Jelutong

Overview

Jelutong is a suburb of George Town which was developed in early 20^th century as a working-class neighborhood. It is situated on Penang Island where the main road crossing through this area, Jalan Jelutong, divides it into East Jelutong (seaward side) and West Jelutong (landward side). It is named after the Jelutong hardwood tree, Dyera costulata, commercially grown for timber which was once abundantly present before the development phase set in. The first settlements were formed by Malays and North Sumatrans. The coast along East Jelutong was a mangrove swamp and charcoal making was their main source of income. Lebuh Bakau in Jelutong is one place where charcoal making still continues. Today, Chinese dominate demographically with some dense Malay enclaves especially around the mosque.

Property Development

The standard of living in the area was raised by the development of several properties, a few of which are Taman Jelutong – double-storey terrace houses; Summer Place – three blocks of 20 & 22-storey condominiums; Mutiara Heights – two blocks of 29-storey condominiums; Symphony Park – two blocks of 20-storey condominiums; Casa Impian – two blocks of 18-storey condominiums; The Spring – 23-storey condominium; Skyview Residence – 42-storey condominium under construction; Sri Jelutong – low-medium cost nine-storey apartment; Taman Kheng Tian – two blocks of 20-storey apartments; Desa Pinang 1 – low-medium cost six-storey apartment; Wisma Jelutong – 5-storey commercial building with Maybank as anchor tenant ; and The Maritime – 18-storey and 20-storey high-rise with residential SOHO units and shop offices.

Sights in Jelutong include the Jelutong Jetty for used by inshore fishermen, Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi’s House (renowned Muslim novelist and journalist) and Karpal Singh Drive, a seaside promenade with several modern-art sculptures where residents and tourists enjoy the scene while strolling leisurely.

Amenities and Facilities

Jelutong is strategically located in close proximity to a myriad of amenities and facilities such as shopping at Batu Lanchang Market, Great Mark Mini Market, Jelutong Night Market, Sunshine Farlim Shopping Mall, Perak Road Market for morning grocery shopping and for more choices Tesco Hypermarket is just 20 minutes away; education at various schools such as Penang Free School, SJK (C) Sum Sun, Excelpolitan International College and Vocational College Batu Lanchang; healthcare at Hospital Lam Wah Ee, Hospital Pulau Pinang and Optimax Eye Specialist Hospital; worship at Masjid Jamek Jelutong, Jelutong Chinese Methodist Church and Hean Chooi Temple and rows of shop lots housing ample restaurants, banks, music centre, pharmacies and clinics.

Accessibility and Transportation

It is very close to the Penang Bridge which connects the mainland to Penang Island. From there, it is easily accessible via a number of roads that include Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri), Gelugor Highway and the Jelutong Expressway portion of Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Exit 3 & 4) all of which run directly through Jelutong.