PULAU JEREJAK

Pulau Jerejak and the Russian cruiser Zhemchug (Pearl) are linked by one of the most dramatic and tragic naval incidents of World War I to occur in Southeast Asian waters: the Battle of Penang.

While Pulau Jerejak is most famous for its dark history as a leper colony and a high-security prison, it also serves as the final resting place for a few of the sailors from the Zhemchug.

1. The Sinking of the Zhemchug (1914)

On October 28, 1914, the Russian protected cruiser Zhemchug was anchored in the Penang Channel (near Swettenham Pier) for boiler repairs and maintenance.

• The Surprise Attack: The German light cruiser SMS Emden, disguised as a British ship with a fake fourth smokestack, slipped into the harbor undetected.
• The Engagement: Once inside, the Emden hoisted the German flag and fired a torpedo at the Zhemchug. A second torpedo struck the Russian ship's magazine, causing a massive explosion that tore the vessel apart.
• The Loss: The ship sank within minutes. Out of the crew, 88-89 sailors were killed and over 120 were wounded.
• The Scandal: The Zhemchug's captain, Baron Ivan Cherkassov, was famously not on board during the attack; he was reportedly staying at the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel with his wife and watched his ship sink from the shore. He was later court-martialed and imprisoned.

2. The Connection to Pulau Jerejak

While the majority of the dead remained with the wreck or were buried at the Western Road Cemetery in George Town, Pulau Jerejak holds a specific piece of this history:

• The Graves: Two (some sources say three) bodies of Russian sailors washed ashore on the beaches of Pulau Jerejak following the explosion.
• The Memorial: Because the island was then a quarantine and leper station, the bodies were buried where they were found. A small, modest stone memorial was erected on the island to honor them.
• Restoration: The monument on Pulau Jerejak, along with the larger one at Western Road Cemetery, has been restored several times by the Russian (and formerly Soviet) government, most notably in 1972 and 1987.

3. Broader History of Pulau Jerejak

Beyond the Zhemchug connection, the island has a multifaceted and somber history:

Era	Function
1868–1960s	Leper Asylum: One of the earliest and largest leper colonies in the region, housing over 7,000 patients at its peak.
1875–WWII	Quarantine Station: Used to inspect immigrants (mostly from India and China) for diseases like smallpox and cholera before they entered Penang.
1948–1960s	Tuberculosis Sanatorium: Established on the southern part of the island to isolate TB patients.
1969–1993	Penal Colony: Became a maximum-security prison known as the "Alcatraz of Malaysia," housing high-profile detainees and gang members.

4. Today

Today, the Zhemchug wreck still lies at the bottom of the Penang Channel, marked by a buoy. The memorial on Pulau Jerejak remains a site of "pilgrimage" for visiting Russian naval vessels, who often send delegations to lay wreaths at both the island site and the Western Road Cemetery.

Note: Access to the Russian graves on Pulau Jerejak can be difficult as the island has undergone various redev

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2/2/2026: 6.39 p.m

1985 - PENANG BRIDGE

This collage captures a monumental chapter in Malaysian history: the opening of the Penang Bridge in 1985. It wasn't just a feat of engineering; it was a symbol of national pride and the rapid modernization of the country.

Key Highlights of the Moment

• The VIPs: You can see Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah, standing proudly in the foreground. Dr. Mahathir was the driving force behind this project, which was part of his vision to industrialize Malaysia.
• The Car: That car they are standing with is the Proton Saga, Malaysia's first national car. It was launched in the same year (1985), and Dr. Mahathir famously drove a red Proton Saga across the bridge during the opening ceremony to link two of his biggest "mega-projects" together.
• The Bridge Structure: The background shows the iconic cable-stayed middle span. At the time of its completion, it was the longest bridge in Southeast Asia and the third longest in the world, spanning 13.5 kilometers.

Fun Facts About the Opening

Feature	Detail
Official Opening	September 14, 1985
Construction Time	Approximately 3.5 years
Connecting Points	Perai (Mainland) to Gelugor (Island)
Historical Significance	It ended the total reliance on the Penang ferry system for vehicle transport.

Note: The bottom-right photo shows the final stages of construction/paving, giving a great "behind-the-scenes" look at the massive scale of the asphalt work required for the four-lane dual carriageway.

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2/2/2026: 4.38 p.m

HOTEL MEMORIES (PENANG)

2012: ANGGERIK LODGING, GELUGOR

A budget-friendly hotel located at Hilir Pemancar, Taman Tun Sardon, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang. It is known for its convenient lecation near local food stalls and the University of Science Malaysia (USM). 

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Community Level Health Screening program in Kampung Titi Teras, Balik Pulau, Penang on 15 April 2012.

2012/2013: SRI INDAR HOTEL, BUKIT MERTAJAM

A prominent budget-friendly hotel located at Jalan Sungai Rambai, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. It gained popularity for its proximity to local industrial hubs like the Prai and Juru Industrial Estates. Established in 2009, today in 2025 it is widely known as OYO 510 Sri Indar Hotel. 

