MY PHOTO: HISTORIC & INTERESTING PLACES (PENANG & PERLIS)

2012: PENANG BRIDGE (1ST BRIDGE)

The Penang First Bridge (E36) was mooted by the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak, and Penang Chief Minister, Dr Lim Chong Eu, in the early 1970s. On 23 July 1981, Works Minister Dato'Seri Samy Vellu announced it would use cable-stayed concrete girders like the Golden Gate, not steel arches. 

The official opening was done by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, and was opened to the public on 14 September 1985. 

15 April 2012—It was my first time using the Penang Bridge.

2014: PENANG SECOND BRIDGE

Penang Second Bridge, or Jambatan Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, was open to traffic on 2 March 2014.  

The experience was unforgettable! As we drove across the Penang Second Bridge, just a month after its grand opening, the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape left us in awe. The bridge, stretching over 24 kilometres, felt like a marvel of engineering, connecting us to the mainland with ease.

We took our time, soaking in the sights and snapping photos, capturing the moment to cherish forever. The excitement of being among the first to traverse this new landmark added to the thrill. It was a perfect day, filled with laughter and adventure, as we explored the beauty of Penang from a whole new perspective.

Crossing the bridge not only marked a significant moment in our journey but also symbolised the growth and development of Penang as a whole. It was a day to remember, and we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this iconic structure so soon after its inauguration.

2015: PENANG FERRY

Started in 1894 by local entrepreneur Quah Beng Kee and his brothers as the Beng Brothers. 

In 1956, the Penang Port Commission (PPC) took over from the Penang Harbour Board and assumed control of the ferry service. The first purpose-built car ferry prototype, named Pulau Pinang, started in 1957. Later it was operated by Penang Port Sdn Bhd, the only port in Malaysia that runs its own ferry service, and from May 2018 transferred to Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd / Prasarana. 

These ferries made their final run on 31 December 2020, ending 126 years of continuous operation. 

2015: CHOWRASTA PENANG

Located at Penang Road, the red-brick block is the 1960s building, but the market itself is much older. The first Chowrasta single-storey building was erected in 1890 by the George Town Municipality – precursor to MPPP. 

The name comes from Urdu/Hindi meaning "four cross roads". It sits at the junction of Jalan Penang, Lebuh Tamil, Jalan Kuala Kangsar and Jalan Chowrasta. It was built by South Indian immigrants, and in the early days vendors were primarily Indian Muslims from South India.

2015: FORT CORNWALLIS, PENANG

Located at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, right on the Esplanade/Padang Kota Lama. It was built as early as 1786, when Captain Francis Light first landed in Penang. He named it after Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, then Governor-General of Bengal, who had also been in the American War of Independence. 

However, the brick fort that we see today was rebuilt properly in 1804 during Colonel R.T. Farquhar's term as Governor of Penang. 

It remains Malaysia's largest fort and is the only fort that has never engaged in combat throughout its operational history. 

2015: IPK PULAU PINANG

Ibu Pejabat Kontinjen Pulau Pinang on Penang Road. The modern police organisation in Malaysia was formed on 25 March 1807, after the Charter of Justice in Penang was granted, with Penang being the first to form a police force. 25 March is today, marked as Police Day in Malaysia. 

2015: FAMOUS NASI KANDAR BERATUR, PENANG

Located at 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street), George Town, Penang. Tucked right next to Kapitan Keling Mosque, it has been in business since 1943. 

"Beratur" means 'to queue' in Malay, and that's exactly what you'll have to do when you want to eat here. 

It's an all-night place catering to the night owls and post-party crowd. Many aficionados come from all over the country. 

2015: PADANG KOTA LAMA, PENANG

The Padang Kota, or Esplanade, is the big seafront city square in the heart of George Town, Penang, facing the Malacca Strait, right next to Fort Cornwallis.

It's part of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage core zone, bounded by Light Street, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and Esplanade Road. 

This is where Captain Francis Light first landed on 17 July 1786, claiming Penang Island for the British Empire. 

