Legacy lives on:P. Ramlee’s house continues to draw visitors to Jalan P. Ramlee in Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
FILM icon Tan Sri P. Ramlee gained international recognition during his illustrious career, yet not many people know that his birthplace in George Town, Penang, is a memorial that’s open to the public.
There have been calls to make Rumah P. Ramlee, the house where he was born, a major tourist destination where visitors can learn more about the entertainment legend.
The house where the late artiste grew up has the potential to attract more tourists, said veteran politician Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff, who is Penang P. Ramlee Fan Club president.
“Rumah P. Ramlee should be on the list of must-visit places in Penang,” he said in advocating for the building to be upgraded.
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Mohd Yussof said agencies like the National Heritage Department, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the state government could play pivotal roles in making Rumah P. Ramlee one of Penang’s major tourist destinations.
“Apart from upgrading the house, the surrounding area in its vicinity should also be improved,” said Mohd Yussof, who is also Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) president.
He said more tourist arrivals would also benefit the locals economically.
Malay movie legend P. Ramlee was born in the house located at the road in Penang’s capital city. The street has since been renamed after him.
The National Archives acquired the house, which was built in 1926, and carried out restoration works in 1991.
Within the same compound is the Pustaka Warisan Seni Complex which houses the P. Ramlee Gallery that showcases the star’s personal artifacts, press photos and movie handbills.
The Penang branch of the National Archives, in a statement, said the compound outside Rumah P. Ramlee had undergone landscaping in 2020 and clothing belonging to P. Ramlee and his wife, Saloma, had been added to the upgraded gallery.
To promote the star’s birthplace, the agency said various activities and programmes had been planned with several government agencies, non-governmental associations and educational institutions in an effort to increase the number of visitors to the site.
During the Covid-19 movement control order, the attraction was closed to the public.
“However, following the government’s easing of travel restrictions, there has been an increase in the number of visitors to the site, especially during the school holidays.
“From January to December 2021, we had 11,302 visitors, while there were 23,971 visitors from January until July this year,” the statement said.
A visit by StarMetro found a stream of visitors, some of whom had come from as far as Sabah to see the house where P. Ramlee was born.
Mohd Shahri Podding, 29, from Sabah, said it was the first time he was visiting the legend’s house after hearing about it from his relatives.
“I know who P. Ramlee is, but I was not aware of the existence of this house in Penang.
“When we decided to visit Penang, I told my wife and family that we must visit this place,” he said.
Mohd Shahri said he was in awe looking at the exhibits and examining the achievements of the legendary artiste.
“I feel his talents are unsurpassed.
“It is important that all items belonging to P. Ramlee are preserved,” he said in applauding the National Archives’ efforts.
Another visitor, Mazlan Musa, 51, from Johor, said he loved to watch P. Ramlee movies.
“Even though I have seen them over and over again, I never tire of watching his films,” he said, singling out Pendekar Bujang Lapuk and Labu Labi as his favourite movies.
Mazlan said conserving the house where P. Ramlee was born was the right thing to do.
“People should take the opportunity to view a piece of history associated with this entertainment legend.
“More promotions should be carried out; programmes and events should be organised to appeal to foreign tourists too,” he suggested.
The P. Ramlee House is open from 9am to 5pm daily from Tuesdays to Sundays.
On Fridays, it is open from 9am to noon and from 3pm to 5pm.
