GEORGE TOWN: Once dark and gloomy back lanes here are being spruced up by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with locals adding an added touch of greenery.

       This includes a mini-farm along the back lane between Lebuh Campbell and Pesara Claimant, where cabbage, ginger, pandan, spring onion, green tea leaves and sugar cane have been planted by a restaurant.

       Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle manager Neoh Zhi Hao said the vegetables planted were shared with his surrounding neighbours.

       “The city council planted flowers after the back lane was upgraded last year, but they were not growing well.

       “In December, we collaborated and planted vegetables instead, and some have been harvested.

       “Every day, our workers water the plants as part of their tasks in the morning.

       “Such initiative serves as a token of appreciation between both parties to beautify the back lanes of our shop for the benefit of everyone,” said Neoh.

       Campbell Street Market Association chairman Lim Poh Chye said with the upgrading of the back lanes and its surroundings, there were fewer rats in the area now.

       “The market, built in the early 1900, played a significant role in commercial activities but was plagued by rat infestation,” he said.

       MBPP councillor Wong Yuee Harng said the initiative to spruce up the back lanes, which were once dark and deemed dirty, not only beautified public places but made them useful and accessible spaces.

       “Since 2017, we have upgraded 13 back lanes by cleaning and paving them with interlocking tiles.

       “Some were installed with art decor and lighting to keep them bright and attractive.

       “In total, about 9km of back lanes covering about a 4ha space have been identified to be upgraded.

       “They serve as community spaces and residential access,” said Wong.

       He said the latest designs incorporated empty areas to promote greenery and serve as green lungs in the city.

       “Most of these back lanes connect between major roads and are useful for pedestrians to cut walking distance. They may later serve as outdoor galleries and enhance the experience of walking through the city,” he said.

       Intrigued by the back lane upgrade in Kampung Malabar was 51-year-old Goh Siew Cheng and her two children from Ipoh, Perak.

       “We’re on a food hunt during our holiday in Penang and came upon this beautiful alley with windmills and light bulbs installed above.

       “I believe this used to be a dirty lane behind old shophouses but they are so comfortable to visit and to take photographs at.

       “Such hidden attractions we do not find on maps and we are glad to find them,” she said.

       Among other back lanes that have been upgraded is a link connecting Lebuh Ah Quee and Lorong Pitt equipped with gardens and exercise machines, as well as a 135m-long back lane between Jalan Magazine and Jalan Gurdwara.

       Others are those that connect Beach Street and Victoria Street, Carnarvon Street and Jalan Pintal Tali, Armenian Street and Lorong Selamat.