2 weeks Ago
ONE way to better appreciate one’s home country or city is to travel abroad. I went to Chennai, India, which is the capital and largest city in Tamil Nadu. It has a population of 12 million versus Penang’s statewide population of 1.
8 million. While I’m not attempting to compare a metropolis against little Penang, I observed during my trip some areas which the island could do better. Both cities have plenty of heritage sites, scenic locations and serious traffic problems.
The jams I endured in Chennai during my three-day trip reminded me of traffic jams in Penang on long weekends. The one thing that stood out in Chennai, in contrast to Penang, is its long, wide walkways. I noticed people in Chennai walked a good deal despite the city being generally hot all year round.
However, Penang has more pedestrian traffic lights, making it safer for those who walk, while in Chennai, I found that I had to cross and hope for the best. Penang does have walkways – when there is space for it. Often, and largely because of historical town planning concepts, pedestrians in Penang today must negotiate single file on the road, between rows of parked cars and moving traffic.
While common in George Town and many former British colonies, five-foot ways are not conducive for walking because many shopkeepers occupy the space. This had been a problem in nearly all former British colonies since the by-law was created in the 1870s, to the point that Singapore had the “Verandah Riots” in the 1880s when there was open friction between the owners of shophouses, hawkers and local authorities. Chennai is a bustling city with great heritage, culture and history.
From there, tourists can visit places like this Unesco-listed Mahabalipuram Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. — TRISHA NG/The Star The Penang Island City Council recently became extra strict with shophouses along 200m of the oldest stretch of Pulau Tikus, resulting in a clear five-foot way. But this took many rounds of confiscations and compounds – an exercise that would lead to much anger if done throughout George Town.
What I missed while I was away was Penang folk’s friendly demeanour. Travelling to India, where my ancestors came from, I was surprised to discover that conversations are typically curt and pleasantries are uncommon. Even the airport staff there were more interested to query visitors rather than welcome them.
It felt nerve-racking when I was asked about the purpose of my visit. When I replied I was there to shop, my answer was met with a stare rather than a smile. I received the cold shoulder at a saree shop, as well.
While my Tamil may not be great, I am equipped with basic conversational skills so it was odd that the staff were hesitant to help even though I didn’t make any attempt to bargain. A sales assistant walked away from me even though I was the only customer there. Chennai has a population that is six times more than Penang’s.
I suspect that when a city has a large population, it might be difficult to always be friendly but I would expect a customer-facing employee to be nicer than those I encountered in Chennai. Perhaps I have been spoilt by the warmth of Penang folk but it has raised my standards of what to expect when visiting other countries. Will I return to Chennai? Yes, definitely.
It’s a bustling city with great heritage, culture and history. And now, with the launch of direct flights, it’s merely a three-and-a-half-hour ride from Penang..
