Refresh under way: Repair works which involve replacing beams and planks are currently taking place at Chew Jetty in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The loose, rotting and broken planks, all darkened with age, are gone. In their place are new brighter planks.
The Chew Jetty in Weld Quay here has taken on a spanking new look, more than a month after the walkway at the seafront was damaged by strong waves in September.
Dozens of the planks, including supporting beams beneath the walkway, have been replaced.
Coffee shop owner Chan Eng Leong, 52, said that with the planks replaced, visitors can now tour the attraction with peace of mind.
“The workers managed to strip off the old planks and beams that were over 10 years old and replaced them within a day. Some of the old planks and beams were rotting while others were damaged by the strong waves that pounded against them last month.
“Due to the impact which caused the planks to pop up, the old nails securing them also gave way.“The nails on the new beams allow for them to be more securely attached,” he said yesterday.
The new planks are in bright orange hue, a contrast to the remaining old planks which are aged and in dark brown tones.
Chan, who is a committee member of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK), said the jetty had remained open throughout the repair works on Wednesday.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said RM6,000 was allocated for the replacement of planks.
“It’s a small-scale repair as the jetty had undergone major upgrading last year. We wanted it to be fixed as soon as possible for the safety of visitors and residents,” he said.
As for the major repairs costing RM650,000 on four other clan jetties namely Tan Jetty, Lee Jetty, New Jetty and Yeoh Jetty, he said works are expected to start soon.
The Penang government had committed to help with repairs, since planks for a jetty must be of expensive hardwood that is rare and costly now.
Wong said the stock of Cengal Batu wood has arrived but is pending certification from the Forestry Department.
“We are still waiting for the Forestry Department to certify the new stock of wood before contractors can start working. The wood has to be of Cengal Batu type which is durable to withstand seawater and harsh weather.“Specialised contractors experienced in building structures on the sea have been engaged for the work. We expect work to be completed by the year end,” he said, adding that the jetties will remain open for visitors while works are carried out.
Wong said funding for both projects are supported by Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Deputy Finance Minister II.
Built in the 1900s, the clan jetties are waterfront settlements stretching over 100m offshore.
Built by Chinese immigrants primarily to support workers involved in the port and shipping trades, these wooden houses, constructed on stilts along the shores, are organised by clans and have become a key cultural landmark.
Today, an estimated 500 people still live in the jetties, though some are now more tourist attractions than functioning communities.
