A massive fire broke out at Chew Jetty here early this morning, prompting a major firefighting operation to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties.

Firefighters successfully contained the fire and confirmed that five premises were engulfed. These comprised a car paint shop, workshop, welding shop, scrap goods dealer and timber factory.

Chew Jetty, one of George Town’s best-known waterfront landmarks, is the largest and one of the oldest of Penang’s Chinese clan jetties. Built on wooden stilts above the sea, the settlement dates back to the 19th century and is known for its traditional stilt houses and wooden walkways.

Northeast District Zone 1 operations officer Rosli Ibrahim said the Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 1.08am.

Some 30 firefighters from four stations were deployed, assisted by 17 Volunteer Fire Brigades, police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force.

No casualties were reported.

Firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to a nearby petrol station and surrounding residential areas.

The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation.

Picture source: PenangToday Community (Facebook)