong (1966) also reported that a universal combined school system would involve many small and thus expensive secondary schools. The Lasallians Christian Brother schools opted for the combined school system where the pupils could study continuously in one combined school throughout their school life. They took into consideration the fact that in such a system the friction in progress from primary to secondary classes would be minimized. These schools were professedly Catholic, and as the general education goes hand in hand with religious instruction, the combined system was essential (Wong 1966, 471). together with new subsidiary schools like the Westlands and the Francis Light, it acts as a feeder to the Senior Free School. Boys from feeder schools like Hutchings, Westlands, and Francis Light, had to take a series of examinations to go to Penang Free School.
During the war(1942-1946), Japanese classes was conducted in Westlands School.
Westland Primary School now become Pusat Kecemerlangan Sukan Westland, after its poor enrolment. Westlands primary school now only exist in history.
Is Hill View School, Westlands School?
"My first school was Hillview, which stood next to the Wesley Church, at the corner of Clove Hall Road. One of my classmates was Eu Cheow Chye (who went on to Raffles College and was appointed a magistrate in Singapore. see Note)). Cheow Chye lived on the other side of Burmah Road. That was before the government quarters were built some time in 1926.(source: Lim Teong Beng remembers, http://www.theooifamily.com/ThePenangfileb/apr-2007/people52.htm)". Can hillview be Westlands School? it probably not. Can it be Pykett Methodist School, it may not be? Where is the school now?.
From the above, Westlands Primary School was formerly called Westlands School in colonial days prior to the WW2, may be built at least before 1938 or earlier. But more confirmatively 1921, as it had been reported in Strait Settlement report in 1921, even though no student enrollment reported in 1921. It may be started enrollment in the next year , 1922.
Westlands Secondary School(1957)
The school was formed in January 1957, before independent of Malaya. It was with humble beginning of 4 classes of Form one, and two Form 2 vocational classes from Francis Light School. It was initially looked after by the headmaster of Westlands primary school, Mr Hooi Yip Hoong. It was later taking over by the first headmaster, Mr A William, an Australian, still in 1957. Mr Ooi Khay Bian, a senior teacher from Penang Free School, took over as Headmaster most probably after independence in the same year. Mr Ooi Khay Bian was a graduate from Hong Kong University under Colombo Plan scholarship. He graduated in BA(double majors in English and Mathematics) in 1925.
The initial aim for the school was to serve as a vocational school. But after independence when the standardized syllabus was adopted, it no longer served as vocational school but became a lower secondary school. In 1960 it was a complete secondary school when Form 4 class was started. The school was not able to function under normal conditions, as Continuation class under Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland was using the school premise in the afternoon. The school was also the center for the 10 further education class which started class from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which was formed in 1958 but it was later moved to Georgetown Secondary School in 1963. In 1964 it become a English school and a boy school.In 1967, the school however become a lower secodary school with student enrollment of 1,300 pupils. The school started Form 4 class again in 1969, it again become a complete secondary school until today.
The surrounding area
Wesley Church mulling over developer proposals
GEORGE TOWN: The Wesley Methodist Church, which owns the 4-acre site where the Pykett Methodist Boys’ School sits along Burma Road, is considering several proposals from local and Kuala Lumpur-based property developers that are keen to buy the land at RM300 per sq ft.
StarBiz learnt that a major player in the high-end residential property market has proposed to build a new Pykett Methodist School at the site, including a car park for the school, together with condominiums and retail lots.
Another well-known developer on the island has proposed to build a new Pykett Methodist School at a different site owned by the developer.
“The developer will also build some properties for the Methodist Church so that it can generate long-term revenue. In return, the developer gets to develop certain portions of the land to offset the construction cost of the school and other properties for the land owner. The cost of the school and car park will be used to offset the selling price of the land,” the sources said.
Another developer, which has made a bid to purchase the land, said the price of RM300 per sq ft was on the high side.
“Land in the area is priced around RM200 to RM250 per sq ft. At present, the site is gazetted as institutional land and needs to be converted for other usage. The commercial enhancement value charge, for example, is about 50% of the incremental value of the land, based on the difference between the selling price when it was first valued and what it is worth today. The other factor that needs to be considered is that the developer can apply to build up to 30 units per acre on this site,” the developer said.
When contacted, an Eastern & Oriental Bhd spokesman said that the group had not bid for the land.
Due to the shortage of land on the island, the area around Pykett Methodist Boys’ School has become a popular site for new residential projects.
For example, Mah Sing Group Bhd will be launching Icon Residence early next year, which is located at the crossroads of Burmah Road and Anson Road – a stone’s throw from Pykett Methodist Boys’ School. The condominium project has an estimated gross sales value of over RM200mil.
(source : The Star ,Tuesday October 19, 2010)
If Methodist Church is to sell the land, I suggested that the Methodist ask for the land to build one Chinese secondary school at Sungai Ara area, there is no Chinese secondary school in the area. It can serve the students from Batu Maung, Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Lepas, Sungai Ara, Relau areas. You can called it Methodist Chinese School or Pykett Chinese School or Anglo Chinese School(the original name). As the pioneer spirit of Rev Pykett is for mission schools, government primary school can still be financed and sponsored by the government, but for a Chinese secondary school, it still require the support of private sector, and to build a Chinese secondary school will be inline with the mission.
