Land grab

Penang is a prosperous, mountainous island and land capable of building development is in short supply. This shot, from the top of Penang Hill, shows two short bridges linking Straits Quay and Gurney to a man-made pile of "earth" which will form the foundations for major commercial and residential developments. 

Mainland Malaysia is on the other side of the narrow Strait. Popsie's night shot is from a similar location but aimed at Georgetown, further south (to the right) of this view.

Funding for the reclamation/creation of land is, we understand, largely Chinese. There has been a significant and successful Chinese community in Penang, introduced by the British over two hundred years ago. British traditions live on: the extra shows a fish and chip supper being enjoyed atop Penang Hill.