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THERE is no denying that Penang is one of the most livable cities in Malaysia.

A website in its latest instalment of travel ideas and inspiration highlighted that Penang is one of 10 islands to be explored before one dies.

Google Penang and you will find page after page of marvellous compliments from all and sundry describing Penang as the most popular tourist destination where eating and shopping are obsessions.

However, there is a section of the island which is fast turning into a “ghost town”.

Ask the locals and they will readily attest that parts of George Town are fast losing their charm.

Take a stroll or drive around the central town and you will find many roads devoid of traffic during the evenings and buses ply woefully with empty seats.

That’s because shops and offices downed their shutters as early as 6pm.

By 8pm, parts of the city will be deserted. Some, however, prefer it that way, for deserted streets make commuting much easier.

Also, there will not be many people walking along the streets in the heritage enclave.

The irony is that it has not been like that always. Yes, 30 years ago George Town was very much alive.

Jalan Penang, or better known as Penang Road, was the busiest street then, even after 9pm. People, especially movie-goers of the former Cathay cinema, would throng Kris corner, a popular food stall operating until 4am, for their late supper.

However, this prominent road is now devoid of activities in the evening.

The scenario along upper Penang Road is no different as the scores of entertainment outlets there only come alive on Fridays and Saturdays.

Adjacent to Penang Road is Lebuh Campbell where about 150 traders dealing in fashion wear, jewellery, electronic and photographic items close their shops after sunset.

There are more deserted streets if one were to explore further downtown.

They are Jalan Transfer, Lebuh Carnavon, Jalan Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Gereja, Lebuh King, Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Muntri and the banking area of Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Bishop where many of the houses have been illegally converted into swiflets hotel.

If at all, the only crowded places are Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Kimberley where people go there to patronise the roadside night hawkers.

This phenomenon may be due to the large segment of the population moving to the outskirts of the city such as the residential areas in Bandar Baru Air Itam and Bandar Bayan Baru as well as the fast-growing mainland where property is much cheaper.

The point is that if such a scenario stays, George Town may soon be known as a ghost town. Anyway, it is still not too late.

There is still a beacon of hope for the authorities to revive the old town.

For starters, they should revive the now-dead China Town of George Town in Lebuh Campbell to be like Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Petaling Street.

Make Lebuh Campbell the official China Town of George Town.

The authorities should also repair the faulty street lights throughout the city.

Numerous fatal accidents have occurred along these dark-pitched roads.

Just let there be light.

Read more: A ghost town in the making in Penang http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/04lkf1104/Article/#ixzz1JDB1fYSP

Posted by admin on April 11, 2011 under Tourism News.