Market Street Ghaut

Market Street Ghaut (19 January 2011)


Market Street Ghaut, or Gat Lebuh Pasar, is a short street in George Town. Originally extending from Weld Quay to Beach Street, it is today only half its length, ending at Victoria Street. The section between Victoria Street and Beach Street has been redeveloped, and today is the site of the Beach Street MPPP Car Park.

Market Street Ghaut was created at the end of the 20th century, when the area between Beach Street and Weld Quay was reclaimed to create additional land for godowns. In so doing, the Market Street ghaut was removed, and the road of the same name was created.

As its name suggests, Market Street refers to the Indian market, one of the original markets of George Town, that once occupied the street, as well as Chee Em Lane, Penang Street and King Street, is now is known today as Little India.

In the post-war years, the site between Victoria Street and Beach Street was turned into the Victoria Street Bus Terminal for the City Council buses, which was replaced by the MPPP buses, then Transit Link and now Rapid Penang. The Penang Municipal Council built a hawker centre along Market Street Ghaut. It still exists today, albeit in a state of semi slumber.

Gat Lebuh Pasar street sign (19 January 2011)


As Market Street Ghaut is within the core zone of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area should be returned as close as possible to its original state, with interpretive signs to tell its history.

How to get there

From the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, take the pedestrian bridge across Weld Quay. Market Street Ghaut starts at the foot of the pedestrian bridge.

View Market Street Ghaut in a larger map

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia