Community with storied past awaits hopeful future

WITHIN the weathered walls of People’s Court off Cintra Street in Penang lies a thriving community with a storied past.

One of the earliest low-cost housing projects built in 1961 in Penang, People’s Court has housed multiple generations including artisans and bakers.

One of them is Ng Kee Cake Shop owner Loh Mun Loong, 56, who inherited the brand name established by his grandfather in the early 1900s.

Loh and his daughter Esther showing traditional wedding biscuits baked at their four-generation cake shop.

He takes pride in being among the pioneering Cantonese entrepreneurs who set up shop in Penang.

“The bakery has gone through several relocations from a modest attap-roofed shop to its current spacious location at the housing scheme here.

“Our signature pastries such as coconut tarts, kaya puffs, and pepper biscuits, have delighted customers for generations.

“Over the years, we have diversified to offer mooncakes and wedding biscuits that are still being produced in the traditional way,” he said.

His daughters Joyee, 27, and Esther, 25, as fourth- generation custodians of the family business, have embraced the responsibility of continuing the legacy of one of Penang’s oldest Chinese bakeries.

“While our reputation precedes us, we face stiff competition from other producers.

“To stay ahead, we are working on enhancing customer relations and developing innovative marketing strategies for our products and packaging.

“Our loyal customers, mostly locals, want us to continue running the business. They recognise that our products are a result of a lifetime of experience and inherited skills,” said Esther.

Loh, who is the neighbourhood residents association chairman, acknowledged the changes in the area over time.

“Numerous shops have closed down, and elderly residents have either moved away to live with their children or passed away.

“The neighbourhood corner shop that used to buzz with activity and celebrations is now quiet at night,” said Loh.

Yeong using a brush to apply gold leaves on a traditional Chinese plaque.

Adding to the tapestry of heritage is 76-year-old Yeong Siew Kuan, a master signboard artist who is still operating from his studio at one of the blocks.

Yeong followed in his father’s footsteps to create hand-crafted signboards.

“While computerisation has created modern signboards made with stickers, I have customers who still seek my services as an artisan,” Yeong explained as he delicately gilded the Chinese characters carved on a traditional plaque.

Unfortunately, Yeong’s retirement looms on the horizon and his daughter who works in the IT sector will not be carrying on the family business, potentially marking the end of an era.

As the older generations gradually move on, the remaining residents cherish the memories and traditions that made this place their beloved home.

Long-time resident Yee Foong Yin, 78, treasures the strong bonds formed with her neighbours.

“I have been living in this first-floor unit with no bedrooms for more than 40 years.

“Although my husband has passed away, I have found a loving family in my neighbours.

“Whenever we are in need, we are there for each other, and they affectionately address me as ‘Ah Ma’ (grandma in Hokkien).

“The monthly rental for this place is merely RM64. The location is convenient as all the shops are situated nearby even though I seldom venture out,” she said.

Foong Yin watching TV in her unit where she has lived for more than 40 years.

Foong Yin said in the past, the corridors used to echo with the laughter and footsteps of children.

“However, they have all grown up now, marking the passage of time,” she said.

Despite her daughters’ invitation to join them, Foong Yin prefers the familiarity of her surroundings.

This humble corner of George Town, however, is beginning to see new life.

A cafe opened its doors in February, beneath Foong Yin’s unit.

The cafe specialises in brewing dark roasted coffee in small earthen pots – a method that harks back to earlier times.

Jia Hui preparing to open her cafe at People’s Court. As a former resident, she wants the cafe to be a gathering place for the community.

Co-owner Yee Jia Hui, 33, deliberately chose this location for its affordable rent and with the aim of revitalising the vibrancy of her childhood neighbourhood.

“I was born and raised here, and lived upstairs,” she said.

“My grandfather sold ham chim peng (fried Chinese doughnuts) at the back of this very place.

“This cafe represents our values which we strive to preserve.

“It also serves as a means to reconnect the community.”

Assisted by her cousin Noelle Tham, 27, Jia Hui aims to bring together members of the community in a space that exudes warmth and nostalgia.

People’s Court in the inner city of George Town was an early public housing initiative for the urban poor.

The project comprises three four-storey blocks of walk-up flats, lined up to form an L shape.

The ground floor is occupied by shop lots, many of which are restaurants.

There are 78 residential units and 26 commercial units across blocks A, C and D.

The monthly rental for residential units ranges between RM64 and RM97 while commercial units are available for monthly rentals ranging from RM305 to RM2,200.

People’s Court was built to fulfil an election promise made by the Socialist Front, which won the 1959 local government election for the City Council of George Town.

Jayden Lim, 10, reading a book on a bench at the recently upgraded back alley.

The Penang chief minister at that time was Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee.

Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said the state government was committed to rejuvenate the low-cost housing area to ensure its liveability for current and future residents.

“Many elderly tenants have either passed away or surrendered their units back to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) – the property owner.

“The current residents are predominantly second or third generation descendants.

“The city council will allocate vacant units to those in need and will regularly carry out maintenance and upgrades,” he said.

In addressing the concerns of elderly residents, Teh said proposals to relocate them to lower floors were being considered as the blocks provide only staircases.

The state government announced plans last year to repaint the blocks, pending the allocation of funds.

“Additionally, beautification initiatives like brick flooring and decorative elements have been implemented at the back lanes while drainage systems have been upgraded to ensure efficient water flow,” he said.

Teh said these upgrades aligned with the state’s broader goal of repopulating the city by enhancing the overall quality of life.