GEORGE TOWN: The sound of thundering footsteps on the wooden planks of the clan jetties has become a source of anxiety for residents – a chilling reminder of two blazes that happened in 2009 and 2021.
At least 30 people were made homeless in 2009 at the Chew Jetty, one of seven historic clan jetties with its traditional stilt houses sitting above the sea in Weld Quay.
In 2021, swift action by volunteer firefighters and firemen averted a potential disaster when a fire broke out at a temple and three shophouses near the Chew Jetty settlement. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
But the two incidents have left the multi-generational families living in the tightly packed wooden houses traumatised.
“It’s a stigma. We become fearful when we hear footsteps, like those of people running along a wooden bridge – the fear of another disaster,” said Chew Choon Seng, 61, a third-generation resident.
For decades, Weld Quay was a quiet waterfront community, but thanks to official heritage status the jetties have become a bustling tourist hotspot, drawing both locals and foreigners eager to capture the charm of the “floating houses”.
Visiting hours are between 9am and 9pm, but at times tourists would come to film videos at night. Some even sprint along the wooden bridge.
“When people run, we freak out, thinking that it might be a fire.
“Years ago, there was a fire here, and since then, we have been traumatised and fearful of another emergency.
“Many of the elderly residents here will go into a panic when they hear someone running outside,” said Chew.
Residents would then come out to warn the tourists not to run.
“As there is only a board to block the entrance, we do come across these people at night and are quick to tell them to leave.”
Chew, who runs a local snack and souvenir shop from his house on the jetty, said residents never wanted to turn the jetty into a commercialised spot, but with the influx of visitors, it seemed like that was the best way to make some money.
“Over the years, it became a popular spot. We never promoted it, but it became popular for photos, and we need an income to maintain our wooden houses, which are prone to termites.
“The extra income has helped us educate our children as well,” he said.
Clan jetties village community management council (MPKK) chairman Chan Kim Keat said the main complaint from residents who do not own any businesses there are difficulties in returning home when there is a big crowd.
“We explained that we cannot do anything to help them, but it is their right to tell the tourists to make way for them to enter their homes.
“Most of the residents now have shops, so they do not mind the tourists, but the second lane behind the main Chew Jetty has residents who do not have shops.
“They are the ones who complain about tourists blocking the walkway,” he said.
Chan said it helps that the visitation cut-off period is 9pm.
“The residents keep guard and can chase the tourists away.
“At the Chew Jetty, they share among the residents to pay for two people to keep guard.
“I believe they rotate the shifts at night to ensure that there are no trespassers or visitors after visiting hours,” he said.
Nickcolle Chew, 35, who grew up on the jetty, believes it is a far cry from the old peaceful days.
“Now it has become too commercialised and lost its essence.
“I have lived here for 15 years, and we used to know the entire neighbourhood.
“Everyone’s door would be left ajar, as there was never any fear of safety issues.
“The only business I could remember then was an aunty cooking food at home and selling it to her neighbours, like a small neighbourhood catering service,” said the business owner.
Nickcolle still has an uncle who lives along the jetty and she goes back there twice a year.
“Now, when I go back, it feels like the place has no soul. Back then, people would walk along the jetty, but there were no shops.
“It now feels like a place to buy souvenirs and have ice cream,” she said.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the local council recently implemented a no-waiting zone to ensure better traffic flow along Jalan Pengkalan Weld.
“More parking lots have also been created at branch roads.
“Sustainable living is the way forward for residents at the jetties. We also want to overcome the climate crisis, as the sea water is rising.
“Authorities should allow or encourage residents to raise their floor level whenever they submit plans for renovation or repairs, especially for those near the seaside and houses at clan jetties.
“We can learn from overseas ancient townships where they turn their heritage buildings into sustainable places without losing their heritage values, or negatively impacting the Unesco World Heritage Site status,” he said.
Wong said heritage buildings face high-priced maintenance costs as they were built above the sea.
“The need to use materials that the state heritage department approves can be challenging and adds a burden on the residents, as it means higher maintenance costs.
“The local authority and community have to figure out a way to meet the ‘sustainable living’ standard for these heritage residential areas,” he said.
Wong said he and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying have been allocating funds to assist with major and minor repairs and upkeep of the main access point.
“Hundreds of thousands have been chipped in every few years for maintenance purposes,” he added.
