Masjid Tarik Air, Burmah Road

Masjid Tarik Air (9 December 2008)


Masjid Tarik Air is a small mosque along Burmah Road, George Town, at the junction with Aboo Sittee Lane. It dates to 1880, to a very different era when pipe water is not readily available.

In the old days, a battalion of water carriers would convey fresh water collected from the Waterfall (the Botanical Gardens Waterfall) and carry it all the way to town. Often, bullock carts and oxen were used to transport the water, but it is not infrequent to find coolies carting water pails on yokes. That is why Burmah Road is known in Hokkien as Chia Chooi Lor, or Jalan Kreta Ayer in Malay, meaning "water cart road".

Masjid Tarik Air was a rest stop for the coolies, many of whom were Indian Muslims. It was also the site where the perform their daily prayers before continuing on their journey.

Nearby Sights

Getting there

The nearest bus stop along Burmah Road is served by Rapid Penang bus 101, 102, 103 and 304.

Location of Masjid Tarik Air on the map

List of Mosques in Penang and Mosques in Malaysia