Smoking opium in Penang, 1854
4 min read
It destroyed countless lives and countless families, and came to be associated with Chinese culture despite the trade being run largely by the British as part o...
Early Days in Balik Pulau
10 min read
The history of Balik Pulau has been a continuous source of controversy. The following “eyewitness” account and maps may perhaps settle some of the argument and open up new avenues for discussion.
Khaw Sim Bee and The Na Ranong Family: A Shared History of Penang and Southern Thailand
4 min read
Penangites may recall catching a glimpse of a road sign bearing the name “Jalan Khaw Sim Bee” while passing Perak Road. This may very well be the only landmark in Penang reminding us of the Khaw family who once commanded a business empire which straddled Penang and southern Siam.
The first and forgotten Chief Minister of Penang
6 min read
When it comes to the history of Penang’s modernisation, the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu’s name will always appear. His legacy, from the Free Trade Zone...
Local Government in Penang, 1940
6 min read
Coming out as it did just a couple of years before the Japanese put a rude end to the intricate system of government that the British over 160 years had slowly...
When Labour Ruled the Council
8 min read
Once upon a time in Penang, there were local council elections, and the underdog Labour Party reigned for many years.
Penang’s Forgotten Protest: The 1967 Hartal
6 min read
The word “hartal” refers to a cessation of work or businesses in protest against a political decision. While the 1947 hartal, organised by the Pan-M...
When Penang became a Spice Island
7 min read
Spices were much sought after, not only to tempt Europe’s tongues but also to cure its sick who were suffering from the plague and other nasty diseases. A...
George Town – From City to Municipality to Culture Centre
7 min read
George Town became a city on January 1, 1957. The timing was not by accident. In fact it was an event to herald the approach of sovereignty for the 11 states of Malaya exactly eight months later that year.
The History of Bukit Mertajam Part I – From Agrarian Village to Economic Hub
6 min read
In Part I of this two-part series, we shall see how Bukit Mertajam grew to become a population, economic and transport hub by the early 20th century.
The History of Bukit Mertajam, Part II: From Rural Board to Town Council
6 min read
With the rubber boom of the mid-20th century, Bukit Mertajam develops to become a major town, spurred by the tenacity of the locals, an able council and – interestingly – the triads.
The swashbuckling municipal president of Penang
5 min read
Civil servant? Soldier? Adventurer? Activist? Surely one could not be all four, and more. But one man indeed was, and left a significant mark on Penang. During...
