THERE are memories associated with the wooden structures of Chew Jetty. Those who built them and are still alive can tell us a lot. For example, this is how the Chew clan of the Chew Jetty, Pengkalan Weld, Penang, described their origins. “In the year 1918 the Chinese ancestor of Chew Jetty heard that jobs were aplenty here in Penang. Many were attracted to earn a living over here. As the number of foreign ships that anchored at the harbour increased, so did the stilts. Initially, the planks were placed on the stilts to enable passengers to disembark without getting wet. Later on, the planks were joined together to construct a jetty”. (Source: MyChewJetty.com, Read here)

Today, Chew Jetty stands with many of its original structures intact. Though weathered and a little battered, some of the planks are a strong testament to a community which has existed for nearly a hundred years. The narrow network of stilted homes also allows glimpses into a time-locked era where clan and religious activities, such as the annual worship of Thnee Kong (Sky God), were, and still are, celebrated with much pomp.

Nevertheless, a recent fire during Chinese New Year 2009 that razed five of the homes at the jetty has also exposed how fragile the site is. Read here.

A little insight: Eight clan jetties (villages on stilts), which have existed since the 19th century, are found along Pengkalan Weld. They belong to the Koay, Ong, Lim, Chew, Tan, Yeoh and Lee clans. The eighth is a “mixed surname” jetty. Their ancestors, mostly fishermen and oyster gatherers, are from the Fukien province in China. Click here for more.

The slideshow below shows some of the planks and other forms of wood that make up the jetty.

Related links

• Sampan cruises down the quay (Star Online, 27.03.09). Read here.
• Changing times (Star Online, 01.06.08). Read here.
• A Walk Down To Weld Quay and Chew Jetty – Penang (Shaolin Tiger, 26.03.09). Read here.
• Chew Jetty – Photo (S’Murf’s, flickr). View here.
• Paintings of folk tales at Chew Jetty temple. View here.

Click through pictures for slideshow.

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