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Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Century-old rail tracks unearthed at Penang's Fort Cornwallis
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow and heritage conservationist Francesco Siravo at the site of the discovery. GEORGE TOWN : A 7.4m train track from the early 19th century has been unearthed near Fort Cornwallis here. The narrow-gauge steel rails, dating back to 1895, were part of a rail loop spanning several kilometres around the fort, running from Kedah Pier to Duke Street, with a spur line leading to the current site of Dewan Sri Pinang. Preliminary checks suggest the trolley tracks were likely in use between the 1920s and 1930s. However, during the Japanese occupation, the system is believed to have been used to transport ammunition from the port to the fort's ramparts. The train track has an inscription indicating that it was manufactured by Barrow Steel in the UK in 1895. It was likely a manually operated trolley track, with an inscription on the rail indicating it was manufactured by Barrow Steel in the UK in 1895. Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said construction workers restoring the fort chanced upon the track embedded on the northwest portion of Esplanade Road on June 26, embedded below the road's surface. He said the workers were building a new pedestrian pavement when they discovered the tracks. He said the government would study several options to conserve the tracks, including reviving the route. 'The national heritage department has agreed to preserve the tracks as an open-air exhibit,' he told reporters during a site visit. Heritage conservationist Francesco Siravo, who is working on the restoration of Fort Cornwallis, said a similar train track was discovered by a restoration team in 2017-2018 in the fort's courtyard. He said the tracks within the fort were likely used to transport goods to the storeroom on the south side of the fort. Siravo noted that the tracks were similar to those used during the peak of the Penang Hill funicular railway construction. 'This is an extraordinary find. It retains its original sleeper spacing and narrow gauge – a rare element of Penang's wartime infrastructure,' he said.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Surprise find: 7.4m steel track from 1895 unearthed near Penang's Fort Cornwallis
GEORGE TOWN, July 9 — A 7.4m-long steel trolley track bearing the words 'Barrow Steel' and the date '1895' has been uncovered during sidewalk works near Fort Cornwallis, facing the seafront here. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the site today, said the tracks were believed to have been used by trolley carts to transport goods, rations and ammunition. According to a map showing the original alignment of the tracks, they ran across the Esplanade field, circled the fort, and linked the Esplanade's barracks and storage depots with Penang's port facilities along the eastern shoreline. The year '1895' emblazoned on the track. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Chow said it is believed the trolleys were used to move goods to ships at the pier. 'This is an unexpected find, so after discovering this, we contacted the national heritage department,' he told reporters at the site. He said the department sent officers to inspect the site this morning, accompanied by representatives from the George Town Conservation Development Corporation (GTCDC) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shows an old map of the trolley tracks. — Picture by Opalyn Mok He clarified that the tracks were not located in Fort Cornwallis' moat, but were uncovered by the project team restoring the moat during adjacent sidewalk works. 'The project team thinks this is a priceless find, as it is a relic from the pre-war era, used both before and during the war,' he said. He added that the tracks were also believed to have been used by the Japanese army to transport goods and firearms during the Japanese Occupation in World War II. 'The recommendation now is to restore it so that it's not buried and covered up,' he said. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow examines the tracks that were uncovered. — Picture by Opalyn Mok He said the exposed section of the track could be preserved and turned into an open-air exhibit. He cited ancient pathways displayed under thick glass surfaces in Guangzhou as an example Penang could emulate. The National Heritage Department and the project team will study how best to preserve the find. 'The team will need to further study the origins and history of the tracks,' he said. The 7.4m track will be preserved as an open-air public display. — Picture by Opalyn Mok The tracks were first discovered on June 26 during sidewalk and kerb works outside the northwest bastion of Fort Cornwallis. A similar segment was also unearthed inside the fort's courtyard in 2017 and has been preserved. Chow said the two discoveries have helped reconstruct the likely route of a light railway loop that once served as a military supply line.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
RM23.4m Fort Cornwallis moat restoration to be completed by July, says Penang chief minister
GEORGE TOWN, May 23 — Restoration works on the moat surrounding the historic Fort Cornwallis are expected to be completed by July, just in time for the annual Unesco World Heritage celebrations, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said. He said the moat, originally built in 1804 to protect the fort during the Napoleonic Wars, had once fully encircled the structure. 'It was later filled in due to a malaria outbreak,' he said during a press conference after a recent site visit. The moat was filled in 1921, which led to poor drainage and occasional flooding in nearby areas. Chow said the restoration is part of a series of projects under the broader North Seafront Improvement Programme, which began about five years ago. 'The initial projects started with the restoration of the Padang Kota, followed by the English Garden next to the Town Hall, the rebuilding of the seawall, the revival of the linear garden, and the upgrading of the pedestrian walkway along Light Street,' he said. Restoration works on the moat surrounding Fort Cornwallis are expected to be completed by July 7. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Restoration works at Fort Cornwallis began about three years ago. While some works have been completed, others are still underway. The Penang state government funded RM15.3 million of the total RM23.4 million moat restoration cost, with the remaining support coming from Think City and Yayasan Hasanah. 'This project is partially funded through the public-private-professional partnership,' he said. The restored moat will form a 4,000-square-metre water basin, 0.9 metres deep, capable of holding about 3,600 cubic metres of water. The newly rebuilt RM4 million Astaka Kota Selera is expected to open on June 2. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Adjacent to Fort Cornwallis, Chow said the existing food court, Astaka Kota Selera, had also been rebuilt to complement the fort's aesthetics using matching brickwork. The RM4 million food court, home to the famed Mee Pata, is expected to reopen on June 2. 'The reopening of the food court and the moat will turn this into an interesting and significant public space,' he said. The moat restoration project will create a new public space for both locals and visitors. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Chow added that the project was not solely aimed at attracting tourists but was part of the state's efforts to provide more green public spaces around George Town's heritage assets. 'This is for locals to enjoy our heritage assets, but if visitors find this interesting, it could also serve to attract visitors, especially given its close proximity — just 100 metres — to Swettenham Pier, where international cruise ships berth,' he said.
