Kampung Rawa

Kampung Rawa (20 December 2008)


Kampung Rawa is a Sumatran settlement along the banks of Sungai Pinang in George Town. It has existed as early as the 19th century, and probably even earlier, as the banks of Sungai Pinang was already settled by various Malay, Sumatran and Indian communities even before the arrival of Francis Light. Traders used to come up the river, and even today, boats are still berthed by the river bank.

Kampung Rawa is best known for the unfortunate "Kampung Rawa Incident" in March 1998 which erupted into street fighting between the Malay Muslims and the Indian Hindus. The incident was sparked by racial discontent between the two communities, a dispute over the intention to convert the Sri Raja Raja Madurai Veeran Hindu shrine into a full-fledged Hindu temple. The shrine was illegally built on private land, and was just 20 meters from Masjid Jamek Kampung Rawa. The frequent ringing of the temple bell is said to have further fueled the friction between the different racial groups.

Just like in the olden days, boat at Kampung Rawa (20 December 2008)

Getting to Kampung Rawa

Kampung Rawa can be reached from Jalan Patani. Rapid Penang Bus Nos. 206, 301, 302, 308 and U502 pass by Jalan Patani.

Nearby Sights

Village scene at Kampung Rawa (20 December 2008)

Location of Kampung Rawa on the map

List of Villages on Penang Island