Penang Monthly

Penang Monthly, by Penang Institute, is the voice of Penang, offering insights on its people, politics, economy, culture, and society, with a focus on local and national issues for curious Malaysians.

504 posts

Malay commercial activities in George Town

4 min read

GEORGE TOWN'S historic Malay enclave, dominated by the majestic Kapitan Keling and Acheen Street mosques, remains a bustling commercial area. Historically, the...

by Penang Monthly

Life at the top

3 min read

Contrary to popular belief, Penang Hill is not a single hill (as its name suggests) but a collection of hills and spurs with suitably exotic names – Gover...

by Penang Monthly

Key facts and figures from the 2011 Budget

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by Penang Monthly

Home on the range

4 min read

Dirty, poor, dangerous, overcrowded, teeming with drug addicts and gangsters… these are common perceptions of the Rifle Range Flats in Air Itam. The flat...

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s ports

2 min read

 Penang’s ports during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from Penang Postcard Collection 1899–1930s by Khoo Salma Nasutio...

by Penang Monthly

Events

1 min read

 International PrintsDate: Octorber 1-15Venue:Dewan Sri PinangContact:+604 261 3144 Loy KrathongDate: Octorber 3...

by Penang Monthly

Merdeka and Malaysia Day

1 min read

Most countries around the world celebrate a single national day, but in Malaysia there are two anniversaries which are commemorated. Merdeka Day on August 31 ce...

by Penang Monthly

Welcoming the Year of the Tiger

2 min read

It was Chinese New Year once again, and with it the traditions that so many of us are familiar with. The days leading up to the festivities, however, involved a great deal of hard work and attention to detail.

by Penang Monthly

Yesterday, today and tomorrow: Weld Quay

3 min read

WELD QUAY was once the centre of Penang Island's economic activities,to which ships from all over the world came to trade. Originally a backwater island populat...

by Penang Monthly

Vintage Whites

1 min read

Once central to Penang's administration and economy, these white colonial-era buildings now blend into the background, yet their historical significance remains a lasting legacy in George Town.

by Penang Monthly

Bungalows of Penang Hill

1 min read

The bungalows atop Penang Hill are as integral to the hill as the funicular railway or the cool climate. The first residence on top of the hill was established...

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s Waterfronts

4 min read

Penang’s history has always been linked to the sea; her earliest urban development was as a sea-trading port city. Colonial sections of George Town have t...

by Penang Monthly