Rifle Range Flats, Ayer Itam, Penang

Real Estate Review: Rifle Range Flats, Ayer Itam

The Rifle Range Flats are one of the Penang state government's earliest low-cost housing projects. It is located at the junction of Jalan Padang Tembak with Jalan Jalan Boundary (some times translated as Jalan Sempadan). It is known as Pak Cheng Por in Hokkien, a direct translation of "rifle range". The name hails back to the 1950's, when the place was used for target practices. At that time, it was at the edge of town, next to the Batu Gantong Cemetery, which was also regarded as "rural countryside".

When Rifle Range Flats were completed in the early 1970's, they were the tallest buildings in Penang. None of the units were big - they were almost like pigeon holes. Nonetheless they provided housing for many hardcore poor. Over the years, however, the general condition of Rifle Range Flats deteriorated rapidly. Eventually they were in Penang synonymous with squalor. Still the advantage of living in Rifle Range is that it is relatively close to town - just a little over 5 km from Magazine Circus, the property is cheap, and if you are a single person living alone, the space is sufficient. However, for most people who live here, it is a mere temporary abode until they can afford to live elsewhere.

Today, Rifle Range and the Batu Gantong Cemetery next to it are right at the edge of town. It is only due to the hills hemming the way that prevents further development taking shape here.

Facilities

No other facilities except lift. Car parks are grossly insufficient.

Public Transport

Rapid Penang Bus 201, 202, 204 and 206 pass through Jalan Padang Tembak and Jalan Boundary.

Amenities

The nearest school is Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Tembak. There's a makeshift market at Rifle Range itself, otherwise the nearest is the Kampung Baru Market. The nearest hypermarket is Sunshine Farlim. The nearest petrol stations are the BHP before Jalan Boundary, Shell after Jalan Boundary, and Mobil near Jalan La Salle. The nearest hospital is Lam Wah Ee Hospital.

Traffic

Rifle Range is horrendously overcrowded. Traffic often comes to a crawl on the approach to the junction (or rather, cornering) between Jalan Padang Tembak and Jalan Boundary.