Clan Jetties

It is a waterfront society and is one of the last bastions of old Chinese settlements on Penang island. There used to be seven jetties until one was demolished by fire. Now, only six Clan Jetties remain.

The history of the Clan Jetties is closely connected to the history of Penang. The jetties were established during the time when the maritime trade was thriving. There were many Chinese immigrants who came to Penang in the early 19th century. They worked at the docks as coolies as well as boat operators transporting passengers. The clusters of wooden houses on the jetties were built by the poor Chinese immigrants who work at the nearby port. All settlers of the jetties hailed from the Tong An district in Fujian, China.

As the jetties received more immigrants from China, the Chew Jetty (the oldest jetty) was established in the middle of 19th century. The newest jetties, the Peng Aun Jetty and Mixed Clan jetties were built in the 1960s. In between those years, the Lee, Yeoh and Tan jetties were constructed in the late 19th century. The Koay jetty was established in the 1950s.

The Clan Jetties can easily be found along the Pengkalan Weld. It is nestled on the outskirts of Chinatown, nearby Swettenham Pier. From Komtar, it will take approximately 10 minutes. The Clan Jetties form a part of the Penang Heritage Trail.

Image by Marufish.

Clan Jetties

Clan Jetties

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