Macallum Street Ghaut Archives

Tai Por Kong Temple

Tai Por Kong Temple in Penang commonly refers to San Jiang Temple (三江庙) at Macallum Street Ghaut, a Chinese temple that began as a small shrine founded in 1920 and was later rebuilt after fundraising when the old premises aged. It is associated with the Hui’an Hokkien community, and the name “San Jiang” is said to come from the original Tai Por Kong temple in Hui’an, China, which overlooks three rivers.
The temple is also one of the famous temples that conducts the Tai Sui rite, especially during the Chinese New Year. A Tai Sui rite (拜太岁 / 安太岁) is a Taoist-style prayer/appeasement ritual done to seek protection, smoothness, and to “make peace” with the year’s Tai Sui (the annual celestial authority linked to the lunar year), especially if your Chinese Zodiac is believed to be “offending Tai Sui” that year.

Penang Perspective: The Old Macallum Flats

A view of the old Macallum Street Ghaut PDC Flats, one of the earliest low-cost high rise residences in Penang. These flats were built by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in the 1980s following a land reclamation.

Macallum Street Ghaut View: The Passer By

An old lady walking past the walls of an old factory in Macallum Street Ghaut, Groege Town.

Penang Street View: A Heavenly Sculpture

An intricately made sculptures of heavenly creatures adorning the rooftop of the Temple of the Nine Emperor Gods at Macallum Street Ghaut, George Town.

Macallum Street Ghaut: Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple

The Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple at Macallum Street Ghaut, George Town.

Primarily observed by the local Chinese, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a 9-days Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year’s celebration started last week and today is the last day. During this 9-days period, devotees will be observing a strict vegetarian diet. It was said that it usually rains on the last day of this festival.

George Town Street View: Macallum Street Ghaut Flats

These low cost flats located off Macallum Street Ghaut as well as Cecil Street Ghaut have been around for some time, built since the 1980s. They are also located nearby to the center of George Town.

One of these flats had once been my home for more than 10 years.

Penang Isle: Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple

These few days mark the period of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Penang. Widely observed by Chinese people in Penang during a period of nine days, those who are participating in the festival dress all in white and will have abstinent from eating meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. The above temple is located at the Macallum Street Ghaut, George Town.

For the larger Nine Emperor Gods temple located in Butterworth, Penang, please go HERE.