Relau’s legacy whispers from the past. We stand before a neighbourhood transformed. Once a landscape of charcoal kilns giving its name to this place Relau. Imagine the smoke rising from the relau. These were the charcoal kilns that once dotted this very land. Relau meaning charcoal kilns in Malay. They fuelled the island’s industries. This was long before the bustling residential estates of today.
Relau’s early days were primarily agricultural. The land was fertile. Farmers worked the rich soil. They cultivated the land providing sustenance for the island. This continued until the 1980s. Then development swept through Relau. The landscape changed dramatically.
One notable landmark remains. The dilapidated Relau Villa stands as a testament to the past. It was once the summer home of Chung Thye Pin. He was the last Kapitan Cina of Perak. Chung Thye Pin was incredibly wealthy. He was considered the wealthiest man on Penang Island at the time of his death in 1935. His villa now sits in disrepair a silent observer of Relau’s evolution.
The transformation of Relau into residential areas was rapid. The 1990s saw a rise in apartments. These ranged from low to medium cost. This catered to the growing population. The Penang Island Municipal Council responded to the increased population density. They created the Relau Metropolitan Park. The park provides vital recreational spaces for Relau’s residents.
The area is landlocked. Hills surround it to the north. Access is via a few main roads. Jalan Paya Terubong is one. Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim is another. These roads can get very congested during rush hour. Traffic flows south in the morning as workers head to Bayan Lepas. It reverses in the evening as they return home. Relau sits 14.3km from Komtar. It is better suited for people who work in Bayan Lepas.
Relau offers relatively inexpensive housing. It also boasts a proximity to shopping malls and schools. This makes it an attractive area. However it is essential to be aware of the heavy traffic. Relau’s story is one of transformation. From charcoal kilns to modern living the area has changed dramatically. It retains a unique charm however. This is reflected in the remnants of its past and the modern amenities. It’s a neighbourhood where history and modernity coexist.