Airline stops direct flights from Penang to Chennai
AIRASIA has stopped direct flights from Penang to Chennai, Malaysia Nanban reported.
Tour operator P. Letchumanan said this had caused great inconvenience to travellers from the northern region who now have to go to Kuala Lumpur to catch a direct flight to Chennai.
“Northern region travellers would now incur more expenses and time will be wasted,’’ he said, adding that travellers would opt for other airlines.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Monday, 27 December 2010
Catch HK band Beyond at countdown
Catch HK band Beyond at countdown
REVELLERS ushering in the new year can look forward to an explosive, fun-filled night of entertainment and activities at Queensbay Mall’s New Year Eve Countdown Concert 2011 on Dec 31.
Families and friends alike may embrace the taste of energetic lavishness under moonlit night skies as the concert is set to feature headline acts such as Hong Kong’s Beyond and leading local artistes.
To be held at the mall’s outdoor car park area, the party kicks off at 8pm with DVJ G-mix psyching up the crowd with live music visuals, followed by young rapper Caprice showcasing his multilingual talents an hour later.
At 10pm, it’s the turn of Penang group Shift Machines to belt out pop-rock numbers.
Around 11pm, the night’s highlight sees Beyond, with Yip Sai Wing included, taking centre stage.
The legendary band will perform a repertoire of their greatest hits past and present until midnight, whereby the skies will light up with a brilliant pyrotechnics display.
Entrance to the concert’s Public Zone is free to everyone, while the Fan Zone and VIP Zone are by invitation only.
In conjunction with the countdown concert, there will be an Autoshow Contest during the day from 11am to 7pm. Auto junkies are set to be enthralled with the showcase of massively tuned and modified cars in the contest supported by Mean Machines.
There will also be a Meet & Greet session with all the artistes of the concert at the mall’s main atrium between 5.30pm and 6pm. It will be a golden opportunity for die-hard fans to snap photos and get up close and personal with their favourite stars.
The mall expects a crowd of around 15,000 for the countdown, as well as a further 10,000 for the autoshow during the day.
The Queensbay Mall New Year Eve Countdown Concert 2011 and Autoshow Contest is jointly organised by Queensbay Mall, Crest Communications and officially sponsored by DiGi, Ubermen, Nano White, Edwin, Mazda, JVC, Nesh, OSIM, Sticks Fire Bistro, Hotel Equatorial and Pro Tuners Magazine.
It is also endorsed by the Penang State Tourism office.
-News courtesy of The Star-
REVELLERS ushering in the new year can look forward to an explosive, fun-filled night of entertainment and activities at Queensbay Mall’s New Year Eve Countdown Concert 2011 on Dec 31.
Families and friends alike may embrace the taste of energetic lavishness under moonlit night skies as the concert is set to feature headline acts such as Hong Kong’s Beyond and leading local artistes.
To be held at the mall’s outdoor car park area, the party kicks off at 8pm with DVJ G-mix psyching up the crowd with live music visuals, followed by young rapper Caprice showcasing his multilingual talents an hour later.
At 10pm, it’s the turn of Penang group Shift Machines to belt out pop-rock numbers.
Around 11pm, the night’s highlight sees Beyond, with Yip Sai Wing included, taking centre stage.
The legendary band will perform a repertoire of their greatest hits past and present until midnight, whereby the skies will light up with a brilliant pyrotechnics display.
Entrance to the concert’s Public Zone is free to everyone, while the Fan Zone and VIP Zone are by invitation only.
In conjunction with the countdown concert, there will be an Autoshow Contest during the day from 11am to 7pm. Auto junkies are set to be enthralled with the showcase of massively tuned and modified cars in the contest supported by Mean Machines.
There will also be a Meet & Greet session with all the artistes of the concert at the mall’s main atrium between 5.30pm and 6pm. It will be a golden opportunity for die-hard fans to snap photos and get up close and personal with their favourite stars.
The mall expects a crowd of around 15,000 for the countdown, as well as a further 10,000 for the autoshow during the day.
The Queensbay Mall New Year Eve Countdown Concert 2011 and Autoshow Contest is jointly organised by Queensbay Mall, Crest Communications and officially sponsored by DiGi, Ubermen, Nano White, Edwin, Mazda, JVC, Nesh, OSIM, Sticks Fire Bistro, Hotel Equatorial and Pro Tuners Magazine.
It is also endorsed by the Penang State Tourism office.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Penang Taxi
Georgetown Taxi: 04-2299467, 04-2617098
BJ Radio Taxi: 04-6430161 & 012 572 6487
Taxi Drivers Association: 04-2625721
Sunshine Radio Taxi: 04-6425961
Jade Auto Company: 04-2263015
Super Radio Taxi Service Center: 04-281-8766, 282-8753
BJ Radio Taxi: 04-6430161 & 012 572 6487
Taxi Drivers Association: 04-2625721
Sunshine Radio Taxi: 04-6425961
Jade Auto Company: 04-2263015
Super Radio Taxi Service Center: 04-281-8766, 282-8753
Friday, 24 December 2010
Penang Radio Frequencies
One FM 87.8
Hot FM 88.2
IKIM FM 89.0
Fly FM 89.9
Hot FM 88.2
IKIM FM 89.0
Fly FM 89.9
Kool FM 90.2
Mix FM 91.0
Hitz FM 92.8
Mutiara FM 93.9
988 94.5 / 96.1
Klasik FM 94.9
Minnal FM 96.7
Sinar FM 97.1
Mix FM 91.0
Hitz FM 92.8
Mutiara FM 93.9
988 94.5 / 96.1
Klasik FM 94.9
Minnal FM 96.7
Sinar FM 97.1
Kedah FM 97.5
Zayan FM 98.1
Traxx FM 98.7
THR 99.3
My FM 99.7
Nasional FM 100.5
Ai FM 101.3
Suria FM 102.4
Era FM 103.6
Lite FM 104.4
Traxx FM 98.7
THR 99.3
My FM 99.7
Nasional FM 100.5
Ai FM 101.3
Suria FM 102.4
Era FM 103.6
Lite FM 104.4
Melody FM 106.5
Red 104.9 FM 98.1
GoXuan 107.6
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Stay safe
Stay safe
Penang is relatively a very safe place for travellers, however like in any other place, Penang has its share of crime, so common precautions must be taken against snatch-thieves and scams. Some other precautions:
* Don't walk alone in dark and deserted places.
* Don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger car / unlicensed taxi).
* Don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets.
* Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms.
* Don't place valuables on restaurant tables.
* Do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewelry and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still, don't carry one.
* Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Penang is relatively a very safe place for travellers, however like in any other place, Penang has its share of crime, so common precautions must be taken against snatch-thieves and scams. Some other precautions:
* Don't walk alone in dark and deserted places.
* Don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger car / unlicensed taxi).
* Don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets.
* Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms.
* Don't place valuables on restaurant tables.
* Do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewelry and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still, don't carry one.
* Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
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Explosive countdown party
Explosive countdown party
GET ready to usher in the new year at Penang Golden 2011 (PG2011), the state’s official new year countdown concert at the Penang Esplanade on Dec 31.
This is the sixth year CreatiVision D. C. Sdn Bhd will host the celebration in Penang with the concert themed ‘I Know You Want Me’.
The event, from 6pm till after midnight, is sponsored by Celcom Axiata Berhad and supported by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Penang Global Tourism.
Representing the Penang Chief Minister, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong said the event would be a time to celebrate the richness of history and diversity of Penang as George Town Day falls on Jan 1.
“PG2011 is important in Penang’s festival calendar.
“We must work for Penang to rise again and hope to see it as an international city in the region and the world,” he said in his keynote speech at the event’s launch on Monday.
CreatiVision managing director Adelyn Lim said it would be the biggest countdown event in the northern region since 2005.
“It’s expected to draw around 100,000 people from all walks of life to gather at the famous Esplanade to usher in the New Year with hopes and wishes.
“This year, famous local artistes and bands such as Hujan, Pesawat, Dragon Red, Suki, Athena Ma and Villanz will be featured,” she said.
