LAST Saturday, Tanjung MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Deputy Education Minister, announced the commencement of conservation and repair works for the Chew and Lim jetties in Weld Quay, George Town.
Allocating a total of RM200,000 for each of the two jetties, she said the two jetties often attract thousands of tourists annually because of their rich culture and heritage.
Its strategic location within the George Town World Heritage Site has allowed the clan jetties to be one of the tourist hotspots in Penang.
Residents of the clan jetties have long taken advantage of the influx of tourists, often partaking in small enterprises that elevate their economic well-being.
However, in recent times, the dilapidated wooden planks have become a significant hazard, not just to the residents but also to the tourists.
The condition of the wooden planks has deteriorated to the point where residents must carefully negotiate around holes in the wooden planks.
Last year, a Singaporean tourist injured herself after stepping on a rotten plank.
With that, residents have welcomed efforts for repair and conservation.
Earlier today, Buletin Mutiara interviewed several residents in the area (Residents chose to remain anonymous).
Many welcomed this conservation and repair work, citing the need to repair the wooden planks as a priority to ensure the safety of all.
This includes Chan Kim Keat, chairman of MPKK Clan Jetties, and Chew Choon Seng, the chairman of Chew Jetty.
“Many patchworks of wooden planks have been done in the past, including several replacements.
“But as time goes by, they would eventually rot due to the exposure of rain and heat.
“We welcome continuous efforts to repair these planks to ensure the safety of residents as well as tourists visiting the jetties,” said a resident at Chew Jetty.
Others have suggested the establishment of public washrooms to ease tourists when visiting the jetty.
While some have requested that the Pengkalan Kota state assemblyman, Wong Yuee Harn conduct more communal activities that will strengthen the unity of the jetty communities.
In response to some of these comments, Wong said that the establishment of public washrooms at the clan jetties is one of the agendas put forth by him and other state and national legislators.
“The Penang Pakatan Harapan government and successive state assembly representatives have constantly undertaken efforts to introduce and maintain various forms of basic amenities, such as electric poles and repair works of wooden boards.
“The clan jetties serve as one of the tourist magnets in Penang. However, understanding the feasibility of establishing a public washroom is crucial for the relevant authorities, therefore, the establishment of such takes time and appropriate considerations.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Siew Chia En