Pickpocket alert at Chowrasta market
FOLLOWING complaints from the public on the frequent pickpocket cases in the Chowrasta market in Penang, Komtar Barisan Nasional coordinator Loh Chye Teik is advising people to be cautious at all times.
“Recently, an elderly woman in her late 80s lost more than RM800 to pickpockets. My advice to the public is to bring only the necessary amount when shopping in congested areas,” he said.
He added that police reports on pickpocket cases there were lodged almost every day.
“Perhaps the police can increase their presence here to ward off pickpockets,” he suggested.
He said that he was also told by hawkers and shoppers there that they were hoping to see changes in the condition of the landmark wet market and its surrounding areas.
Loh said he received complaints on the less than satisfactory level of cleanliness and hygiene of the market.
“I was told that there used to be six to eight Penang Municipal Council cleaners who came and cleaned this place but the number has dwindled to about two now. I have also received complaints about the daily congestion in the area,” he told a press conference at the market recently.
In a related development, Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik said council workers were deployed to clean the area on three shifts daily.
He added that a preliminary report would be tabled in April on the upgrading of the Chowrasta market.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday 25 February 2011
Monday 21 February 2011
Air tickets ‘runway’ hit
Air tickets ‘runway’ hit
LECTURER Chua Shuw Huey, 33, had to endure long and tiring trips whenever her husband drove her to her hometown in Kota Baru from Penang.
But thanks to Firefly, the lecturer of a university college in Penang will now be able to take a flight home for the first time after securing a ‘zero’ fare ticket at the Firefly booth during the Star Education Fair 2011.
“I will save a lot in travelling time and other expenses. If not, I would have to spend at least six hours on the road before I can reach Kelantan from Penang,” said Chua who paid RM85 in airport tax and handling fees for her return ticket in May. She paid another RM100 for an in-fant ticket for her one-year-old daughter who will be following her on the trip.
Retirees Low Kim Seng, 70, and Jenny Low, 60, bought return air tickets to Kuantan.
“I had wanted to book the tickets at the Firefly office but was told to come to the fair for a better offer,” said Jenny.
She said she and her husband frequently travelled to Kuantan as they also considered it their home but had to fly via Kuala Lumpur on another airline in the past.
“With this direct flight by Firefly, it saves time and cost,” she said.
Firefly (Penang) office’s head of sales Audrey Yu said a large number of ‘zero’ fare promotional flight tickets were snapped up during the two-day fair.
She said among the sought- after destinations were from Penang to Medan, Phuket, Subang and Langkawi.
She said many people also enquired about the east coast destinations — Kuantan, Kota Baru and Kuala Terengganu.
“Due to the overwhelming response, we might extend the promotion so that people from the east coast can also get to enjoy the offers for our newly reinstated routes,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
LECTURER Chua Shuw Huey, 33, had to endure long and tiring trips whenever her husband drove her to her hometown in Kota Baru from Penang.
But thanks to Firefly, the lecturer of a university college in Penang will now be able to take a flight home for the first time after securing a ‘zero’ fare ticket at the Firefly booth during the Star Education Fair 2011.
“I will save a lot in travelling time and other expenses. If not, I would have to spend at least six hours on the road before I can reach Kelantan from Penang,” said Chua who paid RM85 in airport tax and handling fees for her return ticket in May. She paid another RM100 for an in-fant ticket for her one-year-old daughter who will be following her on the trip.
Retirees Low Kim Seng, 70, and Jenny Low, 60, bought return air tickets to Kuantan.
“I had wanted to book the tickets at the Firefly office but was told to come to the fair for a better offer,” said Jenny.
She said she and her husband frequently travelled to Kuantan as they also considered it their home but had to fly via Kuala Lumpur on another airline in the past.
“With this direct flight by Firefly, it saves time and cost,” she said.