She added that there would be sessions of street dancing and a five-minute fireworks display.
“MPPP will turn the surrounding King Street and Penang Street into a local food paradise where the best hawkers will offer the best Penang food.
“We also encourage the public not to litter or vandalise but to party in a fun and responsible way,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
GET ready to usher in the new year at Penang Golden 2011 (PG2011), the state’s official new year countdown concert at the Penang Esplanade on Dec 31.
This is the sixth year CreatiVision D. C. Sdn Bhd will host the celebration in Penang with the concert themed ‘I Know You Want Me’.
The event, from 6pm till after midnight, is sponsored by Celcom Axiata Berhad and supported by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Penang Global Tourism.
Representing the Penang Chief Minister, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong said the event would be a time to celebrate the richness of history and diversity of Penang as George Town Day falls on Jan 1.
“PG2011 is important in Penang’s festival calendar.
“We must work for Penang to rise again and hope to see it as an international city in the region and the world,” he said in his keynote speech at the event’s launch on Monday.
CreatiVision managing director Adelyn Lim said it would be the biggest countdown event in the northern region since 2005.
“It’s expected to draw around 100,000 people from all walks of life to gather at the famous Esplanade to usher in the New Year with hopes and wishes.
“This year, famous local artistes and bands such as Hujan, Pesawat, Dragon Red, Suki, Athena Ma and Villanz will be featured,” she said.
She added that there would be sessions of street dancing and a five-minute fireworks display.
“MPPP will turn the surrounding King Street and Penang Street into a local food paradise where the best hawkers will offer the best Penang food.
“We also encourage the public not to litter or vandalise but to party in a fun and responsible way,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Dr Sun honoured
Dr Sun honoured
THREE-DIMENSIONAL snapshots of Dr Sun Yat Sen’s life have come alive on the walls of the newly completed Penang Sun Yat Sen Centre ahead of its launch this Sunday.
The centre, a project by the Penang Philomathic Union, contains 29 intricate miniature exhibits of the political figure’s fight against China’s imperialist system.
From events dating back to 1840 to Dr Sun’s rise as the Republic of China’s provisional president in December 1911, the centre’s three halls chronicle the struggle and success of the revolutionary movement that brought about the downfall of the Chinese dynasty system.
Union chairman Datuk Chuang Keng Kung said the memorial exhibition centre, located within the Penang Philomathic Union’s building on 65, Macalister Road, was the result of seven years of work.
“We wanted our exhibition hall to be different from others, so we came up with the idea of miniatures to tell Dr Sun’s story.
“We felt this cartoon-like method was not too ‘serious’ and would appeal to all people, especially youngsters, who we hope will get interested in this part of history,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Chuang said the exhibition hall was divided into three parts — Halls A, B and C.
Hall A depicts scenes from the Qing Dynasty (the last dynasty before the fall of imperialism in China) and its weaknesses. It also chronicles the 11 uprisings organised by Dr Sun and his supporters.
Hall B, which also serves as the entrance hall to the centre, displays the 100-year history of the Penang Philomathic Union Society, which was founded by Dr Sun on 19 Dec, 1908 at 94, Datuk Keramat Road as the political wing of Dr Sun’s revolutionary work in South East Asia.
Gesturing to a massive wall panel depicting 16 historical sites in Penang that Dr Sun either visited or stayed in, Chuang said Hall B also displayed the histories of Chung Ling High School, Chinese Girls’ High School (now known as Penang Chinese Girls High School) and Chinese vernacular newspaper Kwong Wah Jit Poh, institutions of which the Penang Philomathic Union played pivotal roles in establishing.
“Hall C has miniatures and photos of Dr Sun’s journeys to Singapore, Malacca, Ipoh, Hong Kong, Japan and London, where he was kidnapped by Chinese officials in 1896,” Chuang said.
He said the Penang Philomathic Union had spent a total of RM300,000 on the miniatures and renovation works.
“All the money came from well-wishers and the union’s members and committee.
