Chew Jetty heritage site unaffected by blaze, Penang govt to help owners of five destroyed premises, says CM

George Town, Sept 5 — The historic Chew Jetty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remained unharmed by a fire that engulfed five nearby businesses this morning, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The state government pledged to support the affected business owners in rebuilding efforts. "This involves government land," Chow explained, noting that the owners are either tenants or TOL holders.

He assured the press that the government would help in the rebuilding process if the owners choose to proceed. Upon visiting the fire site, Chow was accompanied by Tanjung MP Lim Hui Ying, also Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

The fire, which broke out at 1:08 AM, destroyed a car workshop, a welding shop, and a timber factory. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Firefighters from the Penang Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Volunteer Fire Brigade, managed to control the blaze. Ongoing efforts focus on removing the timber stacks, given the risk posed by the fire's spread into wooden structures. Chew Jetty, located along George Town's iconic waterfront, has been a hub for the Chinese community since the 19th century.