Nearby the Padang Kota lies a cenotaph, built for World War 1 Allied fallen, destroyed in WWII, rebuilt with remaining granite blocks. 

Padang Kota Lama is famous for its pasembur, the Indian-Muslim salad/rojak – shredded cucumber, sengkuang (turnip), bean sprouts, potatoes, bean curd, hard-boiled edd, prawn fritters, fried crab, fried octopus or other seafood, all drenched in a warm sweet-spicy peanut sauce. 

2017: PENANG HILL

Bukit Bendera, also known as Penang Hill, was established in the early 19th century. It was officially opened by Sir L.N. Guillemard, Governor of Straits Settlement, on 1 January 1924. The hill station became a popular retreat for the British colonial officers seeking respite from the heat of the lowlands. The first recorded mention of Bukit Bendera dates back to 1786, when Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, recognised its potential as a cooler escape.

In 1923, the Penang Hill Railway was inaugurated, providing easier access to the summit and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. Today, Bukit Bendera is not only a historical site but also a vibrant hub for visitors, offering stunning panoramic views, lush greenery, and various attractions such as the David Brown Restaurant and the Habitat, which showcases the rich biodiversity of the region.

The hill remains a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, symbolising the natural beauty and historical significance of Penang.

2017: PADANG BESAR, PERLIS

Padang Besar, the northernmost major town in Malaysia. It's in Perlis, 35 km from Kangar and 57 km southwest of Hatyai, Thailand, right on the border with Songkhla, Thailand. 

The town opposite the border is also called Padang Besar, but Malaysians call it "Pekan Siam". 

This town attracts several thousand visitors every weekend/public holiday for duty-free. It is a "shopping heaven" and a popular destination for Malaysians. The Malaysian checkpoint is about 300 metres from the actual border. 

Penang and Perlis are indeed fantastic destinations for a family vacation, offering a delightful mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

In Penang, families can explore the vibrant streets of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colourful murals and historical buildings tell the story of the island's rich heritage. The Penang Hill offers breathtaking views and a fun funicular train ride, perfect for kids and adults alike. Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, especially the famous Penang street food, which is sure to please everyone's palate.

Perlis, on the other hand, is a hidden gem that provides a more laid-back experience. Families can visit the beautiful paddy fields, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and explore the unique attractions like the Perlis State Park, which is great for nature lovers. The town of Padang Besar is also a popular spot for shopping, especially for those looking for duty-free goods.

Both destinations offer a variety of activities that cater to all ages, making them ideal for creating lasting family memories. Whether it's exploring historical sites, enjoying nature, or savouring delicious food, Penang and Perlis have something special for every family.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

2 October 2026: 8:51 p.m.

DOWN MEMORY LANE : ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

KELAPA LINE QUARTERS, JLN KAMUNTING LAMA, TAIPING, PERAK

I was born on 2nd July 1961 at the Military Quarters in Kelapa Line Quarters, Old Kamunting Road, Taiping, Perak. I only had the chance to visit my birthplace on 2nd February 2003—it took me 42 years to see my birthplace again... this was when my family and I went on a holiday to Taiping, Perak... I can't describe how happy and excited I was at that time... you know, other people get to see their birthplace... I only got the chance after 42 years... Alhamdulillah, the house is still there...

From Kelapa Line Quarters in Taiping (1961) to Kem Sg. Besi and Pengkalan Chepa, and finally to Lembah Keramat in 2026 — 65 years is a long journey.

The house where I was born is still standing, but the person has changed. The long hair is gone, and the uniform has been folded away, but the memories remain.

Alhamdulillah for a life full of stories. This is not to boast but to record that I was once there. For my children and grandchildren, so they know where we came from.

This picture was taken while waiting for my MCE examination results... back then young people all had long hair... including me... but I only got to enjoy having long hair for a short while... after joining the Navy... there was no chance anymore.

Just an old story... just memories that never fade... 

