Cabaran Peniaga Cina dalam Sektor Penghasilan Makanan di Butterworth, 1900-2000 (Challenges Faced By Chinese Traders In The Food Production Sector In Butterworth, 1900-2000)

Abstract

This article focuses on the challenges faced by Chinese traders who involved in the food production sector during the period of 1900-2000. Issues such as the 1929 economic recession and the abolition of Penang’s free port status left a profound impact on the Chinese food production sector in Butterworth. This situation was exacerbated by the introduction of additional taxes and the Hartal incident in Penang in 1947. 0ne of the main problems is the extend to which each of the challenges has affected the Chinese food production sector in Butterworth. This study applies the method of historical interpretation by analyzing the primary and secondary sources available in the library, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Penang State Branch Archives, Penang State Information Department and the Companies Commission of Malaysia Penang State Branch. The results of the study found that Chinese traders who worked in the food production sector have faced various challenges in line with changes in current political issues and internal problems. However, Chinese traders who run small-scale food production businesses are not affected by the current political situation. All the issues that occurred before and after independence were not a stumbling block for them to continue their business. Even the various political issues that occurred during the period did not leave a big impact on the small-scale Chinese food production business because the capital used to run the business was low. Therefore, this study is particularly important to understand the political issues and challenges that occurred as well as the impact on Chinese business during that period.