GEORGE TOWN – The clan jetties of Weld Quay, which are among the popular spots for visitors at George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site, are remaining closed to tourists despite the lifting of the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi told The Vibes that the jetties’ residents will continue to disallow visitors as a precaution to safeguard against Covid-19.
A banner to inform visitors about the closure has been up at Chew Jetty, a well-known clan jetty, since the beginning of the CMCO last month.
Only four stores out of the 70-odd in the area have opened, offering souvenirs and snacks.
Gooi said that although residents and businesses in the city are happy that the CMCO is lifted, some are afraid of the continued risks posed by the virus.
They are wary of travellers who have been in high-risk areas visiting or staying at local places and causing new infections.
Chew Chin Chuan, 40, a resident at one of the floating villages, decided to open his souvenir store yesterday even though he knew there would not be many visitors, if any.
“Only two non-residents have passed my store. It is the first day I have opened the store since the start of the CMCO,” he said when met by The Vibes.
“It is a difficult time for me. Every day I tune in to the news on television, I keep seeing the Covid-19 numbers rise. We are so dependent on tourism here.
He said the few stores that are open are operated by residents.
“No one wants to rent the storefronts anymore because there is no money to be made,” Chew said, adding that the average monthly rental for a small store is about RM2,000.
“I started this business two years ago after leaving my job at a shipping company. I thought it was a good move because I was running my business from my home
“But now, I can barely survive. That is why I thought I should just open my store today. After all, what else can I do?
He also said that locals affected by the economic slowdown due to Covid-19 would rather buy essential goods than the souvenirs he is offering.
The clan jetties on the seafront have been around since the construction of the quay in 1882.
Chinese Hokkien immigrants at that time built small jetties that later became settlements.
There were originally nine clan villages in the area but two have been demolished and developed over.
Of the remaining seven clan jetties, Chew Jetty is most famous among tourists. – The Vibes, December 8, 2020
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