Ah, "Cinta Monyet," a term that brings back a flood of memories from our teenage years! Those were the days filled with innocent crushes, playful banter, and the thrill of first love.

I remember the excitement of passing notes in class, the nervousness of glances exchanged across the room, and the sweet anticipation of meeting after school. It was a time when love felt like a grand adventure, even if it was just a fleeting moment.

There was this one particular crush, a girl with a radiant smile and laughter that could light up the darkest days. We would spend hours talking about our dreams, sharing secrets, and planning our futures, even if we were just kids. The world felt so big, yet so small, as we navigated our feelings amidst the chaos of adolescence.

Our "Cinta Monyet" was filled with silly gestures—like trying to impress each other with our favourite songs or daring each other to confess our feelings. I remember the day I finally mustered the courage to tell her how I felt. My heart raced as I approached her, and though the words stumbled out, the joy in her eyes made it all worthwhile.

Though those feelings may have faded with time, the memories remain etched in my heart. They remind me of the beauty of youth, the innocence of first love, and the lessons learned along the way.

As I reflect on those days, I realise that "Cinta Monyet" was more than just a teenage fling; it was a rite of passage, a beautiful chapter in the story of my life. It taught me about love, friendship, and the importance of cherishing every moment, no matter how fleeting.

So here's to those long-lost stories of "Cinta Monyet"—may they continue to inspire us to embrace love in all its forms, no matter where life takes us.

As I reflect on those cherished moments, I realise how they shape who I am today. Each memory, like a thread, weaves together the fabric of my life, reminding me of the laughter, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way.

Time may pass, but the essence of those experiences remains etched in my heart. They serve as a reminder of my roots, the people who walked alongside me, and the dreams that fuelled my journey.

So, I hold onto these memories tightly, for they are not just remnants of the past; they are the foundation upon which I build my future. Each recollection is a treasure, a story waiting to be shared with the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of our family continues to thrive.

In the end, it's these memories that keep us connected, bridging the gap between the past and the present, and guiding us as we move forward into the unknown.

Memories at Sungai Besi Army Camp 

From those small quarters in Taiping, Allah took me to the Navy, to IEM, to Yayasan Jantung, and from Perlis to Sabah.

If you are reading this in the future, remember: do not be ashamed of a small beginning. A small quarters can lead to a big life. Keep the photos, keep the memories, and keep the faith.

Updated:

20 August 2026: 4.44 a.m

AYAH KU : MAAMOR BIN SUDIN : DARI PAPAN HITAM KE MEDAN PERANG

Maamor Bin Sudin - atau yang dipanggil keluarga sebagai Paklang Maamor.

Allahyarham Maamor bin Sudin adalah anak kepada Tok Sudin & Siti Hawa. Dalam keluarga besar Tok Sudin, dia anak yang ke-3.

Adik beradik Tok Sudin ada 7 orang:

1. Othman bin Sudin (Paklong Suman) - bekas guru
2. Mohd Shah bin Sudin (Pakngah)
3. Maamor bin Sudin (Paklang)
4. Puteh bt Sudin (Makca/Makteh)
5. Che Tom bt Sudin (Acik Tom) - bekas bidan
6. Jaharah bt Sudin
7. Mohamad Awal bin Sudin (Pak Awal) - anak bongsu

1. Dari seorang Guru kepada Wira Negara

Allahyarham Maamor bin Sudin adalah anggota Batalion ke 7 Rejimen Askar Melayu DiRaja. Sebelum menceburkan diri dalam ketenteraan, arwah adalah seorang guru sekolah, namun kerana minat dengan tentera, arwah meninggalkan bidang perguruan dan juga meninggalkan kampung halamannya untuk menyertai tentera walaupun pada awalnya mendapat tentangan dari keluarga.

Dua misi besar yang tercatat sejarah hidupnya:

a) Misi Pengaman PBB di Congo, Afrika 1962 - Beliau antara anggota awal Malaya yang dihantar ke Congo di bawah panji Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu. Foto hitam putih beliau dalam uniform PBB di Congo masih disimpan sampai hari ini.