Hype Malaysia
15-05-2025
- Hype Malaysia
From 35@Jetty To Penang Hill: 5 Dope Photo Spots To Visit When You Drop By Penang
Penang isn't just a place—it's a living canvas, bursting with hidden stories, vibrant colours, and untold moments waiting to be captured. From the chic street art to the misty heights, this island offers photo opportunities that are anything but ordinary. With such culture, nature and history, there's sure to be frames to be snapped? Dust off your DSLR, CCD, or tap the camera icon, because you're about to discover the top places in Penang where every shot is probably a moment to capture with friends and family. 1. China Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh China) Once a shoreline path with stone steps leading to the sea, this area was extended through reclamation between 1880 and 1904 to make way for warehouses and offices. The extension disrupted the sea view of Kuan Im Teng temple, upsetting the local Chinese community. The British also built the Malayan Railway Building with a clock tower, which was seen as bad feng shui, further straining relations. Capture the mix of colonial and modern architecture, especially the Malayan Railway Building and surrounding warehouses. The street offers vibrant scenes for urban and street photography, with its busy markets and local life providing plenty of candid moments. The contrast between old and new structures adds an interesting dimension to your shots. 2. 35@Jetty Located on Weld Quay, 35@Hetty occupies a century-old godown once used for storage and printing. As part of George Town's busy trading port, the building carries historical significance and is situated within the UNESCO Heritage Zone. The current tenants decided to preserve their weathered charm by maintaining the building's original character, opting for minimal restoration. Instead of turning it into another boutique hotel, they transformed it into an arts and cultural space, featuring event halls and an artisan walkway, to support local creative industries. Raw and textured, high ceilings, and filled to the brim with cool trinkets and retro decor, a modern twist to the heritage and character of the building. The Walkway is lined with stalls selling handmade crafts like batik art, henna designs, to handpicked second-hand clothing. In the cafes and spaces, vibrant, close-up shots of local artistry blend with industrial space. Cultural flair provides a unique backdrop for both architectural and artisan photography, with opportunities to capture both wide-angle shots of the venue and detailed shots of the place. Don't forget the street art around the area, too. 3. The Esplanade Also known as Padang Kota Lama, it is a historic waterfront area that dates back to Francis Light's arrival in 1786. Once the island's first cleared land, it's home to key landmarks like Fort Cornwallis, the Millennium Monument, and Speakers' Square. Though structures like the Municipal Band Stand and Vermont Monument are now gone, the area remains a symbol of Penang's colonial past, bordered by Light Street and Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah. History and nature meld into the frame in these open spaces around Fort Cornwallis and the Millennium Monument are perfect for wide shots, while the nearby Taman Kota Lama adds a touch of greenery. Walking along the sea wall provides scenic views of the ocean, sky, and distant buildings—ideal for coastal shots, with the occasional crab scuttling along the shore. 4. Penang Hill The oldest hill station in Malaysia rises 833 meters (2,723 ft) above sea level, offering stunning views of Penang Island. Originally known as Flagstaff Hill by the British, it was here that the flag was raised to signal the arrival of mail. One of its peaks is Bukit Bendera, where the funicular railway station is located. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular destination, with future plans for a cable car connecting the Penang Botanic Gardens to the hill. Breathtaking panoramas and wide-angle shots are the game here, especially from spots like David Brown's Restaurant or the cool, misty areas around The Habitat. The colonial architecture of the Crag Hotel and Convalescent Bungalow provides a rich historical backdrop, while nature lovers can snap shots of the lush greenery and unique flora at Monkey Cup Garden. For something more offbeat, try the Owl Museum or capture the stunning vistas from the funicular railway station. The diverse landscapes and varied architecture make Penang Hill an ideal location for both landscape and architectural photography. 5. Batu Ferringhi Beach If Penang only had one beach, it would be Ferringhi, owing its name to the Malay term for a Western foreigner, possibly derived from the Arabic 'feringgi,' meaning a foreigner. This stretch of coast became a prime resort destination from the mid-70s to the early 90s, with a series of hotels and high-rise condominiums springing up along the shore, offering spectacular sea views. The area also features Lovers' Isle, a small rocky outcrop that has been part of local lore. Despite the tourist development, Batu Feringghi remains a symbol of Penang's vibrant beach culture. The rocky coastline, particularly around Lovers' Isle, provides dramatic backdrops for landscape photography, with boulders and clear skies on a good day. The beach at sunrise or sunset offers stunning light, perfect for wide-angle shots. You can also capture the energy of the bustling night market (pasar malam), where colourful trinkets and local crafts line the street, adding a cultural element to your shots. For action-packed photos, the beach activities like water sports, horseback riding, and fishing provide plenty of dynamic moments to photograph. Sources: Penang Travel Tips(1)(2)(3)(4), Malay Mail Gan contributed to this article.
