Komtar (acronym for Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) is a multipurpose complex consisting of retail outlets, transportation hub and administrative offices for the Penang state government. The building was named after Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the second prime minister of Malaysia, who officiated in the piling of Phase 1 on 1 January 1974. At the time of its construction, Komtar is regarded as one of the cutting-edge buildings in Penang. It includes the 65-storey Komtar Tower, designed and constructed with local expertise, and a geodesic dome of Buckminster Fuller's design. When it reached its full height during construction, the Komtar Tower was briefly the tallest building in Asia, but by the time it was completed, the title has passed to the Korean Life Insurance Building (KLI 63 Building) in Seoul.
At the time of its completion (Komtar was never ever fully completed, only the first two phases were constructed; the remaining phases were either abandoned, postponed indefinitely or privatised), Komtar was the premier shopping destination on Penang Island, and home to all the upmarket retail outlets. It was the pride of Penang. Over the years, however, with increasing competition from newly opened shopping centres such as Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall, and Sunshine Square, Komtar lost much of its luster.
The list of negative issues resulting from Komtar is indeed a long one. To make way for Komtar, whole streets and neighbourhoods were erased without much regard to its consequence. This wholesale displacement of the population from the city core results in a dead town around Komtar. This includes Gladstone Road and the original Cheong Fatt Tze Road (Hong Kong Street was renamed Cheong Fatt Tze Road thereafter). The transfer of the bus and taxi terminal into Komtar and the lack of space for buses and taxis contributed further to traffic congestion and pollution.
The economy slowdown of the late 90's exerted a heavy toll on Komtar. Both its anchor tenants, Yaohan and Super Komtar departmental stores, succumbed to financial difficulties, subsequently closing down. Without a good anchor tenant, Komtar is incapable of holding on to the title of premier shopping destination. A poor track record of maintaining the building further compounds the problems, resulting in a run-down, smelly, garbage-strewn structure with many dark, deserted nooks. This makes the whole complex all the more unattractive to potential tenants. In a way, all the problems caused by and resulting from Komtar is a shameful reflection of the aimless way that Penang is being governed - indeed the state of Komtar can be compared to the general state of abandoned shophouses around George Town.
It is not my intention to be critical of local authorities. However, we do want to voice our displeasure that more wasn't done to prevent the inner city of George Town from stagnating. At the time that Komtar was being constructed, a foreign critic noted that this tower will stick out like a sore thumb over the city. As the prediction is coming to be true, I urge the local authorities to put together a masterplan to overhaul Komtar and revitalize it.
Update: Dec 2008
I am happy to note that Komtar is finally seeing some overdue facelift. Sections of the massive complex is now being refurbished. The toilets are looking clean and new, the escalators are working (for now, and I hope, continuously from now). New anchor tenant is also arriving to occupy the site previously taken by Super Komtar. So, in due time, I hope to see a return to the shine of Komtar.
Finding Accommodation in Penang
If you're going to Penang, you now have the option of finding accommodation in a hotel, or look for one in hostels and guesthouses. To book a room in a star-rated hotel, use the Penang Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers. To find accommodation in a Hostel or Guesthouse, use the Penang Guide to Hostels and Guesthouses. Each link provides detailed listing of the type of accommodation you can expect in Penang. Be aware that you get what you pay for. If you need a certain degree of comfort, then a star-rated hotel may be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are able to forego a bit of creature comfort, then hostels and guesthouses are clean, safe, and incredibly good value for money. For accommodation in other destinations, visit Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers or Hostels & Guesthouses Accommodation Guide.
Komtar from the ground, as seen on a very clear day.
21 years after its completion, the Komtar Tower still towers over the rest of the skyscrapers in Penang.
View of Komtar, including the geodesic dome, Trader's Hotel and Prangin Mall.
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