Sia Boey
Sia Boey is the name for a locality within George Town. The name, which in Hokkien means "Town's End", came about in the 19th century, when George Town reached only to the Prangin Canal. Until the mid 19th century, the area beyond the Prangin Canal has not been developed yet. There were a few attap houses here and there forming a small Chinese village called Kuay Kang-nga, meaning "Beyond the River", located where Maxwell Road and Komtar is today.
By the 1870's there were plank bridges across the Prangin Canal. A bridge that linked Beach Street to the path beyond (yet to be called Bridge Street / Jalan CY Choy) was named Anson Bridge, after Archibald Anson, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Penang, Resident Councillor of Penang (1867-1882), and Major General of Singapore (as cross reference, read Governors of the Straits Settlements). The bridge has since disappeared, as the size of Prangin Canal has reduced to a ditch.
Since the late 19th century to the late 20th century, the Sia Boey area became synonymous with its wholesale market, so much so that to most Penangites, the very mention of Sia Boey conjured images of a bustling market activity. The character of Sia Boey begins south of Malay Street, and continues all the way to Magazine Road. Within this area, one find activities related to the wet market, including the sight of salted fish being sun-dried, gunny sacks of onions and potatoes, shops selling rattan products and basketware, animal feed, fertilizers and pesticides, and so on.
With the relocation of the Sia Boey Wholesale Market to Macallum Street Ghaut, Sia Boey is temporarily quiet, and a bit forlorn. Development is on its way, as the area is earmarked as the new transportation hub of the city.
Getting there
From the Komtar Bus Terminal, turn right and walk along Lebuh Tek Soon until Lebuh Lintang. Then turn left, walk along Lebuh Lintang until Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. Turn right, walk along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. Sia Boey is located after the junction of Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong with Lebuh Carnavon.
Nearby Sights
Teoh Kongsi
Hui Aun Association
Magazine Road Heritage Row
Acheen Street Mosque
Tan Kongsi
Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Nearby Shopping
Komtar
Prangin Mall
1st Avenue Penang
Visiting Penang
If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!
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Sia Boey, all quiet now (4 December 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Sia Boey Location Map
Seen better days: Sia Boey market (4 December 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Prangin Canal, beside the market, as dirty as usual (4 December 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Just like old times, salted fish drying in the sun (4 December 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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