Foto di Leopoldville, Congo (sekarang Kinshasa) tahun 1962

1962 : Albertville (sekarang Kalemie)

b) Zaman Konfrontasi di Tawau - Berpangkat PW2, beliau pernah bertugas di Tawau, Sabah ketika Konfrontasi Malaysia-Indonesia. Arwah ayah pernah bersama di Tawau pada 1964 dan ada menyimpan koleksi foto bersama anggota KKO Indonesia. Masa tu Tawau adalah frontline, termasuk tragedi berdarah Kalabakan 29 Disember 1963, dimana 8 anggota 3 RAMD gugur diserang hendap KKO Indonesia ketika sedang solat Maghrib.

2. Pegawai Perintis RELA - FP/142

Lepas bersara tentera, beliau menyambung bakti sebagai Pegawai RELA Daerah Hulu Selangor, beribu pejabat di Kuala Kubu Bharu.

Dokumen bersejarah yang masih simpan - Kad Perlantikan Pegawai RELA Daerah milik arwah ayah, MAAMOR BIN SUDIN, FP/142.

FP/142 tu bukan nombor biasa:

Nombor itu bermaksud beliau adalah Pegawai RELA Daerah yang ke-142 dilantik di seluruh Malaysia sejak RELA ditubuhkan 11 Januari 1972. Batch 1-200 adalah kumpulan pertama yang menggerakkan RELA di daerah-daerah selepas Peristiwa 13 Mei.

Tugas dia masa tu berat, sebab Hulu Selangor - Tanjung Malim, Kalumpang, Kerling, Ulu Yam, Genting - adalah kawasan hitam komunis dan laluan gerila. Kerja FP/142 adalah menubuhkan platun-platun RELA di setiap mukim KKB, Rasa, Batang Kali, Ulu Bernam dan menjadi penghubung terus antara PDRM, Tentera dan penduduk kampung.

Pejabat yang dia buka dulu itulah yang hari ini menjadi Pejabat RELA Daerah Hulu Selangor di Bangunan Kerajaan Kuala Kubu Bharu.

3. Keluarga

Arwah Maamor berkahwin dengan Hjh Yang Chik bt Jasin dan dikurniakan 4 orang anak, 2 lelaki 2 perempuan: 

1. Norajelan Bin Maamor (arwah) / Rohaida bt Ahmad
2. Normah bt Maamor / Mohd Sarkam bin Sagiman (arwah)
3. Norhayati bt Maamor / Anuar bin Mat
4. Zulheimy bin Maamor / Norziah bt Ahmad 

Dari salasilah inilah keluarga Tok Sudin berkembang sampai ke reunion besar-besaran pada 12 Oktober 2024 di Teratak Le'Reen, Rasah Kemayan, Seremban, yang dianjurkan oleh anak-anak dan cucu-cucu Tok Sudin.

Darah Wira mengalir ke dalam tubuh anak-anak arwah dimana 3 anak arwah berkhidmat dalam tentera iaitu Normah (Jururawat Tentera), Norhayati (Tentera Darat) dan Zulheimy (Tentera Laut). 

Manakala darah Guru mengalir kepada cucu arwah iaitu Cikgu Intan Ernany bt Mohd Sarkam (anak kakak kedua saya). 

Susunan:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

1 Oktober 2026: 2:24 a.m.

BOOK: DR JOYCE E.CHAPLIN > "ROUND ABOUT THE EARTH: CIRCUMNAVIGATION FROM MAGELLAN TO ORBIT."

In Joyce Chaplin's book, the claim is presented as a possibility, not as a settled fact.

Round About the Earth: Circumnavigation from Magellan to Orbit is dedicated to two circumnavigators "who reluctantly made history": Enrique de Malacca, also known as "Henry the Black", who may have been the first human to circle the Earth, and Laika, the Soviet space dog.

