CHEW Jetty was not affected by a fire which broke out near the famous waterfront landmarks in George Town this morning, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The fire, which occurred at around 1am today at a site near Chew Jetty, involved about six premises, including automobile workshops, carpentry workshops and other businesses.
Fortunately, the fire was brought under control after the Fire and Rescue Department and volunteer fire brigades swiftly rushed to the scene to put out the blaze. No deaths or injuries were reported.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the site this morning, said the state government would assist the affected operators.
“Chew Jetty is not affected. It is safe and has not been damaged at all,” he said, referring to one of Penang’s oldest Chinese clan jetties, which has been a tourist attraction over the years for its traditional stilt houses, wooden walkways and Chinese culture.
He said work is still being carried out at the site to remove timber and other materials to allow Fire and Rescue Department personnel to complete their operations. The authorities will also await the outcome of the fire investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
“We are thankful that the fire did not result in any casualties. This was due to the swift action taken by the Fire and Rescue Department and volunteer fire brigades, who rushed to the scene to assist in putting out the fire.”
Chow said the affected site is located on state government land, and believed the premises were operating either under Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) or through land rental arrangements with Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI).
He said the state government would further review the situation, adding that he believed the affected operators intended to rebuild the premises destroyed in the fire.
“The state government will deal with the matter further after they meet with representatives of the state government, and will provide assistance during the rebuilding process.”
Those present included state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim, police personnel, Fire and Rescue Department officers, volunteer firefighters and members of the Rural and Community Management Council.
Earlier, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng also visited the site.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Tan Kean Ming
