BALIK PULAU, Oct 18 – The long-awaited new jetty in Teluk Bahang has officially opened, marking a significant milestone for the local community and strengthening the area’s position as one of Penang’s premier eco-tourism gateways.
The RM5.5 million concrete jetty replaces the decades-old wooden structure that had served fishermen and boat operators for more than 50 years. The new facility offers enhanced safety and comfort for both residents and visitors, particularly those heading to popular destinations such as Pantai Kerachut and Monkey Beach.
Tour operator Suraya Maulana, 57, said the upgraded jetty has transformed the area’s image and improved accessibility.
“This is what we have been hoping for. The previous jetty was unsafe, especially during high tide. Now, even the elderly and children can board boats easily,” she said.
She added that the new jetty can accommodate more visitors, particularly during weekends and school holidays.
Boat operator Saleh Din, 57, who has been providing services to nearby beaches for over two decades, said the facility has made a notable difference to local livelihoods.
“Before this, we had to be extremely careful when boarding passengers, especially when the tide was low or the waves were strong. The old jetty was narrow and slippery,” he said.
“With proper facilities, more visitors will come, and this will benefit local guides, boat operators, and petty traders.”
Resident Kek Chai Hoon, 62, welcomed the upgrade and urged visitors to help maintain the park’s cleanliness.
“The new jetty is sturdy and gives confidence to those who use it daily. We are happy to see such improvements, but everyone must play their part in keeping the environment clean and safe,” he said.
Spanish tourist Jessica Estrada, 47, also praised the facility, noting that it has made her visits to the park more comfortable and efficient.
“I have been here a few times, and the improvement is very noticeable,” she said.
Balik Pulau Member of Parliament Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, who initiated the project in 2020 during his tenure as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the jetty would serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism in Teluk Bahang.
“After six years of waiting, I’m relieved that the project has been completed. This new jetty adds value and provides much-needed support to local operators and visitors,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of regular maintenance and shared responsibility in preserving the area’s appeal.
“The jetty is not just an infrastructure project; it represents our image as an eco-tourism destination. Cleanliness and upkeep must be a collective effort between authorities, operators, and visitors,” he added.
