Welcome to My Penang
Chinese Clan Houses
Chinese Kongsi
The Chinese community in Penang grew in the middle of the 19th century as a result of migration of the Chinese hoping to escape the poverty and famine in China during the Manchu rule. As the British considered the Chinese the ideal immigrant, because of their organisational abilities and willingness to endure hardships, their immigration was encouraged. Later waves of Chinese came as settlers who pursued their traditional crafts and business.
The Chinese also brought to Malaya the clan or kongsi system; a tradition characterised by group cohesiveness and brotherhood. (The word kongsi has been absorbed into the Malay language, taking the meaning ‘share’.) To the Chinese, a kongsi is an association of individuals from the same dia-lect group or those from the same area in China. These kongsi played a benevolent role to their members and often gave help and protection to the new arrivals. Many kongsi houses were also built during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and some like the Khoo Kongsi is a landmark on the island. There are five major Hokkien clans or kongsis (of five major sur-names) in Penang known as the Goh Tai Seh consisting of the Khoo, Lim, Cheah, Yeoh and Tan kongsi. The Chinese also formed welfare asso-ciations among those of the same dialect group (for example the Hokkien or the Hakka dialect), usually referred to as hoi kuan (welfare associations). Kongsis are still active associations in Malaysia.
You can visit some of these chines Kongsi in Penang. Many built in the 19th or early 20th Century are heritage sites in George Town.
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Cheah Kongsi
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Khoo Kongsi (website:http://www.khookongsi.com.my/ )
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Lim Kongsi
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Ooi Kongsi
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Tan Kongsi
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Yap Kongsi Temple
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For location see map of George Town HERE
Associations or Hoi Kuan in George Town
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Teow Chew Association (Chulia Street)
2010 Public Holidays Malaysia Singapore
Public Holidays in Malaysia and Singapore
There are numerous public holidays in Malaysia and Singapore. Some are national holidays while many are religious or cultural holidays. Travellers to Malaysia should look out for these holidays when making travel arrangements. Book hotels early during public holidays and school holidays, to avoid disappointments or to ensure you get good rates for hotels and flights or bus or rail tickets.
...2010 public holidays below :
Where to eat Penang Laksa
Penang Laksa
laksa is rice noodles garnish with vegetables and served in a spicy, sour fish flake light gravy.
Laksa is of Malay origin but the Nonyas have their own version - (Penang Laksa). This is certainly Malaysia's unique dish and the most popular noodle dish. It is rounded rice noodles (similar to but thinner than Japanese Odon noodles) served with gravy made from fish flakes and rich spices. The dish is garnished with vegetables and is certainly a healthy dish not cooked with oil.
Check out where to get the best Penang Laksa in Penang.............
2009 Public Holidays Malaysia and Singapore
Before travelling to Malaysia and Singapore, check out the public holidays in the two countries below. Public holidays may be national celebrations or religious or cultural celebrations celebrated by a large number of people.
