Rifle Range Flats (GPS: 5.41114, 100.28939) are one of the Penang state government's earliest low-cost housing projects. It is located at the junction of Jalan Padang Tembak with Boundary Road (some times translated as Jalan Sempadan). It is known as Phak1 Cheng1 Por1 in Hokkien, a direct translation of "rifle range". The name hails back to the 1950's, when the place was used for target practices. At that time, it was at the edge of town, next to the Batu Gantong Cemetery, which was also regarded as "rural countryside".

The transformation of the area from a rifle range to a low-cost residential neighbourhood began in 1968. When Rifle Range Flats - comprising nine blocks with heights of 17 and 18 storeys - were completed in the early 1970's, they were the tallest buildings in Penang. None of the units were big - they were almost like pigeon holes. Nonetheless they provided housing for many hardcore poor. Over the years, however, the general condition of Rifle Range Flats deteriorated rapidly. Eventually they were in Penang synonymous with squalor.

Perhaps the advantage of living in Rifle Range is that it is relatively close to town - just a little over 5 km from Komtar, the property is cheap, and if you are a single person living alone, the space is sufficient. However, for most people who live here, it is a mere temporary abode until they can afford to live elsewhere.

Today, Rifle Range and the Batu Gantong Cemetery next to it are right at the edge of town. It is only due to the hills hemming the way that prevents further development taking shape here.

Rifle Range Flats Shop Office:

Facilities at Rifle Range Flats:
No other facilities except lift. Car parks are grossly insufficient. The nearest school is Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Tembak. The nearest market is the Rifle Range Market. The nearest hypermarket is Sunshine Farlim. The nearest petrol stations are the BHP before Jalan Boundary, Shell after Jalan Boundary, and Mobil near Jalan La Salle. The nearest hospital is Lam Wah Ee Hospital.

Location of Rifle Range Flats:
Jalan Padang Tembak, Air Itam, 11400, Penang, Malaysia. It is 8.1 km to Komtar, 9.9 km to the Penang Bridge, 17.5 km to the Second Penang Bridge and 13.5 km to the Penang International Airport.

Amenities at Rifle Range Flatst:

The nearest market is the Ayer Itam Market.

The nearest school is SJKC Kong Min Cawangan Kedua.

The nearest petrol station is the Caltex on Jalan Air Itam.

The nearest shopping centre is Sunshine Farlim.

The nearest hospital is Klinik Kesihatan Air Itam.

Public transport at Rifle Range Flats: The nearest bus stop along Jalan Paya Terubong is served by bus 201, 203, 502 and CAT 1A.

Traffic situation at Rifle Range Flats:
Traffic along Jalan Paya Terubong is slow particularly during the morning rush hour, when the Ayer Itam Market is in session.