GEORGE TOWN, Dec 9 — Traders at the Chew Jetty in Weld Quay here can now heave a sigh of relief as the tourism spot has come alive again with the return of local visitors, who comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) to check COVID-19.

The traders had struggled for almost two years after the pandemic turned the once popular spot into a deserted zone.

But things are beginning to look up although the place is still bereft of foreign tourists, especially from China and Singapore, who used to throng the place before the pandemic struck.

An accessory trader and local resident, Chew San Guan, 65, said the Chew Jetty, where the fishermen’s water village is located, is now lively despite attracting only local tourists after interstate travel was allowed in October.

“Currently, it is only local tourists who come here and they are quite numerous especially on weekends. The traders here are happy because after two years we can trade again to earn a living,” he said when met today.

He lamented that foreign tourists were sorely missed, as their presence previously before the country’s borders were closed meant that traders could start their business as early as 6 am.

Other than the Chew Jetty, there are five other floating villages belonging to descendants of the Lim, Tan, Lee and Yeoh clans, and one ‘Mixed Clan Jetty’, and all are tourism locations.

Chew said the traders were grateful that the government had allowed interstate travel but hoped that the country’s borders would be reopened soon so that the place could be enlivened by foreign tourists again.

He said the residents were always vigilant and complied with the SOP to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We always remind family members to be cautious by wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers when outside the house. In fact, visitors too must comply with the SOP,” he said.

Another trader, Chew Suan Sap, 60, said her ice creams were still popular among local tourists and it was gratifying to see the place busy with activities after a two-year lull.

She also hoped that the national borders could be opened soon so that foreign tourists could return to visit Chew Jetty.

“True, there are not as many tourists as before. Nevertheless, locals who come here are giving a lifeline to our business,” she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency