THE latest addition to Penang’s efforts to promote unity and religious harmony is the newly launched ‘Harmony Street’ in Bayan Baru. This vibrant initiative joins other similar streets across the state, reinforcing Penang’s reputation as a multicultural and harmonious state.
Several locations in Penang are known as ‘Harmony Street’, including Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling in George Town, Bukit Mertajam, and Seberang Jaya, with Bayan Baru now becoming the newest symbol of religious coexistence.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed hope that Butterworth will soon have its own ‘Harmony Street’, through the efforts of the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico).
“We have allocated a plot of land for this purpose, and the next stage will be the construction phase. Various religious organisations will build their places of worship at the site,” Chow told reporters after officiating the launch of the Bayan Baru ‘Harmony Street’.
In Bayan Baru, there are six places of worship: Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple, Sri Visvanather Sri Visalatchi Kuil, Charismatic Church, Gurdwara Sahib Bayan Baru, Than Hsiang Temple, and Surau Al-Ubudiah.
Chow highlighted that ‘Harmony Street’ plays a vital role in promoting unity across different races and religions, allowing communities to live harmoniously together.
“This is an ongoing effort to foster unity,” he said.
The ‘Harmony Street’ in Bayan Baru was developed by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in the 1970s. The area continues to evolve and now hosts a variety of places of worship.
Demonstrating the state government’s commitment to fostering harmony, Chow noted that RM1.3 million has been allocated to Harmonico for these purposes, reflecting Penang’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We have also developed eRIBI, a database of non-Islamic places of worship in the state. It serves as a one-stop centre to help the government manage these sites effectively,” Chow added.
To date, almost 1,500 non-Islamic places of worship have been registered under the eRIBI system.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim underscored the importance of creating such a vibrant and inclusive environment.
“Our goal is to witness unity in society, regardless of race or religion, contributing to the state’s development. This will foster inclusivity and strengthen community bonds,” she said.
Among those present at the event were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Chan Soon Aun and Harmonico general manager Paul Au.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis