Batu Uban Jamek mosque still standing despite almost 300 years old

The mosque, which is located near the sea, was built by Haji Mohammed Saleh or better known as Maharaja Nan Intan Tunku Patih Nan Sebatang from Pagar Ruyong in west Sumatera in 1734, about 52 years before Francis Light stepped foot on Penang island, which was then known as as Pulau Kesatu.

The mosque's committee chairman Sheikh Abdul Azizi Sheikh Mohamad, 69, said among the uniqueness of the mosque was its original structure and design which were preserved, especially the main prayer hall, with its four pillars, which are of. Cendana wood, a pulpit and the dome.

"Some changes have been made, but without affecting the original design of the mosque, like having an additional prayer area, which doubles up as a dining area for the breaking of fast or venue for activities held at the mosque" he said when met by Bernama recently.

According to Sheikh Abdul Azizi, the beach erosion did affect the mosque.

"It is not that we do not want to have the mosque repaired. If repair work is carried out, the mosque cannot be used and will cause inconvenience to the local community.

"Also, the work has to be done by a qualified contractor to preserve the original structure," he added.

He said that in 2006, the Penang Heritage Department had changed the roof structure of the mosque to make it safer.

According to Sheikh Abdul Azizi, the mosque also has a well, believed to have been built hundreds of years ago, which never dries up even during the drought or dry seasons.

"According to history, when Haji Mohammed Saleh arrived here, he found two springs not far from the beach. Following which, he decided to open the area and the well was used by his followers for their water supply.

"Although the well is not far from the beach, the water is not salty," he said.