Clan Jetties in Georgetown

It took Georgetown about 100 years to get settled down.

The Fort Cornwalis was up and the pier properly established The next step to make way inland across the swampy land beyond the "old Town" First, was the Prangin Canal which was at its fringe and already helping to transfer inland harvest out from Ayer Itam side. There was an urgent need not put in more effort to drain the swampy lands.

By then Penang Island had started exporting spices and most part of the heritage sector of Georgetown properly put in place as an urban community. Visible growth can be seen continuously and by the time for the signing of the Pangkor Treaty in 1874, Penang experienced an economic boom spark off by the new tin mining and rubber tapping industries. The rate of progress made only proved that the strategic position of Penang management as a British shipping centre coming into reality

This map of the late 18th Century showing the planned town in the Heritage sector and the importance played by Beach Rioad. Activities was till confined to the coastal Beach Road. Also seeing the first sign of  boat landings points which were termed as Quay. History now tells us that these 5 landing point would eventually flourish into the present days Chinese Clans Jetty.Actually  the important role played by rubber and tin was seen as early as 1850. Over time Beach street was broaden with impressive commercial. buildings but further down from Ghee hiang biscuit onwards The old Chinese shop owners were reluctant to have Their building knocked down and rebuilt as the two "kongsi" - Khoo Kongsi in 1878 and Yeoh Kongsi 1841. So when land reclamation started these two choice spot were the hardest hit They lost their seaside view

On another front, the pressure was on those companies to acquire more space expansion of activities and for Godown for goods awaiting transshipment. The idea of land filling cropped up

Landfill or reclaiming was not done as a project by the Government. Subject to approval, private companies began filling up the coastal mudflats to create dry land. It started as early as 1882. Provision was made for drainage passages and intertidal floods in these mudflats area. New roads was made on the reclaimed dry land, they formed new grid. These roads that ran beside the tiny drains were named as "Ghauts" Here are a list of the more heard of roads Armeenian, Acheh, Prangin, Chulia, China and Gereja Ghauts. Simply put these street names signifies that the land on these street are located are standing on reclaimed  With  ground firmed and the sea coast stabilized,  Work began in 1883 and took four years to complete. New warehouses, jetties and docking facilities were constructed as well as transport facilities.

By 1888, Weld Quay was extended to cap up all these street Ghauts and extend to Prangin Road.

Those old "Quay" along Beach Street were likewise gradually relocated following the progress made by the Landfill. At last with Weld Quay firming up its position, the "Quay" too had a confirmed spot. Accommodation for Chinese coolies was built which became known as the “clan jetties” as the workers were grouped according to their family names, The sheltering sheds were upgraded to house. Started with clansmen from the 4 communities  Ong, Lim, Chow and Lee. Over time until 1960,  over time these jetties grew to 9 tiny enclave

Victoria Street was laid in the late part of the 19th century. Until the mid 19th century, the area where Victoria Street is located was coastal mudflats with wooden piers running down to the sea. Chinese: 海墘新路, Located along Victoria Street and built in 1878, Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi is an ancestral clan temple for the Khoo clan people in Penang. It is one of the two Khoo clan temples in Penang and also the smaller and less popular one compared to the main Khoo Kongsi in Cannon Street, George Town.

Pix# 1 The location of most Clan's Jetties

I have tried to illustrate the where about of the Jetties. But not entirely . Jetty No.8 Pang Aun and jetty No. 9 Koay are no longer in existence and demolished

 With the changing time there were also those Jetty dwellers who would move out to their own new living quarters in Georgetown proper. But after a few generations, many descendants still cling on and clinging on to the past traditions. Laborers jobs at the pier was gradually phased out in the course of the last 60 years

Under the modern setting Water and electricity were avaiable to these house owners in 1967.

Today their physical presence has become part of Penang heritage while many parts are slowly evolving to suit the tourist industry. I write to be part of those who treasure and keep evidences of past practices

Part 1 -  The Koay Clan Jetty

This page is about a settlement that once exist The Koay clan jetty of Georgetown Lucky that I had the pictures and sad another piece of history wipe off forever. According the information available on the internet there. The are 7 of such Clan based Jetty I have listed them out at the bottom of the page This page is divided into three segment and here is part 1

The Koay Clan  姓郭桥

What makes the Koay Clan Jetty so different from those other clan living in these jetty style commune.  The residents here were Muslim  as compared to the other having Taoist and Buddhist faith The Hui are one of the main minority groups in China. They are the descendants of Arabian and Middle Eastern peoples. During the Yuan Dynasty, the ruling Mongolians divided the people into different categories with different status

When they came to Penang, they found that they shared the same language and the same culture as most Chinese immigrants from Fujian; the only difference was their religion. In Penang, they worked as traders, port coolies and boatmen. They were also in the charcoal business. 

It was as late as 1950, when they shifted out from their commune homes in Noordin street to start up this Koay Jetty

Pix# 2 The Koay Clan Jetty Looking out to sea

While most jetty do not allow the use motorized vehicle on the wooden walkway, reason, Motorcycle traffic will bring accelerated the aging of the wooden planks settings on the bridge. Here in Koay Clan Jetty vehicles were allowed to move about freely.