Chinese Recreation Club or CRC(since 1892)
CRC is not located at Westlands Road, but Padang Victoria Road.
The CRC was the most prestigious club of the Chinese and was born out of love of football in 1892. 'BROOKE BOND'S TEA',was the meeting place of a group of Chinese footballers who played at the Esplanade Field or Padang, before they formed the Chinese Recreation Club The Chinese wanted a recreation club in the class of the Penang Sports Club, the Penang Club and the Penang Swimming Club, all European enclaves. The Chinese Recreation Club was found on 2-12-1892, exempted from registration. It was formed under the trusteeship of Cheah Tek Thye, Khaw Joo Tok, Chung Thye Phin,Lim Kek Chuan, lim Eow Hong,Lim Cheng Teik, Yeoh Wee Gaik, Cheah Choon Seng, Ho Tiang Wan, Tan Kang Hock, all of them were the prominent Fujian and Kwangdong community leaders at that time. They were the English educated Penang Baba or Strait Chinese, unlike Malacca Baba, Penang Baba were in general, Chinese speaking (mainly Hokkien) while the Melaka Baba spoke their own form of Malay. In the article "History of the Chinese Recreation Club Penang 1892-1952" by Toh Hooi Choon, mention of Kassim Merican, who was one of the founders of the Club, he was the only non-Chinese member(source: The Merican clan: a story of courage and destiny, by Ragayah, Ragayah Eusoff, published by Times Books International, 1997) .
Chinese Recreation Club History (by Timothy Tye)
Chinese Recreation Club, or CRC, was formed by a group of Chinese who were very much into football. They would meet at Foo Tye Sin Mansion, the home of local Chinese tycoon, to play football in the Esplanade field. However, they faced a problem in that the field was already occupied by two existing sports club - the Penang Sports Club, which is open only to whites, and the Penang Recreation Club, which admits Eurasians. Neither allowed Chinese in. Furthermore, the Penang Club and the Penang Swimming Club also prohibit membership from the locals.
As they did not feel welcome to use the Esplanade field, the team moved to Lake Villa, at 351 Jalan Perak, which is across the road from the Kem Tentera of Lebuhraya Peel. Lake Villa, as its name suggests, had a lake, which means many a time balls had to be fished out of the water. In 1903, the five main Hokkien clan associations - the Khoo, the Lim, the Tan, the Cheah and the Yeoh - got together and resolved that they need to buy land to establish their own sporting club. Looking within the vicinity of Lake Villa , they found three adjoining plots of land along Jalan Pangkor. The land totalled 278,547 sq ft (six and a half acres) and was purchased for $4,600, a huge sum in those days. An additional 11,000 sq feet along Jalan Burma was added in 1913. Trustees of the deed dating to 1906 count among them the pillars of Chinese high society of those days, among them, in alphabetical order, Cheah Choon Seng, Cheah Tek Thye, Chung Thye Phin (the Kapitan China who built Relau Villa), Ho tiang Wah, Khaw Joo Tock, Lim Cheng Teik, Lim Eow Hong and Tan Kang Hock. The members, who considered themselves "the Queen'sChinese", and wanting to show their loyalty to the British, decided to call the field "Victoria Green". The club itself was called the "Penang Chinese Recreation Club".
Originally, the clubhouse was a bungalow called Eastbourne which stood on the plot when it was bought. By the 1920's Eastbourne was already in a dilapidated state, so the club decided that they should build a new clubhouse. A fund raising campaign managed to collect $100,000 for the clubhouse. It was designed in the Victorian style and was completed in 1931.
The Second World War brought great misery to Penang, and the Chinese Recreation Club was not spared. After Allied bombing destroyed the Penang Road Police Headquarters, the Japanese took over the premises of CRC as the broadcasting station. The Japanese burned the books, tore up papers, documents and photographs belong to the club, and even removed the fence for use as scrap metal.
When the British returned in 1945, the CRC found themselves with a new "tenant" as the British Military Administration took possession of the broadcasting station left by the Japanese. It was only at the end of 1945, on 22 December, that the CRC committee got to hold their meeting again. The club had to try repeatedly to repossess their premises from the British, who returned to them bit by bit. Another seven years who pass before the British relinquished the whole premises of CRC back to the club members. However, they refused to pay for repairs and damages, even for places that were used by them.
In the 1950's, the CRC excelled in sports particularly tennis and football. However the independence of Malaya in 1957 caused it to face competition from the Penang Sports Club, which now open to locals. Between the late 1940's to the 1960's, the CRC was frequently in dire straits. In 1960, the club committee even had to resort to putting up slot machines at its premises.
Today the CRC continues to function as a membership-based sports club. At the corner of Victoria Green facing the junction of Jalan Burma and Jalan Pangkor is the Queen Victoria Memorial Statue.
(source: By Timothy Tye, Penang Travel Tips, www.penang-traveltips.com/chinese-recreation-club.htm)
Related articles:-
1. What Makes A School Great; http://leekumtatt.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-makes-school-great.html(That was a mention on Westlands Secondary school's first Asian Headmaster, Mr Mr Ooi Khay Bian)
2, It Runs in the Family; http://www.hku.hk/convocat/newsletter/web_0202/07_Pg23-30.pdf
3. The beginning and development of English boys’ and girls’ schools and school libraries in the Straits Settlements, 1786-1941, by Lim Peng Han
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