An Islander's Perspective of Penang
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.
An old lady walking past the walls of an old factory in Macallum Street Ghaut, Groege Town.
An intricately made sculptures of heavenly creatures adorning the rooftop of the Temple of the Nine Emperor Gods at Macallum Street Ghaut, George Town.
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.
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.
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.