Unique shophouses in Gelang Patah old town with historical and architectural value.
CENTURY-OLD shophouses with interesting architectural features in Johor’s Gelang Patah old town have the potential to be transformed into community hubs and tourism destinations.
The two-storey shophouses within the town in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru, were constructed using cantilever beams.
This is where one end of the beam is affixed to the building while the other end is not.
Iskandar Puteri MP Liew Chin Tong said this design was uncommon, and the shophouses should be preserved for their historical and architectural value.
“The shops have been standing for 100 years and are charming with their beautiful architecture and community space.
Above: (From left) Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen, Tan, Siew Kiong, Liew and Alan looking at the cantilever beams under a communal balcony.
“The builder’s ability to erect such structures back then, without having to put up pillars to support the upper floors, is considered advanced.
“My team and I are working to preserve as much of this part of the town for as long as we can,” he said during a press conference and area tour.
Liew said their efforts included organising the annual Gelang Patah Festival to showcase the beauty and tourism potential of the town.
The festival was first held during Chinese New Year last year and will next be held on Feb 8.
Gelang Patah Heritage Street Committee adviser Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, a former Johor executive councillor for tourism, said the town was founded and developed by two brothers some 100 years ago.
“The area has about 30 old shophouses, some of which have been left unutilised.
“I fully support Liew’s efforts to preserve the old buildings and organise activities to bring them back to life.
“Back when I was the state exco member for tourism, I also actively pushed for the preservation of heritage and culture.
“Just look at how the old buildings in Penang, Perak and Melaka have become tourist draws.
“I believe Gelang Patah can be transformed into a unique attraction in the Johor Baru district,” said Siew Kiong.
Malaysian Institute of Architects past president Dr Tan Loke Mun, who was also present at the press conference, said the two-storey shophouses were rare in the country.
“These are possibly the only ones I have seen so far.
“What is more unique is that on the second floor, the shop balconies were built to be linked to form a communal space.
“This was probably due to the fact that the shophouses were commissioned and owned by one person,” he said.
During the tour, Tan also offered suggestions on better use of the space.
Festival coordinator Alan Tee said the idea of transforming that part of Gelang Patah into a cultural street – much like Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in downtown Johor Baru – came after encouraging public response to the first festival.
Throngs of visitors had enjoyed cultural performances, bazaars and workshops held in conjunction with Chinese New Year, he recalled.
Similar activities, Alan said, would be held this year with additions such as sketching workshops and cultural shows.
He said talks about the old town’s transformation plan began after the inaugural event.
A corner lot in Jalan Kacang Panjang was then rented and turned into a community centre.
To make the area livelier, the centre has since been used for arts and cultural activities such as photography exhibitions, workshops and talks for the public.
“As with other older towns, the area is usually active from 7.30am until 1.30pm,” he said.
“After that, things will quieten down without much activities.”
Alan added that since the centre was set up, local folk had been stopping by to look at the exhibitions held there.
“The community centre also caught the eye of some young people who happened to pass by the area, and they signed up to become volunteers.
“We hope to involve more youths who can contribute fresh ideas to attract a younger crowd to the area,” he said.
Among these youths are design students from Southern University College in Skudai who have been invited to help design the festival’s promotional material.
Alan said this year’s edition of Gelang Patah Festival will see four shoplots for youths who want to try their hand at entrepreneurship.
“We have rented four shoplots and each unit can accommodate three to four stalls for youths to sell their products at a nominal price.
“We hope this platform will help them gain market experience and confidence before taking their businesses to the next level,” he said.
Those interested in volunteering or securing a spot for the entrepreneurship activity can call the festival’s executive secretary Haw Lok Khen at 017-558 9446.
