Raja Uda Road is one of the major roads of Butterworth, Penang and is popular for the many eateries, shops and houses lining along the long road. This long road was named after the Raja Tun Sir Uda Al-Haj bin Raja Muhammad, a Selangor sultanate royal member who reportedly served as the first post-independence Governor of Penang, from 31 August 1957 until 30 August 1967.
The 8.3 meters tall effigy of the King of Hades (or Tai Su Yeah) where devotees offered prayers to, during the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar in conjunction with The Hungry Ghost month.
This giant effigy was placed under a shelter beside a temple at Market Street of Bukit Mertajam old town, for 15 days until the annual Bukit Mertajam Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) celebration. The effigy will then be moved out to the street and burned on the festival day.
According to the Taoist belief, when the gates of hell open in the 7th lunar month, spirits would be freed to the living world while being watched by Tai Su Yeah. The Hungry Ghost Festival this year started from August 14 until September 12.
Street View of Market Street (Jalan Pasar) in Bukit Mertajam Town.
Street View of Danby Street (Jalan Danby) in Bukit Mertajam Town.
The Bukit Mertajam market is just located nearby these two streets.
The Bukit Mertajam town (normally called BM) is a small old town located near the foot of the very hill which it derived its name from. The town is located in Seberang Perai, the mainland side of Penang. The streetscape of the Bukit Mertajam town is similar with George Town’s heritage area, with pre-war style shophouses lining up along its streets.
Nearby attractions in Bukit Mertajam area include the St Anne Cathedral and the Berapit Siamese Hill Temple.
Heritage pre-war houses in the old town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Penang city on a clear day. View from Penang Hill.
A motorcycle crossing a hanging bridge to the other side of a river in Butterworth.
Another giant mural found in Raja Uda, Butterworth. This mural was painted by Martin Ron in May and depicts a man (a friend of the artist) seated with turtles floating around. Located behind a row of shoplots across the road from Sabek’s mural, this giant mural was also drawn in conjunction with the Different Strokes street art exhibition.
For its location, please go here; Raja Uda Street Art Murals Location Map.