GEORGE TOWN, Nov. 9 -- The township of Air Itam may be known for its famous tourism spots such as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and Suffolk House, but it had its beginnings as an agricultural township with plantations and mills back in the early 19th century.

From farms to foothills

The township, sprawled around the foothills of Penang Hill, slowly grew as farmers and workers from the plantations and farms settled down at the foothills, gathering to trade and sell their goods.

Among the earliest records of industries in the growing township then were paintings of the Chinese Mills by the river at the foothills dated 1818 by Captain Robert Smith.

Another painting by James Wathan titled it as Ah Mee's House and Mills.

Penang Heritage ...