The five-foot way is a covered walkway found in front of many shophouses in Malaysia, especially in places like George Town, Penang. True to its name, it’s typically about five feet wide and provides shelter from sun and rain, allowing people to walk comfortably along rows of shops. It’s a unique blend of architecture and function—often lively with activity, from street vendors to chatting locals—and reflects the colonial and multicultural heritage of Malaysian towns.
Several back alleys in George Town recently went through a ‘beautification process’ as new colorful tiled walkways are being built for people to take a stroll along these rustic alleys.
Beautiful heritage style tiles with striking geometrical patterns adorning the five foot way of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce building in Light Street, George Town.
A walk through the usually crowded street of Lebuh Keng Kwee (or Keng Kwee Street), which is best known for arguably Penang’s best Cendol stall.
Sungai Ara Linear Park (or also called Taman Jajar Sungai Ara) is a lesser known park but is popular within the local area communities. Situated within the housing area of Sungai Ara, the park has some outdoor exercising facilities, walking/jogging paths, a small stage with a river that flows through the park. The park is also surrounded by a number of raintrees which provide ample shades for those who are utilizing the park.
Five foot ways are the common architecture features of George Town’s pre-war heritage houses. The term “five-foot” usually describes the width of the sheltered walkways or covered sidewalks of the houses.
Held on the 16th September every year, Malaysia Day commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation on the same date in 1963. The date marked the joining together of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia (although Singapore was later removed two years after being a part of Malaysia).