THINK about history and heritage in Penang and the first location that comes to mind is the Unesco World Heritage site of George Town on the island.

But some areas on the mainland – such as Nibong Tebal in south Seberang Perai – have equally rich histories.

And thanks to a community initiative, this has now come to light.

The Nibong Tebal Cultural Heritage Project took six months to document the town’s stories, traditions and places. From its quaint old town to colonial-era estates, riverside fishing villages and vast padi plantations, there were countless narratives to be uncovered.

The aim was to give locals and tourists alike a better appreciation of the area’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets, and ensure they were not lost to time.