Lorong Hantu Kecil Community Art Event
Pertemuan di Lorong Bersejarah yang Terakhir
Text / Andrew Loo Hong Chuang
Out of concern of the rapid development and building of MRT station in 2011, social movements were initiated by the grassroot communities and they managed to salvage some old heritage buildings along Jalan Sultan and the surrounding areas. But as commercial interests escalated, the once quaint and traditional area continued to feel the pressure of redevelopment. Since then, some buildings were acquired and raising of rentals forced some businesses out of the areas. In 2018, Lorong Panggung is the latest victim consumed by redevelopment.
The notice to vacate the buildings along Lorong Panggung marks the beginning of imminent change to the lane and this would drastically alter the aesthetic of city scape around Petaling Street. Rich histories and collective stories of the “Little Ghosts’ Alley” will only remain as memories for years to come.
Special thanks to all friends who contributed in making this event happened:
Andrew Loo Hong Chuang, CC Kua, Checkmate, Chin Chun Wei, Dapur Jalanan , Douglas Ho, Emily Chow, Kedai Jalanan, Liew Chee Heai, Little Giraffe Book Club, Lok Kah Wah, Moutou, Mah Jun Yi, Mr. Yuen, Ranee Sia, Sim Hoi Ling, Sun Kang Jye, all participated performance artists , musicians, Lorong Panggung origin community, 何九，老蔣煮炒, 鬼仔巷阿龍，劉海鏡跌打- 何君蓉.
Lorong Panggung is also known by many as the “Little Ghosts Alley”.
There are three different stories about how the alley acquired this nickname. One story said that the alley was inhabited by large families with many children sharing the small living space. These children were then known as “little ghosts”. The second story was that the alley was full of chain smokers, alcoholics and lechers which landed the lane with its inhabitants infamously and unfavourably labelled as “ghosts” in mandarin or in Cantonese as in “煙鬼，酒鬼及色鬼”. Story three has it that there were many snoopers in the alley. These “original inhabitants” were long gone now and what remain in Lorong Panggung are a few middle aged individuals, foreign workers and a lion dance troop.
This narrow alley is also a co-sharing space. Hou Gau Kopitiam sells the usual Nanyang breakfast of the usual Malaysian’s favourite breakfasts of half boiled eggs, kaya-butter toast, coffee, tea, fried noodle and many more. Not far from Hou Gau is a stall selling rice noodles rolls. There is also a nasi lemak stall in the evening.
Events & Activities:
Historical Photography Exhibition
Music Performances
Arts Exhibitions
Building Mapping Exhibition
Building Model
Street Barter
Street Tours
Lorong Panggung Map Stamping
Poetry Reading
Street Theatre
Lion & Dragon Dances
Miniature Art Exhibition