Pix# 3 The Koay Clan Jetty right side

I do not under stand when some writers mentioned that Koay Clan Jetty was built with only one side. The other clan Jetties, they have a common wooden pathway with houses on both sides. Here there iwas only houses on one side facing a vacant wetland

Pix# 4 Forest beside the Koay Clan Jetty

If I remember, the blurr image here is not an illusion, this dark shadow indeed is that of a Langur

Pix# 5 More picture of Mangrove Forest

Full fledged and growing well

Pix# 6 The Forest dwellers

Here are a couple juvenile Night-Herons

Pix# 6 Co-relation Koay Clan Jetty position - Mangrove Forest - Sri Saujana Municipal Flat

Pictures gives a good perspective

Pix# 7 In the mudflats - The Koay Clan Jetty

The breathing roots and lone scavenger on the mudflats

Pix# 8 This is an afar view - The Koay Clan Jetty

On solid land beside the mudflats

Pix# 9 The Koay Clan Jetty Picture

Perhaps this view would give that impression the Jetty - only having houses on one side

Pix# 10 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

Standing on the wooden walkway and looking towards the flats

Pix# 11 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

Now a picture of the Mangrove forest with the mudflats

Pix# 12 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

Moving further towards the coastline

Pix# 13 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

The Mangrove Forest together with the Municipal Flats extend out to seas beyond the Koay Clan Jetty building line

Pix# 14 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

Some house hold had extended the wooden walkway further into and towards the Mangrove Forest to create a drying yard for themselves

Pix# 15 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

After the area of the Jetty this patch of wetlands was rather large

Pix# 16 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

This is picture 2 of the wetland areas

Pix# 17 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

Then more picture - Picture No.3

Pix# 18 Koay Clan Jetty

Then at last picture No.4 . Showing the reclaimed land where the Flats were built upon. Car park for the resident of Koay Clan Jetty and the access road of how I reached the Jetty. Unlike other Clan Jetty where entry was from the Main Road. I did not check but presumed that this must be the main thoroughfare after the Flats were built

Pix# 19 Heronry - Koay Clan Jetty

After the introduction of the Koay Clan Jetty, the following series of pictures show the bird life in this area

Pix# 20 Heronry - Koay Clan Jetty

Here seen are the ault and breeding birds making thir home here in this forest

Pix# 21 Heronry - Koay Clan Jetty

Again apologies for a a blurry picture

Pix# 22 Heronry - Koay Clan Jetty

Of the many sections I picked the Water Lily pond. This  is the part where birds and butterflies lovers go to for their pictures

Pix# 23 Heronry - Koay Clan Jetty

The walking round about and then to back trek - end of the path.

Pix# 24 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

A departing look - This time the Jetty, my car and the forest

Pix# 25 The Koay Clan Jetty Pictures

One final look at the Jetty before I leave

The Koay Clan jetty was demolished in 2006. The memories of this place lives on. There is a Koay Jetty Memorial Hall stocked with miniatures replica of the stilted house in display at Gat Lebuh Macallum, Penang

Part 2 What has become of that spot now?

Pix# 25 Google's map

To trace back where the Okay Jetty was once located, I start with a point marked "A" which the Preserves Street Ghaut. Next, using my own pictures as references, I targeted the starting block of the Flats marked "B" Lastly using the orientation of a section of the existing Jalan mas marked as "C" which points towards Komtar. I arrived at a place highlighted with a red square which hovers above a oxidation pond.

Pix# 25 Neighboring Road to Koay Clan Jetty

The landmark here is the Komtar Tower seen in the far back ground. This is a view from the innermost road, almost parallel to the old Koay Bridge - Jalan Merdeka. Of course this part in not a jetty but houses built on land. Exactly as in the sme spot where figure "C" is

Part 3  The 10 Chinese Clans' Jetty

A little bit of history relating to the founding and development of these Chinese Clan Jetty. As mentioned earlier on top, These landings, Quay or Jetty as you called them were very much needed for boats to berth and unload their cargo. At that time there was no official or proper wharf, boats coming into Penang needed a place and contacts to synergies. Hence they each linked themselves to the familiar Quay. The Chinese boats that we are talking about were Tongkangs. Workers at the quay would built shelter to protect and allow tem to rest while waiting for the arrival of these Tongkangs. One thing led to another, soon these temporary sheds were enhanced and evolved into long term resting places and with their families, houses and home.

These Jetty The earlier or the first Five Jetty, residents were experienced in handling goods for the Entrepot trade, we called cargo service. Whereas the remaining three Clan Jetty - Tan, Yeoh and Koay were dealing more on Charcoal and fire woods

The latest 2 Clan Jetty or Jetty not related to surname only started as alte as 1960

Pix# 39  # 1 - The  Ong Clan Jetty 姓王桥

The Clan Jetty is the nearest to all the activities in Weld Quay. The Penang Ferry was given priority over other amenities when it comes to development. So the building for Penang Ferry Board need to be up and near its pier. It was built adjacent to the Ong Jetty. Too close for comfort and loosing its nostalgia the families just relocated themselves. The dilapidated wooden sheds are still there if you are in the compound of the Ferry Board add over looking the dividing wall. For me looking for a way, I am met with is scene on houses built later taking up the passage way

Pix# 40 #2 The Lim Clan Jetty  姓林桥

This jetty is next closest to the Ferry Terminal. On the contrast, the entrance to the Jetty itself is very prominent with a large shed and smaller ones for Car park. There is this red shrouded sign board. From its profile  I am quite sure that it must be the Signage "Lim Clan Jetty" The settlement is very much intact  as part of the Jetty was destroyed during the war and many houses were those rebuilt after the war. Just as good as Chew Jetty but less trodden by tourist

Pix# 41 #3  姓周桥  The Chew Clan Jetty

The Chew Clan Jetty is the Show piece for this topic of "Clan Jetty" which brought recognition and fame to this area. There are much pictures and write up on this destination so I am trying to limit my picture to only one demonstrative image plus keeping my introduction brief

 # 4 姓陈桥  The Tan Clan Jetty

Pix# 41 No fan fare entrance

The Tan jetty could be one of the 3 oldest jetties together with that of the Chew and Yeoh Clans. It is known to have the longest walk way out to sea. At the end of which is the lone red building - The Mazu Temple or goddess of the sea.

 Visitors come here for morning photography of breaking of dawn But I also read about a locked gate somewhere along the walkway.  Do not know it location and how the system works

 works

 #5 姓李桥 - The Lee Clan Jetty  

Pix # 42 

I do not know this place at all. From the internet this Jetty must be somewhere near the Ferry Terminal and in 1960 when plans for the Ferry Terminal was mooted, resident relocated themselves here. From the welcoming Arch way, looks like a fairly updated settlement. It does get some tourist traffic but not as much as Chew Jetty

  # 6 姓杨桥  - The Yeoh Clan Jetty 

Pix# 45 
Today as I look at it, the road leading into the Yeoh Clam Jetty is on solid ground, meaning it was bulit on reclaimed land. Only after a short distance, then we reached the settlement with this board walk section as the picture shows. There are 2 notable point about this Jetty settlement - 1] The resident for the original settlement beside sharing the common surname Yeoh and 2] they came from a common village in Fucjian Proviince, China, named as Xia Yang Chun.

Today this Jetty is known for the place where Penangnites would send their "Nineth God Emperor" to sea on the 9th Lunar Moon of each year.

#7 The "New Clan"  Jetty

Pix# 45 
It is really difficult to describe this Jetty. First like part of the Yeoh Clan Jetty, most part of the road going into this jetty is on Raya Merdeka H/way, which built on reclaimed Land. Created around 1960, this jetty is perhaps the shortest stretch with only 22 homes. Not a tourist frequented destination, there was not signage other than the short Jetty and the "Kee Thean Keong" Temple as confirmation of this destination. "New" Jetty as it was one the latter established Settlement Jetty where congregation here was by convenience and not by surname

  # 8平安桥 - The  Peng Aun Jetty 

  &

# 9 姓郭桥  - The  Koay Clan Jetty 

Pix# 46

After the last New Clan Jetty, the olden looks of Weld Quay Road completely disappeared and replaced by this contemporary look interjunction. So all traces of entering the last two jetties were gone. Of course they too were demolished and the land rejuvenated to reflect the current needs

Looks like a number game as other than those 9 mentioned, I think it could be cross posting, some sources said there should be a total of 10 jetties, existing. I have  traced 9 Clan Jetties. Then there were 2 more which are no longer in existence. Anyway these Chinese Jetties were not attached to any clan\s surname. They were:- cluster of houses at the end of # 10 Nordin Street Ghaut. This cluster of house was razed by fire in 2006. In which 50 houses were burnt. Second cluster that suffered the same fate was the one at Sandilands Street Ghaut. The houses numbering 60 homes were burnt in 2003

I am happy with the pictures of Koay Jetty that I have retrieved and was planning to create a standalone page on Koay Clan Jetty. Second thoughts - if I Include a big picture of all the 9 Clan Jetties, the purpose of this page would definitely be enhanced.

Next thought after checking the internet, I feel hesitant to add another page Penang Clan Jetty on the internet, as there are already many available. Finally I believe that this page should provide a unique opportunity of seeing old pictures of Koay Jetty

Then I incorporate  one or two words on the other Clan Jetties, This will give readers some context and a better understanding of the area in entirety.

In terms of a conclusion on the Clan Jetties of Penang, it's worth noting that these jetties are an important cultural and historical site in Penang. They offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Chinese communities who settled in the area in the 19th century. The Clan Jetties are also a great example of how different communities can coexist and thrive in a multicultural society. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, the jetties are still home to many families who continue to preserve their cultural heritage.