DEVELOPING CLAN JETTIES AS HERITAGE BUILDINGS FOR CONSERVATION AND TOURISM IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

Penang Island has many old settlements that are now marketed as heritage attractions. Clan jetties are unique and have attractive architecture, many being designated as heritage sites. They also double up as a new attraction to tourists. Development and political pressures pose the greatest dangers to their survival. This paper identifies the potentials of clan jetties as heritage buildings and tourism attractions. It reports on surveys of clan jetties in Penang and highlights the extent to which tourists are aware of such jetties. Finally, it provides suggestions as to how best to develop the clan jetties in a sustainable way.