iShop Pasar Jeti Lama

West of Jalan Pasar is the Old Butterworth Public Market. “It’s the oldest market in Butterworth and it is unique as it operates almost round the clock from 3am up to 11pm at night,” says Think City Butterworth Programme Director Murali Ram. Come here early morning when traders stock up on fresh meat, poultry, spices, and seafood freshly caught in the Straits of Malacca. Prices here are cheap. Some clever traders bulk purchase here and resell the produce in other markets in Butterworth. The market building dates back to 1928 and the traders here span over three generations.

Before the Penang Port reclamation project, fishermen would moor at the Jeti Lama (old jetty) to sell their catch. The jeti is long gone, a highway has become the main lifeline in Butterworth, but a row of shophouses along the old jetty road in typical early straits eclectic style is reminiscent of the old days.