LOOKING for a slow morning walk immersed in the rich culture of Air Itam? The ‘Penang Air Itam Story Heritage Walk’ offers the perfect cultural experience.
Jointly organised by the Air Itam Service Centre and Penang Walkabout Group, the programme launched its first series yesterday (Sept 6).
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng shared that a total of 22 participants, including a couple from Belgium, took part in the event. The participants walked for two hours around the neighbourhood, guided by Madam CE Tan, the programme’s guide.
It is learned that the route began at the Air Itam War Memorial and concluded at Spark Optics.
“This is our first initiative organising such a walk, and the programme will run for at least 10 months. If the response is good, it may be extended up to one year.
(left) Ng speaking to the participants after they have concluded the walk while, Teh looks on.
“The walk is scheduled to take place on the first Saturday of every month.
“Each series will accommodate a maximum of 22 to 25 participants, if this limit is exceeded, the additional participants will be included to the next series,” Ng said during a press conference held after the event.
Ng highlighted that the walkbout will cover all the historical and culturally significant site in the Air Itam neighbourhood.
“We usually organise other community events, such as the Mooncake Festival, but we wanted to try something different. That is how we came up with this programme.
“Each session will be an interesting journey for the participants, as they won’t know the route in advance, which makes it even more fun and spontaneous.
“Along the way, they will get to explore hidden gems, engage with the local community, and experience Air Itam from a fresh perspective,” he added.
Participants need to register with a fee of RM30, which includes a cup of coffee.
Meanwhile, 81-year-old participant Noriah Abdullah shared that the walkabout revealed the alleys and hidden corners of the Air Itam neighbourhood. She said the experience helped her see familiar places in a new light.
“I am originally from Air Itam, but I now live in the Tanjung Bungah area.
“As a former history teacher myself, this walkabout was especially meaningful for me and my friend Chan, who also taught history at SMK Padang Polo.
“Even though the walkabout took two hours, the slow pace made it easy for me to keep up, and I did not find it difficult at all.
“We both always go for morning walks, so we are used to walking regularly,” she said, adding that they learned about the event through the Penang Walkabout Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Gj4MrxrBN/?mibextid=wwXIfr).
According to Ng, information about the walkabout series, including registration details, will be updated on his official Facebook page used for his activities as the Air Itam assemblyman(https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDwMCoYG3/?mibextid=wwXIfr), as well as on the Penang Walkabout Group Facebook page.
The programme’s guide, Tan, highlighted a few famous sites in Air Itam, such as Jalan Batu Jantan and Jalan Batu Perempuan, which have legendary stories about the two boulders, as well as houses of worship including the mosque, church, and Hindu temple.
Penang Walkabout Group administrator Robert Teh noted that while walks like these are typically organised in George Town, many untold Penang stories exist beyond the heritage zone, in places like Air Itam, that also deserve to be highlighted.
Teh also expressed hope that other constituencies, such as Pulau Tikus, could organise similar programmes to showcase their unique attractions, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter