Malay Houses in Penang: Circa 1900

Malay Houses in Penang: Circa 1900
Malay stilt houses by TN Shaik Ismail No. 14 taken c.1902 (ML-3575).

*Images from Marcus Langdon Collection.

MALAYS IN PENANG traditionally lived inland or along the coast, depending on their livelihoods. This had some bearing on how they built or located their dwellings. One common house style is the Bumbung Panjang Berserambi (long roof with veranda), known for its simple yet practical design. The roof has two slopes—an upper and a lower—and the structure allows easy extensions such as a gajah menyusu (side addition) and an anjung (raised porch).

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