Jalan New Ferry was known as the western section of the lengthy Jalan Chain Ferry until it was renamed a few years ago to make it distinct. Extending directly from the Harbourfront Quarter, the short stretch is home to a pair of landmarks belonging to two minority religious communities – the Catholics and the Sikhs – who have played indispensable and significant roles in the cultural and economic legacy of Butterworth.
The temple that carries the Sikhs’ legacy in Seberang Prai
This Gurdwara, as a Sikh place of worship is called, serves 200-odd families around Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam towns. Most Sikhs are ethnic Punjabis. Among the colourful events observed here is the annual Punjabi harvest festival of Vaisakhi, which falls around May. It also marks the founding of the Sikh order of the Khalsa.
A humble and enduring Catholic icon of Malaysia
Passing by Jalan New Ferry, one cannot help but be struck by the charming sight of a humble wooden church building which has existed here since the parish’s inception in 1935. The first Rev Father J.B. Souhait, priest of the Church of the Assumption in George Town, oversaw its construction to provide spiritual support for Catholics and educational facilities for all on the mainland.