TWO major heritage sites dedicated to Tan Sri P. Ramlee (Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh; 1929–1973) or better known as just P. Ramlee, continue to attract significant public interest, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 100,000, reflecting the lasting legacy of one of the region's most celebrated artistic figures.
The birthplace of the late entertainer in George Town, Penang, and the P. Ramlee Memorial Library in Kuala Lumpur have both drawn strong attendance from both domestic and international visitors, according to the National Archives of Malaysia.
Zaidin Mohd Noor, the director-general of the National Archives, said that the sustained turnout highlighted ongoing admiration for P. Ramlee’s contributions to acting, music, and film direction, where he is widely regarded as a Malayan artistic genius.
“To date, the National Archives houses between 20,000 and 30,000 items and collections related to the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, including documents and personal belongings used during his lifetime.
“His fans are not only from Malaysia, but also from across Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore,” New Straits Times reported him saying after the ‘Kayuhan Jejak Seniman: Rumah Kelahiran P. Ramlee’ programme in Penang.
The event was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor of Penang), Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, who marked the launch by cycling 14 kilometers from his official residence at Seri Mutiara to the artist’s birthplace.
Zaidin noted that the traditional wooden house, built in 1926 by P. Ramlee’s father and uncle, is now approaching a century in age.
It was acquired and restored by the National Archives in 1991 to preserve its historical significance.
“Overall, the cost of acquiring and upgrading the house amounted to about RM300,000, to ensure the historic site remains preserved and relevant as a tourism destination,” he said.
He added that the house, which retains its original structure and showcases a range of heritage collections, is positioned not merely as a memorial but as a key cultural attraction within Penang’s tourism landscape, continuing to draw admirers from across the region. - April 12, 2026
