Historical jetty can help boost tourism in Kedah

KUALA MUDA: Locals and historians are calling on authorities concerned to care for the remains of the Pengkalan Tambang, the old jetty at Permatang Bendahari in Kedah, due to its historical value.
The old jetty used to be a busy port in the northern part of Seberang Prai, Kedah while it was still under the rule of the Kedah Sultanate in the early 18th century and was the main instrument of the locals' daily life.
Aziz Saidin Hashim, 65, remembers the jetty being the focal point for the villagers from nearby villages during his childhood as they sought the service of "perahu tambang" (boat that ferries people or goods with a fee) near the jetty to commute between Kuala Muda in Kedah and Seberang Prai.
"There were many boats at the old jetty. The boats normally ferry passengers and merchandise to the other side of the town and vice versa. It was like a small city in this part of the world," he told theSun.
Aziz said the fee charged for the services of "perahu tambang" used to be 10 cents per trip and was the main choice of transportation for the locals until the construction of the new bridge in 20014, which now connects the two town.
"When the bridge crossing the Sungai Muda was completed in 2008, the main parts of the jetty were demolished by the authorities as it was no longer used.
"But some parts of the old jetty remained, and it still can be seen now," he said.
He urged authorities to upgrade the area as a tourism site as it has the potential to become an attraction for tourists.
"Apart from its historical value, eco-tourism activities also can be held here. It can boost the economy of the locals here," he added.
Local historian, Shahriman Sharif, 44, when met at the jetty, told theSun that the old jetty has been in existence since the early days of ancient Kedah - Langkasuka Kingdom.
It even predated the British settlement in the country and used to be the resting place of the ancient Kedah royalties.
"The place should be taken care of although the old jetty is no longer intact. Its historical value is still here. Something should be done by the authorities to revive the place like before," said Shahriman.