September 2026
The September Issue Is Out Now! Penang Monthly’s September issue explores the vibrant world of Penang’s pasar malam, highlighting their food, culture, community, traditions, and evolving role in island life.
Entranced (and possessed) in Sumatra
4 min read
During a trip to Berastagi, a mountain town at the foot of the active Sybayak volcano in northern Sumatra, we saw ultimate proof of that when we stumbled across a street ritual called reog ponorogo.
A Record of Penang’s Love of Popular Music
6 min read
It may be hard to believe, but once upon a time, Malaysia had women with silky, permed hair and short skirts shaking to the rhythms of Western rock ‘n’ roll. For this reason, the existence of popular music in the country has often been dismissed by those concerned with “moral decadence”.
An Intercontinental Trip A Year Keeps the Psychiatrist Away
2 min read
Not long ago, messages had to be written on physical media to arrive only after being carried across oceans and mountains. Now, with the Internet and the smart phone, we receive endless news and personal texts as if time and space do not matter.
Something fishy in Kampung Sungai Udang
3 min read
A visit to Nibong Tebal is never complete without dropping by Kampung Sungai Udang. This fishermen’s village is located at the end of Sungai Kerian towards the Straits of Malacca.
Noses Don’t Grow Back
3 min read
It is very sad that the state of Penang is being ignored in the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020). None of the infrastructure projects the Penang government presented for financial support has been accepted by the federal government.
The Trishaw Maker of George Town
3 min read
Saw Chin Choon is a traditional trishaw maker in George Town. His workshop is located on Lebuh Stewart, just behind the Goddess of Mercy temple.
Penang Monthly goes free in June
3 min read
Spread the good news!Penang Monthly will be a free magazine from June 2015 onwards. Next month, you will be able to pick up a copy at selected locations thr...
Penang’s economy in 2015: Growth continues, but more slowly
11 min read
Penang’s GDP has been growing over the last five years. Following the recent release of data on Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2014 by Bank Negara Mala...
Let’s be cosmopolitan and leave multi-ethnicity behind
2 min read
It is fascinating how seemingly innocuous words actually are not. Especially those that sound neutral, even ethically positive. That is why the sage never think...
Chowrasta,after the market closes
3 min read
This is a compilation of images from my personal project capturing moments and activities during after-trade hours at Chowrasta Market.
Towards Substantive Democracy
2 min read
Democracy is a big word, and like all big words it is given to controversy and misuse. Since the magazine’s cover story this month and in April will be about local elections and local governments, it may be suitable to discuss what Democracy is.
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