Photo Gallery

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, often referred to as the ‘Blue Mosque’, is the state mosque of Selangor in Shah Alam, Malaysia. It is considered one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, known for its striking blue dome and four tall minarets. Completed in 1988, the building is an important Islamic landmark and cultural centre. - Malaysia - 1990

The Kek Lok Si (Temple of Supreme Bliss) in Air Itam near George Town on Penang is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the most important shrines in Southeast Asia. The sprawling complex extends over several levels on a hill and captivates visitors with its unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. - Malaysia - 1990

Side entrance to Christ Church in Malacca, Malaysia. The city was once known as the ‘world's largest port’. Completed in 1753, the church is a beautiful example of Dutch sacred architecture and was inaugurated to mark the centenary of the colonisation of the country. Above the altar is a magnificent Last Supper frieze made of colourful glazed tiles. The roof beams were each made from a single tree trunk. Founded in 1403 by Parameswara, the prince of Sumatra, the city of Malacca is located at a river mouth that forms a safe harbour. In 1511, the Portuguese conquered the city and made it an important stop on the spice route. In 1641, they were driven out by the Dutch, who now controlled the entire region. The last colonists to arrive were the English, who completed their conquest of the Malay Peninsula in 1824. – 1990

Malacca is a historic city in Malaysia that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is known for its Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage. It is a popular tourist destination due to its unique architecture, diverse temples, the Melaka River and its gastronomy. The picture shows an old, weathered building with a striking wooden spiral staircase on the outside. – 1990

On the road from the airport to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur stands the Chinese temple Thean Hou, which combines stylish decorative elements with modern architecture. In the courtyard, a worshipper lights incense sticks for his ancestors. – 1990

Campbell Street (Lebuh Campbell) in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, is a historic street in the heart of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for traditional shophouses, textile shops, and heritage eateries like the renowned Hameediyah Restaurant. It is a bustling area located near Kapitan Keling Mosque and Penang Road. - 1990

Penang, particularly George Town, is home to some of Southeast Asia's most magnificent Hokkien temples and clan houses (kongsis). These structures were built by immigrants from Fujian Province (Hokkien) and still serve as religious centres and symbols of family cohesion today. – 1990

Bicycle taxis, often known in Malaysia as colourful ‘trishaws’, are a popular traditional means of transport for tourists, especially in historic cities such as Malacca and George Town (Penang). Today, they mostly serve as a decorative attraction for sightseeing tours, whereas in the past they functioned as classic city taxis. – 1990

Papaya seller on King Street (Malay: Lebuh King), one of the most historically significant streets in the heart of George Town, the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. It is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and reflects the city's multicultural history. – 1990

When the ginger leaves turn yellow and wilt, it is time to harvest. Ginger plantations are usually established on freshly cleared jungle soil. Slash-and-burn farming is often practised, as the ash acts as a fertiliser and increases the initial yield. – Malaysia – 1990

Ginger is generally harvested during the tropical winter. The planters dig up the shrubs with pitchforks, taking care not to damage the root tubers. The yield per hectare varies considerably from region to region: while it can be as high as eight tonnes in India, in Jamaica it is only about half that amount. – Malaysia – 1990

Freshly harvested ginger, as sold at the market in Georgetown (now Pinang), the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang (Pulau Pinang). Ginger is also sold dried. During drying, the tubers lose four-fifths of their weight. The pungent, intense flavour of ginger is not to everyone's taste. The spice contains a yellowish essence of essential oils and resins that can be extracted through distillation. – Malaysia – 1990