WHEN approaching the Merdeka month of each year, the vibrant spirit and atmosphere of the celebration can be felt at a coastal village located here in Weld Quay.
With the names of the neighbourhood known as Lebuhraya Merdeka, Jalan Merdeka, and Lintang Merdeka, the majority of the residents residing there are mostly warm and courteous in the small-knit community.
In a tour around the locality for about 45 minutes, the residents comprised mostly of the elderly, live harmoniously around the neighbourhood.
Their strong bond with each other can be seen through their warm expressions and camaraderie relations.
Buletin Mutiara joined in the tour and realised about 200 wooden houses are located in the coastal village, which comes under the enclave of the George Unesco World Heritage Site.
Leow Seng Seang, who is the area’s Village Community Management Council (MPKK) treasurer, said the place has a long-standing history and is considered one of the oldest villages in the bustling city.
Born and bred in the village itself, Leow recalled the old days of him playing around with friends from the vicinity.
“We know everyone here, and the safety here is excellent. Every one of us is like a big family,” he quipped.
Reminiscing the heydays of the reclaimed land that was formed some 50 years ago, Leow said several ships would dock at the riverbank behind the charcoal premises.
“The ships would transport the charcoals out from the shop,” he said, pointing that the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has upgraded the site since 2000.
There are also several types of businesses carried out at the place, namely car workshops, charcoal premises, plumbing and materials workshops, and others.
During the visit, a sense of togetherness and patriotism can be felt in the community, particularly during the Merdeka month.
Many of the houses have flagged their Jalur Gemilang to usher in the celebration on Aug 31.
In a brief interview session with Buletin Mutiara, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, said the village is considered a living heritage in George Town.
“Every one of them has known each other for a few decades, and the place becomes merrier, especially during festivities. This is the tradition that has been carried out in the village.
“As far as I am concerned, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) named the neighbourhood Jalan Merdeka, Lebuhraya Merdeka, and Lintang Merdeka in 2000.
“After naming the roads, the residents here can properly receive their parcels or goods.
“I deeply express my gratitude to the local council for their efforts in naming the villages in a very meaningful manner,” he said.
Wong said the place would be synonymous with the Merdeka celebration each year.
On a separate note, Wong said the affected areas would be developed soon, adding that the residents would be relocated when everything is formalised.
“The residents have come to an understanding that they will be relocated for the development,” adding that about 800 residents would be relocated.
Wong underscored the importance of the development to uplift their living standard once the project of building a five-storey residential building is completed.
“We want to improve their livelihood, and reduce the risk of being exposed to various types of calamities,” he said.
Joining the tour were MPKK chairman Loo Soo Lee, committee members Julie Chng, Lim Yong Keat, and Leow Tin Pin.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En