What Chaplin and other historians are pointing to is this:

1. What is certain – the linguistic circumnavigation

On March 28, 1521, Enrique became the first person to complete a linguistic circumnavigation — he travelled so far in one direction that he reached a point where his language was spoken.

Magellan had bought Enrique as a teenager in Malacca after 1511, taken him to Portugal, then to Spain, and then on the Armada de Molucca westward across the Atlantic and Pacific. When they reached Cebu / Limasawa in the Philippines, Enrique could understand the local language, to the crew's surprise.

2. Why some argue he was the first to fully circle the globe

If Enrique was originally from the central Philippines, was captured and sold into slavery in Sumatra before being taken to Malacca—as some historians argue—then by reaching Cebu in 1521, he had already completed a full circuit: Philippines -> Malacca -> Lisbon -> Seville -> Philippines.

That version is phrased in the literature as: "They deem it more likely that Enrique had been raised in the Central Philippines... If so, Enrique was the first human to have completed a full circuit of the Earth."

This is also why in Malaysia he is celebrated as Panglima Awang — described as "indisputable that Panglima Awang or Enrique of Melaka was the first Malay to voyage around the world in the 16th Century".

3. Why it's still contested

There is no record that Enrique returned to Malacca after Magellan's death in Mactan in April 1521. The documents often cited in 2024 as "newly discovered proof"—Magellan's 1519 will and crew list—have been known since the 19th century and were available in Melaka since 2010, and neither mentions Enrique completing a circumnavigation, nor do they identify him as the first to do so.

In fact, the standard narrative is: "There are no specific records to prove that he succeeded in returning to Malacca; by arriving in the Philippines, he succeeded in reaching the Malay archipelago."

So historians like Chaplin distinguish between: 

• Linguistic circumnavigation: proven — March 28, 1521
• Geographic circumnavigation: plausible if his origin was in the Visayas, but not documented with a return to his starting point. The first documented complete survivor of the Magellan-Elcano expedition to return to Spain was Juan Sebastian Elcano and the 18 men of the Victoria in 1522.

If you're interested in the Malaysian historiography, the name Panglima Awang itself comes from Harun Aminurrashid's novelisation of Enrique's story, not from 16th-century Portuguese sources — which is why the debate continues between popular history and academic history.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

30 September 2026: 11:45 p.m.

BOOK: J.INNES MILLER - "THE SPICE TRADE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, 29 B.C TO A.D. 641" (1969)

J. Innes Miller's The Spice Trade of the Roman Empire 29 B.C. to A.D. 641 [Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1969] is the classic source for this.

His central thesis is in Chapter 8: "The Cinnamon Route".

Miller argues:

1. There was a direct sea route between Southeast Asia and East Africa in antiquity.

Roman and Greek authorities like Herodotus said cinnamon and cassia were harvested in Africa, yet botanically those species were then found only in Southeast Asia. Miller explains this contradiction by a trade route extending directly by sea between Southeast Asia and the East African coast over which Malayo-Polynesians were bringing cinnamon of South Chinese origin as early as the late second millennium B.C.

2. The carriers were Southeast Asian seafarers — what he calls Malayo-Polynesians, which includes Malay-Indonesian peoples.

He points to:

• Cultural links between Indonesia and East Africa — e.g., the Malagasy language is related to Malay, and both people use double outrigger canoes.
• Navigational capability: the use of monsoons began far earlier than previously thought, allowing traders to bring their spices westward, perhaps as early as the 2nd millennium BC.
• The market of Rhapta in Azania (East African coast) formed an important link in the trade route between what is now modern Indonesia and consumers in the Mediterranean region

He also discusses linguistic evidence in the region, for example, that in the Malay language the name Keling is still an ancient synonym for emigrants from the Coromandel Coast, showing his attention to Malay-Indian Ocean terminology.

3. Impact and criticism:

Miller's work was described as an "unprecedented" synthesis of ancient materials on the subject.