“This launching comes very near the centennial celebrations of the historic Penang Conference (in 1910 when Dr Sun planted the seeds of the Guangzhou Uprising).
“We understand that many celebrations are ongoing in Penang to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event, so we are happy to add to this atmosphere with the launch of our memorial exhibition,” he added.
The exhibition, which is set to be a permanent feature, will be launched at 9am by former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
After the launching ceremony, the exhibition will be open to the public from Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 6pm.
Entry fees are RM5 while children will enjoy a discounted rate. For details on the exhibition, call the Penang Philomathic Union at 04-2285119.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THREE-DIMENSIONAL snapshots of Dr Sun Yat Sen’s life have come alive on the walls of the newly completed Penang Sun Yat Sen Centre ahead of its launch this Sunday.
The centre, a project by the Penang Philomathic Union, contains 29 intricate miniature exhibits of the political figure’s fight against China’s imperialist system.
From events dating back to 1840 to Dr Sun’s rise as the Republic of China’s provisional president in December 1911, the centre’s three halls chronicle the struggle and success of the revolutionary movement that brought about the downfall of the Chinese dynasty system.
Union chairman Datuk Chuang Keng Kung said the memorial exhibition centre, located within the Penang Philomathic Union’s building on 65, Macalister Road, was the result of seven years of work.
“We wanted our exhibition hall to be different from others, so we came up with the idea of miniatures to tell Dr Sun’s story.
“We felt this cartoon-like method was not too ‘serious’ and would appeal to all people, especially youngsters, who we hope will get interested in this part of history,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Chuang said the exhibition hall was divided into three parts — Halls A, B and C.
Hall A depicts scenes from the Qing Dynasty (the last dynasty before the fall of imperialism in China) and its weaknesses. It also chronicles the 11 uprisings organised by Dr Sun and his supporters.
Hall B, which also serves as the entrance hall to the centre, displays the 100-year history of the Penang Philomathic Union Society, which was founded by Dr Sun on 19 Dec, 1908 at 94, Datuk Keramat Road as the political wing of Dr Sun’s revolutionary work in South East Asia.
Gesturing to a massive wall panel depicting 16 historical sites in Penang that Dr Sun either visited or stayed in, Chuang said Hall B also displayed the histories of Chung Ling High School, Chinese Girls’ High School (now known as Penang Chinese Girls High School) and Chinese vernacular newspaper Kwong Wah Jit Poh, institutions of which the Penang Philomathic Union played pivotal roles in establishing.
“Hall C has miniatures and photos of Dr Sun’s journeys to Singapore, Malacca, Ipoh, Hong Kong, Japan and London, where he was kidnapped by Chinese officials in 1896,” Chuang said.
He said the Penang Philomathic Union had spent a total of RM300,000 on the miniatures and renovation works.
“All the money came from well-wishers and the union’s members and committee.
“This launching comes very near the centennial celebrations of the historic Penang Conference (in 1910 when Dr Sun planted the seeds of the Guangzhou Uprising).
“We understand that many celebrations are ongoing in Penang to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event, so we are happy to add to this atmosphere with the launch of our memorial exhibition,” he added.
The exhibition, which is set to be a permanent feature, will be launched at 9am by former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
After the launching ceremony, the exhibition will be open to the public from Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 6pm.
Entry fees are RM5 while children will enjoy a discounted rate. For details on the exhibition, call the Penang Philomathic Union at 04-2285119.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Untouched paradise famed for seafood
Untouched paradise famed for seafood
PRISTINE blue waters dotted with old rickety fishing boats welcome city slickers to Teluk Kumbar - a small fishing village on the southern part of Penang island.
Teluk Kumbar is just one of the many fishing villages stretching from Batu Maung to Gertak Sanggul but there's a unique charm about the place that sets it apart from its rustic neighbours.
Deriving its name from the palmetto "Kumbar Tree" (which used to grow in abundance in the virgin jungles surrounding the bay), Teluk Kumbar's reputation as the island's seafood treasure trove remains strong till today.
Fresh supply: The prawns are sourced from the local fishing community of Teluk Kumbar.
