PULAU PINANG : BUKIT MERTAJAM (2012)

HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

13 JULY 2024

BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG

NOVEMBER 2012

Bukit Mertajam is a suburb of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. Founded in 19th century, Bukit Mertajam also evolved into a transportation hub.

The name Bukit Mertajam comes from "Mertajam"-  Erioglossum rubiginosum, a tree species with white flowers found on the hill. 

Bukit Mertajam was once part of the Hindu-Buddhist Bujang Valley civilization. The Cherok Tokun Relics, a massive megalith with ancient Sanskrit/Pali inscriptions discovered in 1845, prove that the area was inhabited as early as the 5th century.

I had the opportunity to set foot in Bukit Mertajam in 2012 during the Heart Week program at AEON Seberang Perai City from 23-28 November 2012.

Travel distance from our office in Kuala Lumpur to Bukit Mertajam is 339 km and it takes 3 hours 33 minutes drive.

AEON SEBERANG PERAI CITY

BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG

23-28 NOVEMBER 2012

Seberang Prai Heart Week 2012 took place from 23 - 28 November 2012 at AEON Seberang Prai City. During the 6 days of this program, a total of 461 people underwent a Health Screening Test and 86 underwent an Electrocardiogram test.

AEON Seberang Prai City Shopping Center is located on Jalan Perda Timur off Jalan Permatang Batu in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. It was opened on 22 August 2008. This 6-storey building is divided into 3 floors for parking and another 3 floors for business centers.

2012 was a transition year for the brand. It was during this period that the "JUSCO" name was officially phased out across Malaysia and replaced with "AEON." If you visited the Heartweek event that year, you likely saw the mall in the middle of this rebranding exercise, with the iconic magenta "AEON" logo replacing the old blue and orange "JUSCO" signs.

*** Latest information AEON Seberang City Shopping Complex was closed in 2014 and moved to AEON Mall Bukit Mertajam. This complex has been taken over by Perda City Mall.

Had the chance to meet two of my old friends when I was in the Navy, namely Jalil and Kamsani. We are from the same intake which is intake 139/80 who underwent recruit training at the Naval Base in Lumut, Perak from January to June 1980.

Throughout the program we stayed at Sri Indar Hotel located in Jalan Sungai Rambai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

 

Back in 2012, Sri Indar Hotel was one of the most prominent mid-range hotels in Bandar Perda area. It was highly popular for government officials, business travelers and families because of its proximity to the MPSP (now MBSP) HQ and the courts. 

The hotel is now (2026) listed as OYO 510 Sri Indar Hotel. 

A written account of my trip to Bukit Mertajam, Penang in April 2012 - a perfect for a trip. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

13 July 2024 : 7 Muharram 1446H: 2.07 p.m