The Cinnamon Route thesis was embraced by Lionel Casson, Ancient Trade and Society (1984) and others, and was refuted by Manfred G. Raschke, "New Studies in Roman Commerce with the "East"—which is the standard scholarly debate you will see cited today.

So when scholars cite Miller for "Southeast Asian seafarer which includes Malay" in Roman times, they are referring to his argument that Malay-Indonesian sailors were already sailing the western Indian Ocean to East Africa centuries before Europeans, bringing cinnamon and other Southeast Asian spices that then entered the Roman market via Red Sea ports.

They were not only skilled navigators but also played a crucial role in the ancient spice trade. Their expertise in sailing and understanding of monsoon winds allowed them to traverse vast distances across the Indian Ocean, connecting Southeast Asia with East Africa and beyond.

These sailors utilised advanced maritime technology, such as double outrigger canoes, which provided stability and speed on the open waters. Their cultural exchanges with various regions enriched both their own traditions and those of the places they visited, leading to a vibrant tapestry of shared knowledge and practices.

The legacy of the Malay sailors is evident in the linguistic connections found in the languages of the regions they influenced, as well as in the culinary traditions that still celebrate the spices they traded. Their contributions to the spice trade not only shaped the economies of their time but also laid the groundwork for future maritime exploration and trade networks that would follow in the centuries to come.

In essence, the Malay sailors were pioneers of the seas, whose journeys helped to weave a complex web of trade and cultural exchange that would have lasting impacts on the world.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

30 September 2026: 11:35 p.m

BOOK: GEORGE F. HOURANI - "ARAB SEAFARING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN IN ANCIENT AND EARLY MEDIAEVAL TIMES (1951).

An important one for Malay maritime history.

The book

George F. Hourani: Arab Seafaring in the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Mediaeval Times (1951, Princeton University Press, 1952, first edition)

Hourani was a Lebanese-American historian of philosophy at Princeton. His dissertation was "Arab Navigation in the Indian Ocean in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries" (1938-39), which he expanded while working in the library of the Palestine Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem. The book became the classic:

"In this classic work George Hourani deals with the history of the sea trade of the Arabs in the Indian Ocean from its obscure origins many centuries before Christ to the time of its full extension to China and East Africa in the ninth and tenth centuries."

He also gives attention to geography, meteorology, and ships themselves, including stitched planking and lateen sails.

What does he say about Malays?

Hourani's main subject is Arabs, but he is very clear that Arabs were latecomers. Before them, the masters were the Austronesians — Malays / Indonesians.

The most quoted passage is on p. 102, which is preserved in later scholarship. Lynda Shaffer summarises it in the Journal of World History (1994):

"Malay ships used balanced lug sails, which were square in shape and mounted so that they could pivot. This made it possible for sailors to tack against the wind."

"Due to the way the sails were mounted, they appeared somewhat triangular in shape, and thus the Malays' balance lug sail may well be... the prototype of the triangular lateen, which can also be used to tack against the wind."

In Hourani's own analysis cited by I.C. Campbell:

"The argument is well put by George F. Hourani, Arab Seafaring in the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Mediaeval Times (Princeton, 1951), pp. 100, 103."

Campbell also notes the limits of Hourani's evidence:

"The exhaustive research of George F. Hourani failed to find either literary or pictorial evidence of any type of sail used in the western Indian Ocean before the fifteenth century."

What Hourani establishes is the following: 

1. Chronology: Malay sailors began to ride the monsoons sometime before 300 BCE, sailing two-thirds of the way from Southeast Asia to East Africa and reaching Madagascar by the first centuries CE.
2. Technology: Outrigger canoes, double-outrigger stability, stitched-plank hulls (no nails), and the balance-lug rig – a square sail set on a yard that can be tilted. That ability to pivot = tacking into the wind.
3. Diffusion: The Arab lateen, the Persian lateen, and eventually the Mediterranean lateen may have evolved from that Malay lug. Hourani suggests Arabs adopted it after contact with Malay/Indonesian sailors in Srivijaya ports and in Ceylon.