In the 1970s, rice fields lined the fertile bay area soil but since then, it's the seafood eateries that have gained prominence though the slow-paced rural life there remains unchanged.
One of Penang's best-kept secrets is however leaking out. These days, Teluk Kumbar attracts visitors from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with the lure of its fresh and relatively cheap seafood.
Hauled in by the local fisherfolk, the prized catch is snapped up by local seaside eateries early in the morning รข€“ only what's left is then sold to the middlemen.
Laughing kids running around barefoot as the fishermen unload their catch at various times of the day are a common sight.
While the place is famed for its Mee Udang, Teluk Kumbar is also home to some top- notch Chinese seafood outlets, the more popular being Good Friend Seafood and Hai Boey.
At the outlets facing the sea, the view of setting sun is unrivalled anywhere on the island.
In the evenings, when the sky turns a brilliant shade of crimson orange, these family-run businesses are usually packed with locals from all over the state.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
PRISTINE blue waters dotted with old rickety fishing boats welcome city slickers to Teluk Kumbar - a small fishing village on the southern part of Penang island.
Teluk Kumbar is just one of the many fishing villages stretching from Batu Maung to Gertak Sanggul but there's a unique charm about the place that sets it apart from its rustic neighbours.
Deriving its name from the palmetto "Kumbar Tree" (which used to grow in abundance in the virgin jungles surrounding the bay), Teluk Kumbar's reputation as the island's seafood treasure trove remains strong till today.
Fresh supply: The prawns are sourced from the local fishing community of Teluk Kumbar.
In the 1970s, rice fields lined the fertile bay area soil but since then, it's the seafood eateries that have gained prominence though the slow-paced rural life there remains unchanged.
One of Penang's best-kept secrets is however leaking out. These days, Teluk Kumbar attracts visitors from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with the lure of its fresh and relatively cheap seafood.
Hauled in by the local fisherfolk, the prized catch is snapped up by local seaside eateries early in the morning รข€“ only what's left is then sold to the middlemen.
Laughing kids running around barefoot as the fishermen unload their catch at various times of the day are a common sight.
While the place is famed for its Mee Udang, Teluk Kumbar is also home to some top- notch Chinese seafood outlets, the more popular being Good Friend Seafood and Hai Boey.
At the outlets facing the sea, the view of setting sun is unrivalled anywhere on the island.
In the evenings, when the sky turns a brilliant shade of crimson orange, these family-run businesses are usually packed with locals from all over the state.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Divine duck soup
Divine duck soup
The lure of 7th Street's Koay Teow Soup is simply too strong to resist.
AT Cecil Street, aka Chit Tiao Lor (7th Street) in old George Town, there is an old wet market which buzzes with customers all day long.
Situated alongside it is a hawker complex serving up Penang favourites like Char Kuey Teow, Mee Goreng, Eu Char Kueh, all kinds of other kueh and other delights. Among the most well-known stalls here is the one which serves Duck Kuey Teow Soup.
Leong Wai Chun and her husband, Lau toil away from 7.30am to 7pm, taking turns to dispense bowl after bowl of their version of this popular noodle soup. Their stall is often surrounded by patient customers awaiting their turn for a delicious slurp.
Hard at work: Lau Wei Loon helping out at his parents' stall in the Cecil Street hawker complex.
The secret, according to their son Wei Loon, 21, who has been helping there for the past few years, is in the duck soup รข€“ made from a recipe created by his grandfather who started the stall over 20 years ago.
"We don't stint on our ingredients," he insists, "and we can sometimes use up to 15 ducks a day."
The whole duck is boiled in the soup for its sweetness and later chopped into pieces which can be ordered as extras,
The drumstick, he adds, is the most popular part and can sell for RM3.50 each. The wings, feet and even the head are available, too, for those who wish to place extra orders.
Popular haunt: The small but busy hawker centre beside the Chit Tiao Lor Market in George Town.
Any remaining meat is shredded and served on top of the noodles, which can be yellow mee, bee tai bak or bee hoon, although it is generally eaten with their smooth, silky kuey teow, which Wei Loon claims, is specially made-to-order.
