November 2025

This November, Penang Monthly explores language, place and memory. As GTLF returns, we highlight Penang’s multilingual streets and the dialects that keep local history alive.

See Inside Read as Flipbook

Hello and welcome!

A publication of Penang Institute, Penang Monthly is the voice of Penang - an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian, featuring stories about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the state's well-being. Sign up for a free account to enjoy unlimited access to all our articles.

Treasures that Tickle Taste Buds and Save Lives

4 min read

Malaysia is abundant with agricultural products that yield an assortment of spices, i.e. black and white peppers, cloves, and cinnamon. But it is its pepper industry that is most developed.

by Regina Hoo

The Early Promise of Penang Pepper

8 min read

In A Short Account of the Settlement, Produce, and Commerce, of Prince of Wales Island, in the Straits of Malacca, written by Sir George Leith, 2nd Baronet (1766-January 25, 1842), and published in London in 1804 are some interesting notes about the importance of pepper.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Nothing Says “Malaysia” Like Nasi Lemak Does

5 min read

Nasi lemak is irrefutably Malaysia’s national dish. And that’s not because Wikipedia says so.A few years ago, I was travelling to London to attend...

by Ooi Geok Ling

An Ulam A Day…

4 min read

Healthy, ubiquitous, affordable – ulam (Malay salad) is the centerpiece of many a warung, and for obvious reasons.

by Noorhasyilah Rosli

Bringing the Cendol to the World

5 min read

Penang’s street food is top notch – no arguing about that. But the work that goes into making these delightful dishes is often backbreaking: it is a labour of blood, sweat and – if you’re in the business of frying stuff, tears as well.

by Ernest Mah Herh Sun

Kids from the 90’s Would Know

2 min read

We 90’s kids grew up just fine, didn’t we? A cavity here, a tip of the weighing scale there, the grins that light up our faces as we open that box of Ding Dang to peek at the surprise toy.

by Julia Tan & Ch’ng Shi P’ng

A Hike Filled with Fruity Delights

5 min read

The Relau hills have been farmed for over a century, with records as early as the 1860s showing the existence of large spice plantations here. These plantations have been replaced by acres and acres of fruit trees, supplying Penang’s finest durians, mangosteens, jackfruits and the like.

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Old Crops Waiting to be Revived

7 min read

Map of the Moluccas Islands (currently known as Maluku Islands), the origin of Penang nutmeg and cloves.Penang’s potential for plantation agricultur...

by Stephanie Kee

Seafood – Now and Forever

8 min read

Seafood – fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates – are an important source of nourishment, providing a healthy source of animal protein and good omega-3 fatty acids which are required in our diets.

by Annette Jaya Ram

Dr Dzul Seeks to Fight Obesity on Multiple Fronts

7 min read

Food is a way of life in Malaysia. With its countless traditional and fusion cuisines, many of us live to eat, and not vice versa. It’s no surprise then that Malaysia is also the most obese nation in Southeast Asia.

by Lim Chee Han & Esther Sinirisan Chong Shiaw Yee

Ripples from the Sales and Services Tax

11 min read

The historic change of government on May 9, 2018 saw the removal of one of the previous administration’s most unpopular economic policies: the GST. Introd...

by Yeong Pey Jung

Numbers on the Penang Economy and Labour Force

3 min read

Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita GDP have been growing steadily from 2012 to 2017, with average annual growth rates of 5.9% and 6.1% r...

by Ng Kar Yong

Ng Kar Yong

Total posts

3409

Explore column

Ads

Support us

As Penang Monthly continues to evolve, we aim to deliver better quality reads. At present, our issues are free to be read. But we need your financial support as we endeavour to be the voice of Penang and an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian. Every RM100 contribution from individuals (or RM1,000 for corporations) will be entitled to tax exemption receipt.

Explore column

Feature

Editorial

Cover Story

Statistics

Photo Essay

Covid-19 Exclusives

Penang Profile

Ask Azmi