So when people quote Hourani as saying "Malays were masters of naval technology" – that's a fair paraphrase, not a direct verbatim quote. His actual technical argument is more specific: the most intrepid sailors were the Malays, living in what is now Malaysia, Indonesia, SE Vietnam and the Philippines, and their rig was the ancestor of the Arab sail.

Modern archaeology and genetics have only strengthened Hourani's point – the settlement of Madagascar by Banjar Dayak-Borneo seafarers around the 8th-11th century, the Borobudur ship depictions, and the spread of Austronesian languages to Easter Island and East Africa.

Reference:

1. Enrique of Malacca : Who was Enrique of Malacca?

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

30 September 2026: 11:07 p.m.

MY PHOTO: HISTORIC AND INTERESTING PLACES (KEDAH)

1991: MAKAM MAHSURI, PULAU LANGKAWI

Mahsuri's Tomb in Kampung Mawat, Ulu Melaka, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. Her tomb has become a tourist attraction on the island. 

Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah, a young woman who lived in Pulau Langkawi, was accused of adultery by her jealous mother-in-law. She was executed, but before her execution, she cursed Langkawi – declaring that the island would suffer 7 generations of misfortune. When she was stabbed with a keris, a white blood gushes from her wound. 

Local folklore says after the execution, Langkawi was invaded by Siam, became barren – "Padang Jarak Padang Tekukur" (a field of desolation) – and failed to prosper until the 7th generation ended in the 1980s, when Pulau Langkawi began its tourism boom.

6 JULY 2012: ZAHIR MOSQUE, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

One of the oldest mosques and the grandest in Malaysia. The mosque was built on the site of a cemetery for Kedah warriors who fell defending Kedah against the Siamese invasion of 1821. 

Located at Jalan Pekan Melayu, Medan Bandar, heart of Alor Setar, directly opposite the Balai Besar. 

It was commissioned in 1912 by Tunku Mahmud, son of Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, under British Malaya. The design is based on Masjid Azizi of Bandar Langkat in North Sumatra. Officially opened on Friday, 15 October 1915, by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, who acted as Imam for the day.

It was a memorable experience to perform the Jumaat prayer at Zahir Mosque on 6 July 2012, surrounded by the rich history and architectural beauty of this iconic landmark. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and community spirit as worshippers gathered to fulfil this important religious obligation.

After the prayer, I took a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the mosque's design, which reflects the cultural heritage of Kedah. The serene environment provided a perfect backdrop for reflection and gratitude.

I was at Alor Setar organising the Health Screening Programme at Star Parade, Alor Setar, from 3 to 8 July 2012.

9 JULY 2012 - PEKAN RABU, ALOR SETAR

This photo was taken just before the big rebuild. Located at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Setar, Kedah. It is an official opening often dated 1930 at Tanjung Chali, founded by Tunku Yaacob. 

However, the building in my photo was built in 1975 and was officially opened in 1978 by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. It is known as the first supermarket run by Malay traders. 

The building was demolished in 2014 and rebuilt into a modern 4-storey complex under one roof with 355 business lots + 48 kiosks and 24 food stalls. 

The new Pekan Rabu

2012: MENARA JAM BESAR, ALOR SETAR

Located on Jalan Pekan Melayu, in Dataran Alor Setar, opposite Masjid Zahir, across the road from Balai Nobat. Built in 1912, around the same time as Masjid Zahir. It is still functioning as a clock and is lit up at night. Here you can see Masjid Zahir, Balai Besar and Balai Nobat all within 100 metres - it's the historical heart of Kedah. 

2012: BALAI NOBAT, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

Balai Nobat (Hall of Drums) – located at Jalan Pekan Melayu, just across the roundabout from Menara Jam Besar. 

The original Jam Besar was wooden and was among the early buildings already completed when Alor Setar town was officially founded in 1735. The present Jam Besar is the third of its kind, built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid, most recently in 1906. 