"We stipulate that no preservatives are used in our kuey teow."
Another traditional ingredient they offer is sliced coagulated duck's blood รข€“ a delicacy which is becoming less de rigueur nowadays, although it is still popular with the older generation.
"Ours is different, because it is softer and less tough," he says.
Served with some sliced fish cake, springy fish balls and a good handful of chopped green spring onions, the Duck Kuey Teow T'ng is an excellent way of dousing any hunger pangs, whether it is for breakfast, lunch or tea. Sliced chilli padi adds a certain zing to it.
For details, contact Wei Loon on 012-433 6680. They are closed on alternate Wednesdays.
-Info courtesy of the Star-
The lure of 7th Street's Koay Teow Soup is simply too strong to resist.
AT Cecil Street, aka Chit Tiao Lor (7th Street) in old George Town, there is an old wet market which buzzes with customers all day long.
Situated alongside it is a hawker complex serving up Penang favourites like Char Kuey Teow, Mee Goreng, Eu Char Kueh, all kinds of other kueh and other delights. Among the most well-known stalls here is the one which serves Duck Kuey Teow Soup.
Leong Wai Chun and her husband, Lau toil away from 7.30am to 7pm, taking turns to dispense bowl after bowl of their version of this popular noodle soup. Their stall is often surrounded by patient customers awaiting their turn for a delicious slurp.
Hard at work: Lau Wei Loon helping out at his parents' stall in the Cecil Street hawker complex.
The secret, according to their son Wei Loon, 21, who has been helping there for the past few years, is in the duck soup รข€“ made from a recipe created by his grandfather who started the stall over 20 years ago.
"We don't stint on our ingredients," he insists, "and we can sometimes use up to 15 ducks a day."
The whole duck is boiled in the soup for its sweetness and later chopped into pieces which can be ordered as extras,
The drumstick, he adds, is the most popular part and can sell for RM3.50 each. The wings, feet and even the head are available, too, for those who wish to place extra orders.
Popular haunt: The small but busy hawker centre beside the Chit Tiao Lor Market in George Town.
Any remaining meat is shredded and served on top of the noodles, which can be yellow mee, bee tai bak or bee hoon, although it is generally eaten with their smooth, silky kuey teow, which Wei Loon claims, is specially made-to-order.
"We stipulate that no preservatives are used in our kuey teow."
Another traditional ingredient they offer is sliced coagulated duck's blood รข€“ a delicacy which is becoming less de rigueur nowadays, although it is still popular with the older generation.
"Ours is different, because it is softer and less tough," he says.
Served with some sliced fish cake, springy fish balls and a good handful of chopped green spring onions, the Duck Kuey Teow T'ng is an excellent way of dousing any hunger pangs, whether it is for breakfast, lunch or tea. Sliced chilli padi adds a certain zing to it.
For details, contact Wei Loon on 012-433 6680. They are closed on alternate Wednesdays.
-Info courtesy of the Star-
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Rapid Penang king of the road
Rapid Penang king of the road
Three years after starting its service, Rapid Penang has knocked out its competition on Penang Island.
Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) traffic management senior engineer A. Rajendran said an observation made by the council showed that no other buses from other firms like Milan, Transit Link and KGN Link were seen picking up passengers at Weld Quay, the Komtar bus interchange and the Bukit Jambul bus stop.
He said although these bus companies were still operating, their buses were not seen plying the streets here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow claimed the lease scheme and the attitude of drivers were the main reasons the other bus companies lost out.
“Under the lease scheme, bus companies rent out the buses to the drivers, allowing them to decide when to work, which route to ply and waiting until buses are full before they leave the bus stops,” he said.
He told a press conference yesterday that the scheme caused inefficiency and created a bad reputation for Penang’s public transportation.
“We want the best for the public in terms of safety, efficiency, affordability and cleanliness,” he said.
Plans are also in the pipeline to upgrade the infrastructure at the Komtar bus interchange.
Rajendran said heavy duty tiles would be used to pave all the lanes as they are more durable.
He said the waiting platforms would be closed up with air-conditioning.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Three years after starting its service, Rapid Penang has knocked out its competition on Penang Island.
Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) traffic management senior engineer A. Rajendran said an observation made by the council showed that no other buses from other firms like Milan, Transit Link and KGN Link were seen picking up passengers at Weld Quay, the Komtar bus interchange and the Bukit Jambul bus stop.
He said although these bus companies were still operating, their buses were not seen plying the streets here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow claimed the lease scheme and the attitude of drivers were the main reasons the other bus companies lost out.
“Under the lease scheme, bus companies rent out the buses to the drivers, allowing them to decide when to work, which route to ply and waiting until buses are full before they leave the bus stops,” he said.
He told a press conference yesterday that the scheme caused inefficiency and created a bad reputation for Penang’s public transportation.
“We want the best for the public in terms of safety, efficiency, affordability and cleanliness,” he said.
Plans are also in the pipeline to upgrade the infrastructure at the Komtar bus interchange.
Rajendran said heavy duty tiles would be used to pave all the lanes as they are more durable.
He said the waiting platforms would be closed up with air-conditioning.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years
Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years
PENANGITES can have splashing fun near their ‘doorstep’ when the first phase of the RM120mil ‘world-class’ theme park in Teluk Bahang is completed in about two years.
The entire ‘Escape Theme Park Resort’ involving three phases would be completed in six years, said Sim Choo Kheng (pic), the managing director of Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd.
“The work on the first phase — Escape Waterpark – is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed in 18 months,” he told reporters.
Earlier, the company signed the 60-year agreement to lease the 12.5ha land located downstream of the Teluk Bahang Dam with the Penang Water Supply Corpo-ration (PBA) Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was present said the company would pay RM40mil to the PBA.
“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the state’s tourism industry.
“The project will benefit the Penang Municipal Council which will receive assessment revenue,” he said.
Lim said it took nearly 18 months for the tender process to be completed in a transparent manner.
“The company was awarded the contract by the tender committee based on merit.
“Among others, it was picked because of its offer of superior lease rental payments, inno- vation design concept and its international track record in delivering similar projects throughout the world,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony at a hotel in George Town yesterday.
Sim signed the agreement on behalf of the company while PBA was represented by its general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.
Sim Leisure was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore. It has also set up theme parks such as the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Desa Idaman and Hotspring Resort in Malay-sia.
Sim told reporters that the pro-ject would be undertaken in line with the state government’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ ini-tiate.
“Our company has designed over 50 parks around the world and we hope this will be a new beginning for Penang and the tourism industry,” he added.
Lim added that the theme park resort would set the benchmark for the industry.
“It will provide 500 jobs. Each visitor will also spend money on food, lodging, transportation services or gift purchases.
“It is estimated that the theme park will add RM1.5bil into the state economy through visitors’ spending,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
PENANGITES can have splashing fun near their ‘doorstep’ when the first phase of the RM120mil ‘world-class’ theme park in Teluk Bahang is completed in about two years.
The entire ‘Escape Theme Park Resort’ involving three phases would be completed in six years, said Sim Choo Kheng (pic), the managing director of Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd.
“The work on the first phase — Escape Waterpark – is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed in 18 months,” he told reporters.
Earlier, the company signed the 60-year agreement to lease the 12.5ha land located downstream of the Teluk Bahang Dam with the Penang Water Supply Corpo-ration (PBA) Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was present said the company would pay RM40mil to the PBA.
“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the state’s tourism industry.
“The project will benefit the Penang Municipal Council which will receive assessment revenue,” he said.
Lim said it took nearly 18 months for the tender process to be completed in a transparent manner.
“The company was awarded the contract by the tender committee based on merit.
“Among others, it was picked because of its offer of superior lease rental payments, inno- vation design concept and its international track record in delivering similar projects throughout the world,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony at a hotel in George Town yesterday.
Sim signed the agreement on behalf of the company while PBA was represented by its general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.
Sim Leisure was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore. It has also set up theme parks such as the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Desa Idaman and Hotspring Resort in Malay-sia.
Sim told reporters that the pro-ject would be undertaken in line with the state government’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ ini-tiate.