Firefly (Penang) office’s head of sales Audrey Yu said a large number of ‘zero’ fare promotional flight tickets were snapped up during the two-day fair.
She said among the sought- after destinations were from Penang to Medan, Phuket, Subang and Langkawi.
She said many people also enquired about the east coast destinations — Kuantan, Kota Baru and Kuala Terengganu.
“Due to the overwhelming response, we might extend the promotion so that people from the east coast can also get to enjoy the offers for our newly reinstated routes,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday 17 February 2011
Specially chartered flight for Japanese tourists
Specially chartered flight for Japanese tourists to Penang
THE Penang International Airport arrival hall was abuzz with the sounds of kompang and dancers garbed in traditional gear performing as they welcomed some 380 visitors from Japan.
What made their visit to Penang unique was that the Japanese entourage had flown all the way from Hokkaido in a specially chartered flight just for the trip here.
To greet them was state Tourism Development and Culture Commit-tee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang.
Law said that it was the first time tourists from Japan came to Penang on a chartered flight since 2002.
“This is the largest number of tourists from Japan to Penang arriving on a chartered flight and this is a joint project between JTB Hokkaido Corp and Sunrise Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd,” said Law.
“Penang offers an array of activities for the Japanese who are culture-loving people,” he said.
Some 20 retirees from the group have also arranged to take part in Malaysia My Second Home scheme.
One of the members of the group, Matsui Soeda, 49, said it was his first time in Penang and was excited to see the culture and heritage which he read and heard about.
“Friends who visited Penang recommended that I visit this island. What makes it more interesting is that our visit coincides with the Chinese New Year celebration so I have more things to film on my video camera,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang International Airport arrival hall was abuzz with the sounds of kompang and dancers garbed in traditional gear performing as they welcomed some 380 visitors from Japan.
What made their visit to Penang unique was that the Japanese entourage had flown all the way from Hokkaido in a specially chartered flight just for the trip here.
To greet them was state Tourism Development and Culture Commit-tee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang.
Law said that it was the first time tourists from Japan came to Penang on a chartered flight since 2002.
“This is the largest number of tourists from Japan to Penang arriving on a chartered flight and this is a joint project between JTB Hokkaido Corp and Sunrise Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd,” said Law.
“Penang offers an array of activities for the Japanese who are culture-loving people,” he said.
Some 20 retirees from the group have also arranged to take part in Malaysia My Second Home scheme.
One of the members of the group, Matsui Soeda, 49, said it was his first time in Penang and was excited to see the culture and heritage which he read and heard about.
“Friends who visited Penang recommended that I visit this island. What makes it more interesting is that our visit coincides with the Chinese New Year celebration so I have more things to film on my video camera,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Gearing up for new train service
Gearing up for new train service
THE Penang Hill Corporation has recruited more than 30 new employees for the running of the funicular train service which is expected to resume next month.
The corporation’s steering committee deputy chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the new employees would be in charge of the train operation, mechanical engineering and maintenance service.
“They are now undergoing intensive training and learning how to operate the new Swiss-made air-conditioned coaches to ensure the service is safe and smooth,” he said when contacted on Tuesday.
Penang Transport, Utilities and Public Works Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said machinery tests for the upgraded service had started since last month.
“Tests are done almost everyday,” he said.
“We are ready to take over the service anytime and are waiting for the Tourism Ministry to hand it back to us,” Lim said.
It was earlier reported that the service will resume at the end of next month after a RM63mil upgrading project by the ministry.
The new air-conditioned coaches, which can carry 50 people each, will travel non-stop between the foot of the hill and the top station under the upgraded system unlike the old system where passengers have to change trains at the middle station.
Commuting time of the new service will be within 10 minutes one way compared to 30 minutes previously with the change of trains.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Hill Corporation has recruited more than 30 new employees for the running of the funicular train service which is expected to resume next month.
The corporation’s steering committee deputy chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the new employees would be in charge of the train operation, mechanical engineering and maintenance service.
“They are now undergoing intensive training and learning how to operate the new Swiss-made air-conditioned coaches to ensure the service is safe and smooth,” he said when contacted on Tuesday.
Penang Transport, Utilities and Public Works Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said machinery tests for the upgraded service had started since last month.
“Tests are done almost everyday,” he said.
“We are ready to take over the service anytime and are waiting for the Tourism Ministry to hand it back to us,” Lim said.
It was earlier reported that the service will resume at the end of next month after a RM63mil upgrading project by the ministry.
The new air-conditioned coaches, which can carry 50 people each, will travel non-stop between the foot of the hill and the top station under the upgraded system unlike the old system where passengers have to change trains at the middle station.
Commuting time of the new service will be within 10 minutes one way compared to 30 minutes previously with the change of trains.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Penang’s Chap Goh Meh bash
Penang’s Chap Goh Meh bash
MORE than 10,000 people are expected to turn up for the Chap Goh Meh celebration at the Esplanade seafront in Penang today, where the ever-popular orange-throwing tradition will take centre-stage.
Jointly organised by the state government and Astro, the festivities will kick off at 4pm featuring an array of exciting activities including Chingay, lion dance and 24-season drums performances as well as Astro artistes wowing the crowd.
There will also be a procession of dondang sayang (lullaby of love) float as well as a ‘Baba Nyonya’ performance.
Chap Goh Meh or the 15th day of the lunar calendar is a day many will look forward to as it is not only the last day of Chinese New Year, it is also a day where single ladies hope to find their “prospective husbands”.
Also known as Yuan Xiao, many eligible women would take the opportunity to throw mandarin oranges into the sea or river hoping to get a good partner.
Traditionally, Chap Goh Meh was one of the few occasion where maidens were allowed to leave their homes.
Bachelors could only admire the lovely ladies who were always accompanied by guarding family members.
-News courtesy of The Star-
MORE than 10,000 people are expected to turn up for the Chap Goh Meh celebration at the Esplanade seafront in Penang today, where the ever-popular orange-throwing tradition will take centre-stage.
Jointly organised by the state government and Astro, the festivities will kick off at 4pm featuring an array of exciting activities including Chingay, lion dance and 24-season drums performances as well as Astro artistes wowing the crowd.
There will also be a procession of dondang sayang (lullaby of love) float as well as a ‘Baba Nyonya’ performance.
Chap Goh Meh or the 15th day of the lunar calendar is a day many will look forward to as it is not only the last day of Chinese New Year, it is also a day where single ladies hope to find their “prospective husbands”.
Also known as Yuan Xiao, many eligible women would take the opportunity to throw mandarin oranges into the sea or river hoping to get a good partner.
Traditionally, Chap Goh Meh was one of the few occasion where maidens were allowed to leave their homes.
Bachelors could only admire the lovely ladies who were always accompanied by guarding family members.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday 6 February 2011
In search of halal food in Penang
In search of halal food in Penang
There’s more to satisfy the palate of Muslim visitors besides the ubiquitous Nasi Kandar.
FROM Curry Mee to Char Koay Teow, much has been written about the plethora of delicacies available in Penang. Note, however, that most of these tend to be fare for non-Muslims.
So what is there to satisfy the palate of Muslim visitors other than the ubiquitous Nasi Kandar?
If you have 24 hours, you can go on a sojourn to discover halal food that is thoroughly enjoyed by both Muslims and non-Muslims in Penang. Let me guide you to some of these places.
For breakfast, one is indeed spoilt for choices. I would recommend this rustic place called Canai Café along Jalan Lembah Permai (formerly Vale of Temp Road). Located opposite the Azura apartments, it is a simple set-up with a green plastic signboard dangling from a flimsy chain, and plastic tables and chairs.
At Canai Café, Elias flips the dough of the roti telur while his tudung-wearing wife helps to serve drinks. His roti telur must be differentiated from the mamak roti that is widely available. It is embedded with strips of onions and green chilli, which enhance the taste of the otherwise bland dough.
The dhal gravy with a dollop of sambal (chilli paste) and anchovies is also unique. Pour it over your strips of roti, allow to soak and then savour the taste and smell.
I can’t think of a better way to start off the morning than having this with a cup of piping hot teh tarik and a view of the sea, which is partly visible from the cafe.
When the clock strikes one and the stomach starts to grumble, what’s in store for lunch? If you are still in the Tanjung Bungah area, there are a couple of Nasi Melayu joints to try.
One is Lidiana, which is situated directly opposite the Mesjid Terapung (floating mosque) on the Tanjung Bungah main road. Turn left up the slope when you see the Floating Mosque. The stall is located in a mini food complex, Medan Selera Tg Bungah, on the right. Lidiana is the first stall that you see as you walk through the open iron gates.
This place has a smorgasbord of Malay cuisine with numerous well-worn aluminium trays filled with an assortment of dishes that include Nenas Pacurit, Kerabu Sayur Rumis, Cencaru sambal, Tau Kua sambal, Daging Sos Pekat, Stingray Curry, and heaps of fresh ulam.
The Cencaru Sambal (stuffed mackerel) is a crowd favourite. Chilli oil and burnt rempah give this dish the added oomph.
However, my personal favourite is the fried Ikan Terubuk (Grass Carp). While the terubuk with its numerous bones is a painstaking effort to eat, the taste of the smooth white flesh accompanied by the sambal paste and shallots more than make up for the hassle.
This place is a true reflection of 1Malaysia as it is very common to see Malays and other races eating elbow to elbow there.
The other equally popular stall offering Nasi Melayu is in Tanjung Tokong. If you are coming from Georgetown on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, look out for the traffic lights just after the Straits Quay development project.
Turn right at the traffic lights and then take an immediate right. This is the Nasi Melayu stall that’s more commonly known as the UDA flats Nasi Melayu. The wide selection there will test your decision-making capabilities. The friendly proprietor wears a pony tail and looks like the lead guitarist of a rock band.
For afternoon tea, take a drive along Tg Bungah road to the line of itinerant hawkers along Shamrock Beach. Try the Malay-style Assam Laksa. The soup is not as rich as the Nonya-style laksa but the tamarind and spices provide a nice aroma and taste.
Otherwise you can head towards Georgetown on Kelawei Road. Turn right at the junction of Jones Road. At the stall on your immediate right, there are giant curry puffs with spiced and curried potato fillings. Downed with a cup of hot Kopi O (local black coffee), this is definitely a nice alternative to scones and English tea.
For dinner, venture to Batu Maung on the other side of the island for grilled seafood. After passing Queensbay Mall, continue to drive along the coastal road. The massive electronic plants should be on your right.
Go straight until you reach a crossroads with traffic lights. Continue straight on until you spot the Teluk Tempoyak sign. Turn left and head down the sloping, uneven road. The place you are looking for is on the beach front.
The surroundings there are rustic with a traditional Malay village atmosphere that’s enhanced by the presence of multi-coloured fishing boats in the vicinity. The seafood is fresh and grilled to satisfaction. Home-made sauces enhance the taste of the grilled seafood especially the ikan bakar (grilled fish). Try the special tempoyak paste there if you fancy fermented durian.
There are more places that are worthy of checking out, such as Kg Melayu flats for roti canai, Beach Street (opposite Logan House) for Nasi Lemak Bungkus, the coffeeshop at the Jones Road/Burma Road junction for Yusuf’s Nasi Melayu, and Teluk Kumnar for Mee Udang.
If you still feel like eating at 1am, head to the Hillside hawker’s complex opposite Copthorne Hotel in Tanjung Bungah. There, you can savour Rudy’s halal Char Koay Teow with extra chilli and bean sprouts.
-News courtesy of The Star-
There’s more to satisfy the palate of Muslim visitors besides the ubiquitous Nasi Kandar.
FROM Curry Mee to Char Koay Teow, much has been written about the plethora of delicacies available in Penang. Note, however, that most of these tend to be fare for non-Muslims.
So what is there to satisfy the palate of Muslim visitors other than the ubiquitous Nasi Kandar?
If you have 24 hours, you can go on a sojourn to discover halal food that is thoroughly enjoyed by both Muslims and non-Muslims in Penang. Let me guide you to some of these places.
For breakfast, one is indeed spoilt for choices. I would recommend this rustic place called Canai Café along Jalan Lembah Permai (formerly Vale of Temp Road). Located opposite the Azura apartments, it is a simple set-up with a green plastic signboard dangling from a flimsy chain, and plastic tables and chairs.
At Canai Café, Elias flips the dough of the roti telur while his tudung-wearing wife helps to serve drinks. His roti telur must be differentiated from the mamak roti that is widely available. It is embedded with strips of onions and green chilli, which enhance the taste of the otherwise bland dough.
The dhal gravy with a dollop of sambal (chilli paste) and anchovies is also unique. Pour it over your strips of roti, allow to soak and then savour the taste and smell.
I can’t think of a better way to start off the morning than having this with a cup of piping hot teh tarik and a view of the sea, which is partly visible from the cafe.
When the clock strikes one and the stomach starts to grumble, what’s in store for lunch? If you are still in the Tanjung Bungah area, there are a couple of Nasi Melayu joints to try.
One is Lidiana, which is situated directly opposite the Mesjid Terapung (floating mosque) on the Tanjung Bungah main road. Turn left up the slope when you see the Floating Mosque. The stall is located in a mini food complex, Medan Selera Tg Bungah, on the right. Lidiana is the first stall that you see as you walk through the open iron gates.
This place has a smorgasbord of Malay cuisine with numerous well-worn aluminium trays filled with an assortment of dishes that include Nenas Pacurit, Kerabu Sayur Rumis, Cencaru sambal, Tau Kua sambal, Daging Sos Pekat, Stingray Curry, and heaps of fresh ulam.
The Cencaru Sambal (stuffed mackerel) is a crowd favourite. Chilli oil and burnt rempah give this dish the added oomph.
However, my personal favourite is the fried Ikan Terubuk (Grass Carp). While the terubuk with its numerous bones is a painstaking effort to eat, the taste of the smooth white flesh accompanied by the sambal paste and shallots more than make up for the hassle.
This place is a true reflection of 1Malaysia as it is very common to see Malays and other races eating elbow to elbow there.
The other equally popular stall offering Nasi Melayu is in Tanjung Tokong. If you are coming from Georgetown on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, look out for the traffic lights just after the Straits Quay development project.
Turn right at the traffic lights and then take an immediate right. This is the Nasi Melayu stall that’s more commonly known as the UDA flats Nasi Melayu. The wide selection there will test your decision-making capabilities. The friendly proprietor wears a pony tail and looks like the lead guitarist of a rock band.
For afternoon tea, take a drive along Tg Bungah road to the line of itinerant hawkers along Shamrock Beach. Try the Malay-style Assam Laksa. The soup is not as rich as the Nonya-style laksa but the tamarind and spices provide a nice aroma and taste.
Otherwise you can head towards Georgetown on Kelawei Road. Turn right at the junction of Jones Road. At the stall on your immediate right, there are giant curry puffs with spiced and curried potato fillings. Downed with a cup of hot Kopi O (local black coffee), this is definitely a nice alternative to scones and English tea.
For dinner, venture to Batu Maung on the other side of the island for grilled seafood. After passing Queensbay Mall, continue to drive along the coastal road. The massive electronic plants should be on your right.
Go straight until you reach a crossroads with traffic lights. Continue straight on until you spot the Teluk Tempoyak sign. Turn left and head down the sloping, uneven road. The place you are looking for is on the beach front.
The surroundings there are rustic with a traditional Malay village atmosphere that’s enhanced by the presence of multi-coloured fishing boats in the vicinity. The seafood is fresh and grilled to satisfaction. Home-made sauces enhance the taste of the grilled seafood especially the ikan bakar (grilled fish). Try the special tempoyak paste there if you fancy fermented durian.
There are more places that are worthy of checking out, such as Kg Melayu flats for roti canai, Beach Street (opposite Logan House) for Nasi Lemak Bungkus, the coffeeshop at the Jones Road/Burma Road junction for Yusuf’s Nasi Melayu, and Teluk Kumnar for Mee Udang.
If you still feel like eating at 1am, head to the Hillside hawker’s complex opposite Copthorne Hotel in Tanjung Bungah. There, you can savour Rudy’s halal Char Koay Teow with extra chilli and bean sprouts.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday 5 February 2011
Holidaymakers throng tourist spots
Holidaymakers throng tourist spots
DESPITE the scorching heat and traffic jams, popular tourist spots in Penang island were full of holidaymakers.
A favourite holiday destination was Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam where bumper-to-bumper traffic ruled the day.
Most families also brought their children to the temple to expose them to the local culture besides taking the opportunity to have a good time.
Glass designer Tan Kim Huat, 39, said he could not think of a better place to bring his two children to enjoy themselves.
“We plan to spend at least a few hours here to walk around and do some sightseeing,” he said when met at the turtle ponds.
He added that they had to worm their way through the crowd while going up the steps to reach the temple.
Engineer Teh Eng Keong, 44, said visiting the temple was an annual family activity during Chinese New Year.
“We always come here and offer prayers to Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy),” he said, adding that they came at 10.30am and would spend two hours there.
There was also a hive of activity at the Goddess of Mercy Temple on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling as photo enthusiasts captured special moments while devotees paid their respects to the deity Kuan Yin.
Shopping complexes such as Gurney Plaza were also popular with people who wanted to escape the heat and enjoy the cool indoor air.
Long lines were seen at the cineplex where moviegoers looked forward to watching new movies such as I Love Hong Kong, Homecoming, The Green Hornet, The Shock Labyrinth: House of Horrors, Yogi Bear and Faster.
Elsewhere, locals and tourists were seen taking pictures or sketching historical buildings and structures in the inner city of George Town.
-News courtesy of The Star-
DESPITE the scorching heat and traffic jams, popular tourist spots in Penang island were full of holidaymakers.
A favourite holiday destination was Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam where bumper-to-bumper traffic ruled the day.
Most families also brought their children to the temple to expose them to the local culture besides taking the opportunity to have a good time.
Glass designer Tan Kim Huat, 39, said he could not think of a better place to bring his two children to enjoy themselves.
“We plan to spend at least a few hours here to walk around and do some sightseeing,” he said when met at the turtle ponds.
He added that they had to worm their way through the crowd while going up the steps to reach the temple.
Engineer Teh Eng Keong, 44, said visiting the temple was an annual family activity during Chinese New Year.
“We always come here and offer prayers to Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy),” he said, adding that they came at 10.30am and would spend two hours there.
There was also a hive of activity at the Goddess of Mercy Temple on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling as photo enthusiasts captured special moments while devotees paid their respects to the deity Kuan Yin.
Shopping complexes such as Gurney Plaza were also popular with people who wanted to escape the heat and enjoy the cool indoor air.
Long lines were seen at the cineplex where moviegoers looked forward to watching new movies such as I Love Hong Kong, Homecoming, The Green Hornet, The Shock Labyrinth: House of Horrors, Yogi Bear and Faster.
Elsewhere, locals and tourists were seen taking pictures or sketching historical buildings and structures in the inner city of George Town.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday 4 February 2011
Joint effort to ease jams
Joint effort to ease jams
The traffic snarls on Penang island will worsen in the next few days.
Penang municipal councillor Mohd Taufik Sulong said an additional 30,000 vehicles are expected to throng the island during the Chinese New Year.
“The council is working with the police to reduce traffic congestions along major roads from Thursday till Sunday,” he told reporters here yesterday.
“There will be more police patrols and surveillance in traffic hot spots such as Air Itam area, Gurney Drive, Queensbay Mall, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Burma Road, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and the roads within the vicinity of Komtar,” he said.
He said there would be road diversions in several areas such as Jalan Kampung Pisang and Jalan Kampung Melayu which leads to the Kek Lok Si Temple.
“In places where the route is diverted, only Rapid Penang buses will be allowed to go through.
“This is to encourage the public to use public transportation,” he said.
He added that certain U-turnings and right turnings which can cause traffic congestions such as in Gurney Drive and Jalan Kelawei would be blocked.
“Traffic lights will also be adjust-ed to ease traffic flow on main roads such as Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, in Air Itam and Tanjung Tokong.
“During the period, buses will be prohibited from waiting for passengers at certain locations, including in Air Itam, Gurney Drive and areas around Komtar.
“We have also arranged with Telekom Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to temporary halt any road diggings since Thaipusam until February 10,” he said.
For enquiries, the public can contact the council’s 24-hour hotline at 04-2637637 or the state police operations room at 04-2181822.
A check showed massive traffic congestions around Komtar area and the malls as people rush to do their last-minute festive shopping.
A motorist who wished to be known only as Karen said she was stuck in a traffic jam for about an hour near Komtar.
“I saw many cars with Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan number plates as many Penangites are returning home to celebrate CNY with their families.
“The traffic congestion is becoming unbearable,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The traffic snarls on Penang island will worsen in the next few days.
Penang municipal councillor Mohd Taufik Sulong said an additional 30,000 vehicles are expected to throng the island during the Chinese New Year.
“The council is working with the police to reduce traffic congestions along major roads from Thursday till Sunday,” he told reporters here yesterday.
“There will be more police patrols and surveillance in traffic hot spots such as Air Itam area, Gurney Drive, Queensbay Mall, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Burma Road, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and the roads within the vicinity of Komtar,” he said.
He said there would be road diversions in several areas such as Jalan Kampung Pisang and Jalan Kampung Melayu which leads to the Kek Lok Si Temple.
“In places where the route is diverted, only Rapid Penang buses will be allowed to go through.
“This is to encourage the public to use public transportation,” he said.
He added that certain U-turnings and right turnings which can cause traffic congestions such as in Gurney Drive and Jalan Kelawei would be blocked.
“Traffic lights will also be adjust-ed to ease traffic flow on main roads such as Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, in Air Itam and Tanjung Tokong.
“During the period, buses will be prohibited from waiting for passengers at certain locations, including in Air Itam, Gurney Drive and areas around Komtar.
“We have also arranged with Telekom Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to temporary halt any road diggings since Thaipusam until February 10,” he said.
For enquiries, the public can contact the council’s 24-hour hotline at 04-2637637 or the state police operations room at 04-2181822.
A check showed massive traffic congestions around Komtar area and the malls as people rush to do their last-minute festive shopping.
A motorist who wished to be known only as Karen said she was stuck in a traffic jam for about an hour near Komtar.
“I saw many cars with Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan number plates as many Penangites are returning home to celebrate CNY with their families.
“The traffic congestion is becoming unbearable,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Happy New Year 新年快乐
在此祝福各位网友
新年快乐
天天好天
年年有余
岁岁平安
事事顺心
Wishing everyone a prosperous new year! Gong xi fa cai!
新年快乐
天天好天
年年有余
岁岁平安
事事顺心
Wishing everyone a prosperous new year! Gong xi fa cai!
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