ID :
555355
Fri, 01/24/2020 - 08:27
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State Govt Urged To Include Pulau Jerejak In Penang Heritage Trail

GEORGE TOWN (Penang), Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Pulau Jerejak, once known as the ‘Alcatraz of Malaysia’ due to its infamous maximum security Jerejak Prison and its leper community as well as the tuberculosis (TB) hospital, looks half abandoned despite being so rich in history. Located between George Town and Seberang Perai, Pulau Jerejak is rich in history and some are dating back to the World War II. Tourism Malaysia northern territory director Ahmad Husni Ahmad Basri Friday proposed for Pulau Jerejak to be listed on the Penang heritage trail map. He said the map was an initiative of the state government to provide a guide to tourists planning to explore the state. “Penang has a heritage trail map but I don’t see Pulau Jerejak on it as the island is not only a resort island now but there are historical points of interest such as the old prison though it is currently in dilapidated condition. We are worried that the building will be damaged and will eventually disappear. “There is also a former leprosy centre as well as other historical landmarks including a pre-war underground bunker. Hence, in conjunction with the Experience Penang Year 2020 (EPY2020), we hope the Penang government to take the initiative to preserve these tourist attractions. “When we say that Pulau Jerejak lacks tourist attractions, we should be aware of our important role in beautifying the island,” he told Bernama at the ‘Hidden Pearls of Penang Island: Pulau Jerejak’ programme here. Ahmad Husni said the route to explore the historical landmarks should be improved as it was covered with bushes and it could pose a danger to tourists who wanted to explore the area. Meanwhile, the Jerejak Island Resort (JIR) has offered a rugged recreational activity package such as cycling and jungle trekking for visitors to visit the historical points of interest scattered across the island such as the ‘Alcatraz of Malaysia’ prison; pre-war bunker; quarantine centre (used for newly arrived immigrants then); leprosy centre; TB hospital; 1896 Roman Catholic church as well as the staff quarters for hospital staff and prison wardens. Bernama had the opportunity to do cycling to explore the island historical landmarks recently and found only three out of 23 blocks of the prison complex still standing. JIR recreation executive officer Muhamad Saddiq Mansor said each block could accommodate as many as 50 inmates, apart from other facilities such as a a field and recreation area including chairs and a table. He added that the maximum security Jerejak Prison started operating in 1969 and from 1993 it was to accommodate exiled prisoners and certain cases only. “In addition, we also have old housing for the Public Works Department (JKR) employees who were responsible for managing the water drainage and to build dam here... The pile of rocks here is the former dam site built here on the island,” he said. Muhamad Saddiq said RM20 per person will be charged on those interested to participate in the historical visit activities, while others can indulge in other activities such as kayaking, archery, fishing and various interesting locations for picture perfect opportunities. He said people who opted for a day trip can always participate in the activities by simply taking the ferry ride from Pulau Jerejak Jetty, Bayan Lepas with tickets priced at RM20 per person, otherwise they can always opt to stay overnight at JIR. -- BERNAMA

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