Jerejak Heritage Talk

Mike’s talk will cover the history of Jerejak, with an emphasis on the surviving buildings that you will see if you go on the guided tour.

Pulau Jerejak is a small island located off the eastern coast of Penang Island in Malaysia. It has a fascinating but somewhat dark history. It was once a leper colony established in 1868, housing thousands of leprosy patients until the 1960s. Additionally, it served as a quarantine station for newly arrived immigrants in 1875 and also as a tuberculosis sanatorium after World War II due to an increase in the number of tuberculosis patients. In 1969, it became a penal colony and the Jerejak Rehabilitation Centre was set up as a high-security detention center and a maximum-security prison, hence earning the island the moniker, the Alcatraz of Malaysia. The centre was eventually closed in August 1993.

Despite its somber past, Pulau Jerejak is preserving its rich history while offering a place for hiking, exploration and adventure.

It is difficult to briefly summarise the role of Pulau Jerejak in the history of Penang, and Malaysia – Why? - Because it has seen so much and played so many roles. Truly, it has been a witness to many aspects of Malayan history. Indeed, Jerejak is truly unique in Malaysian history. Let’s come and join Mike for his talk and learn Jerejak’s history and heritage together.

Mike Gibby’s book, ‘Jerejak: Penang’s Untold Story’ will be available at a discounted price at the talk.


NOTE:

* Closing Date for Registration: 6 May 2025
* (Limited to 30 pax only)