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Health Screening program at AEON Seberang Perai City (2012) and at SMK Bukit Berapit (2013).

2014: HOTEL SERI PAUH, PERAI

A 2-star budget hotel located at Taman Pauh Jaya, Perai, Pulau Pinang. It is located in the business neighbourhood of Jalan Baharu, Perai, Penang. The hotel offers proximity to a varity of local dining and shopping includes AEON Seberang Prai City, Sunway Carnival Mall, Mydin Mall, Penang Bird Park etc. 

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Penang Heart Week 2014 program at AEON Mall Bukit Mertajam from 21 - 24 August 2014.

2014: HOTEL PALM INN, BUKIT MERTAJAM

The hotel located at Taman Industri Permatang Batu, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, near the Bandar Perda area. A basic, affordable and clean hotel offering good value for money. 

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Health Screening program held at Apartment Permata, Bandar Baru Perda, Bukit Mertajam on 22 June 2014.

2015 : OLD PENANG HOTEL, GEORGE TOWN

Located at Kampung Jawa Lama, within a 5-minute walk of Penang Time Square,an affordable and convenient base for exploring George Town historic core, shopping and food scene. 

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Colour My Heart Run program at Padang Kota Lama on 19 April 2015.

2016: APPLE 1 HOTEL, BAYAN LEPAS

A budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Bayan Lepas, directly oppostie the Queensbay Mall. Its offers easy access to shopping, dining and other amenities.

I stayed at this hotel with my colleagues during the Bubble Dash Run program which took place in Bayan Lepas, Penang on 25 September 2016.

2017: BG BUSINESS HOTEL, BUKIT MERTAJAM

Located at Jalan Perniagaan, Jalan Perda Barat, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, close to local business hub and attractions like the Seberang Perasi Arean Conventon Center and Bandar Perda Food Retention Pond. 

We stayed at this hotel during a Health Program at Apartment Mutiara at Bandar Baru Perdaon 9 April 2017. 

Among the sweet experiences during my travels to Penang, I will never forget them.

Compiled by:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

16 December 2025: 12.07 a.m

PULAU PINANG - GEORGETOWN

Georgetown is the capital of Pulau Pinang, second largest metropolitan area and the second largest metropolitan economy in the country. 

Established as an entrepot by Captain Francis Light in 1786, Georgetown was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. It was named in honour of King George III, the ruler of Great Britain and Ireland between 1760 and 1820. 

KOLEJ PTPL 

GEORGETOWN, PULAU PINANG

28 JULY 2015

On 28 July 2015, the Malaysian Heart Foundation Awareness team held a Health Screening Program at PTPL Penang College (now MSU College) located in Georgetown, Penang, where I was also involved in this program.

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION

GEORGETOWN, PULAU PINANG

29 JULY 2015

A program coordination meeting was held with the National Kidney Foundation at their office in Georgetown, Penang on 29 July 2015.

While in Georgetown, we took the opportunity to stroll around the city and take some memorable photos.

Chowrasta Market in Georgetown has been here since the 80s. It is one of the oldest markets in Malaysia and perhap the best-known market on Penang Island.  It has been renovated with ample car park. It is a wet and dry market. We found out this place when out walking one morning.

Chowrasta is a must as there is no haggling and hawkers are mostly exhibiting their wares and no heckling of visitors. 

My favourite is the second hand book stores on the second level. 

IPK Pulau Pinang (Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Pulau Pinang),the state Police HQ for Penang.Built just before the Second World War,it features a distinctive symmetrical facade with strong vertical lines and central clock tower, typical of British colonial Administrative architecture from that era.

Nasi Kandar Beratur, a legendary late-night institution of George Town, famous for its long queue and traditional flavors that have remained consistent for over 80 years. Located right next to historic Kapital Keling Mosque, it is aquintessential stop for everyone wanting to experience Penang's vibrant midnight food culture. 

Beratur means "to queue", because of the long queue, shift late at night, starting aroung 9.30 p.m and serving until early morning hours.

Ibu Pejabat Polis Pulau Pinang

The famous Nasi Kandar Beratur in Georgetown got its name from the long queue of people outside the shop. Like most Nasi kandar places, you basically tell them what items you want with rice. However, I still prefer the Nasi Kandar Line Clear to this, maybe because of the long queue....

OLD PENANG HOTEL

JALAN KAMPUNG JAWA

GEORGETOWN, PULAU PINANG

19 APRIL 2015

Another location in Georgetown that I remember is the Old Penang Hotel located on Jalan Kampung Jawa, Georgetown.

We stayed at this hotel during the Colour My Heart Run program at Padang Kota Lama on 19 April 2015.

I still remember the stall selling putumayam just a few meters from my hotel. The stall sees a non-stop stream of customers when I was there, I finally managed to buy a few pieces before returning to my hotel.

Visiting Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia is generally considered worth it, especially if you're interested in exploring a well-preserved historic city with beautiful colonial architecture, diverse cultural influences, delicious street food, and unique street art murals, making it a great destination for a short trip with a lot to see and do in a walkable area.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

16/12/2024: 11.37 p.m