Ayer Itam
Ayer Itam (formerly spelt as Air Itam) is a suburb of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Nested within the central valleys of Penang Island, it is located approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of the city centre. Ayer Itam is one of the well-known places to sample Penang cuisine, and includes a handful of major tourist attractions such as Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple.
Ayer Itam | |
|---|---|
Suburb of George Town | |
| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Mandarin | 亚依淡 (Simplified) 亞依淡 (Traditional) Yà yī dàn (Pinyin) |
| • Hokkien | A-i-tām (Tâi-lô) |
| • Tamil | ஆயர் ஈத்தாம் |
Ayer Itam | |
| Coordinates: 5°24′5.6916″N 100°16′41.343″E | |
| Country | Malaysia |
| State | Penang |
| City | George Town |
| Government | |
| • Local government | Penang Island City Council |
| • Mayor of Penang Island | Rajendran P. Anthony |
| • Air Itam State Assemblyman | Joseph Ng Soon Seong (PH-DAP) |
| • Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament | Ramkarpal Singh (PH-DAP) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | Not observed |
| Postal code | 11500 |
| Website | mbpp |
The area now known as Ayer Itam was first developed in the late 18th century, soon after the founding of Penang Island by Captain Francis Light in 1786. British officials intended to turn Ayer Itam, including Penang Hill, into an agricultural area and established spice farms. To this day, fruits and vegetables are still grown at the hills of Ayer Itam; fresh produce are then brought downhill daily to the wet markets throughout George Town.