Balai Nobat is a ceremonial tower used to house instruments for playing nobat, the dirge for royal ceremonies. 

2012: BIRTHPLACE OF TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

The birthplace museum of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Alor Setar, Kedah. Located at Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai, Seberang Perak, Alor Setar, Kedah. 

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the 4th and 7th Prime Ministers of Malaysia, was born in this house on 20 December 1925. This house was designated as a historic building and a National Historical Building.

2012: RUMAH MERDEKA, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

"Independence House", the former residence of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia's first prime minister, and is now maintained as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial by the Natonal Archives as a historical building.

It is located along Jalan Putra, Alor Setar, Kedah, behind Royale Hotel, near Sungai Kedah. 

It was built during the Japanese occupation in 1942 and was rebuilt in 1953.

2013: GUNUNG JERAI, KEDAH

Located at Yan, Kedah, it is often called "Roof of Kedah", between the borders of Kuala Muda and the Yan district. 

Formerly known as Kedah Peak to British sailors. For 2,000 years it was the beacon for traders crossing the Straits of Malacca. Archaeological research shows a large cluster of ancient sites between the Muda River and Gunung Jerai dating back 2,000 years – the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Ancient Kedah. 

2014: TUGU TSUNAMI, KOTA KUALA MUDA, KEDAH

The main 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami memorial in Malaysia. The first-ever tsunami recorded in modern Malaysian history. It happened around 12:30-1:30 pm local time, almost 4 hours after the earthquake.

The worst-hit area in Kedah. The villages affected were Kampung Kepala Jalan, Kampung Tepi Sungai, Kampung Masjid and Kampung Hujong Matang. 

The monument that I photographed (the boat pile sculpture) is located at the junction of the main routes into Kota Kuala Muda. It is made from real fishing boats that were destroyed and tangled by the waves. 

2014: MENARA JAM SUNGAI PETANI, KEDAH

Located at Jalan Ibrahim, Dataran Jam Besar / Zero Kilometre Square, Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda District, Kedah. It was built and unveiled on 4 June 1936 to commemorate King George V's Jubilee, marking 25 years on the throne.

It was presented by Lim Lean Teng, a wealthy Penang entrepreneur and philanthropist, as a gift to the people of Sungai Petani.

2014: OLD SG PETANI POLICE STATION

Located right across from the Clock Tower at Dataran Jam Besar. It was built in 1916 to replace the even older police station in Pekan Lama. It is still operating as a normal police station but is described as the National Heritage of Malaysia. 

2014: OLD HSBC BUILDING, SG PETANI, KEDAH

Officially opened on 13 February 1922 by the Regent of Kedah, Tunku Ibrahim, and British Advisor to Kedah, M.S.H. McArthur. It became the second bank in Kedah after Chartered Bank in Alor Setar. 

The building was used by the Japanese as HQ during WWII. Reopened in 1946 as meeting ground by Freemasons of Lodge Kedah 1946-47. 

HSBC was opened there until 2019, when it moved to Lagenda Heights. The building was vacated and put up for sale by tender in 2024. 

These are pieces of memories of interesting and historical places in Kedah during my trip to the state of Kedah. These memories reflect the rich tapestry of Kedah's history and culture, showcasing its unique landmarks and significant events. Each location tells a story, from the haunting legend of Mahsuri to the architectural marvels like Zahir Mosque and Menara Jam Besar.

Kedah, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", is not just known for its agricultural significance but also for its historical depth. The remnants of its past, such as the Tugu Tsunami and the birthplace of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, serve as poignant reminders of the resilience and spirit of its people.

As you explore these sites, you can feel the echoes of history in the air, the stories of those who came before us, and the vibrant culture that continues to thrive. Each visit is an opportunity to connect with the past while embracing the present, making Kedah a truly remarkable place to remember and cherish.

Reflecting on these experiences allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Kedah, ensuring that its stories are passed down through generations.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

30 September 2026: 10:06 p.m.