“Our company has designed over 50 parks around the world and we hope this will be a new beginning for Penang and the tourism industry,” he added.
Lim added that the theme park resort would set the benchmark for the industry.
“It will provide 500 jobs. Each visitor will also spend money on food, lodging, transportation services or gift purchases.
“It is estimated that the theme park will add RM1.5bil into the state economy through visitors’ spending,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Devilishly fun
Devilishly fun
IT will be a night of ‘wizards and witches’ as Queensbay Mall, Penang, lets loose a sack of spooky surprises in its Helluva Halloween celebration on Oct 30 and Oct 31.
Its advertising and promotions manager Wendy Wong said a host of chilly events would be held for shoppers including a ‘Helluva Movie Marathon’ from 8am to 6pm on Oct 30 at the mall’s north zone (ground floor).
“Participants are required to endure 10 hours of horror movies without shrieking, turning the face away from the screen or yawning in order to walk away with a brand new iPhone (3GS),” she said in a statement.
The first 50 participants who register by paying a RM20 fee will receive a scary bag while stocks last.
Wong said there would also be a Halloween Costume Competition where shoppers could rub shoulders with ‘creepy, monstrous and unearthly creatures’ in the Halloween Costume Competition at 8pm the same night.
Under the adult category (18 years and above), the three main prize winners for the ‘Most Unique’, ‘Most Creative’ and ‘The Scariest Award’ will walk away with RM500 each while three consolation prizes of RM100 each, all sponsored by SenQ, would also be given out.
Wong said if the ‘scary ghosts and monsters’ were way too scary, shoppers could see cute pumpkin heads, little witches and baby monsters in the Halloween Costume Competition for children aged below 12 at 2pm on Oct 31.
All contest forms are available at the mall’s ground floor (central zone) customer service counter from 10.30am to 10.30pm. For details, call 04-6468888.
-News courtesy of The Star-
IT will be a night of ‘wizards and witches’ as Queensbay Mall, Penang, lets loose a sack of spooky surprises in its Helluva Halloween celebration on Oct 30 and Oct 31.
Its advertising and promotions manager Wendy Wong said a host of chilly events would be held for shoppers including a ‘Helluva Movie Marathon’ from 8am to 6pm on Oct 30 at the mall’s north zone (ground floor).
“Participants are required to endure 10 hours of horror movies without shrieking, turning the face away from the screen or yawning in order to walk away with a brand new iPhone (3GS),” she said in a statement.
The first 50 participants who register by paying a RM20 fee will receive a scary bag while stocks last.
Wong said there would also be a Halloween Costume Competition where shoppers could rub shoulders with ‘creepy, monstrous and unearthly creatures’ in the Halloween Costume Competition at 8pm the same night.
Under the adult category (18 years and above), the three main prize winners for the ‘Most Unique’, ‘Most Creative’ and ‘The Scariest Award’ will walk away with RM500 each while three consolation prizes of RM100 each, all sponsored by SenQ, would also be given out.
Wong said if the ‘scary ghosts and monsters’ were way too scary, shoppers could see cute pumpkin heads, little witches and baby monsters in the Halloween Costume Competition for children aged below 12 at 2pm on Oct 31.
All contest forms are available at the mall’s ground floor (central zone) customer service counter from 10.30am to 10.30pm. For details, call 04-6468888.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Fad for Bombay fashion
Fad for Bombay fashion
WITH Deepavali around the corner, Little India in Penang has exploded with colour, music and life.
Shops around the Indian enclave, covering a compact square in the heart of George Town, are literally spilling out into the streets in the run-up to the Festival of Lights.
While both modern and traditional Tamil music can be heard blaring from giant speakers outside stores, tasty traditional treats are seen on almost every street corner and the sweet smell of incense fills the air.
Adding to the carnival atmosphere are cars, motorcycles, trishaws, bicycles and people, many laden with bulging shopping bags, weaving in and out of the old, narrow streets.
Inside VKN Sivasamy & Sons on Market Street, sarees of every colour of the rainbow can be seen stocked from floor to ceiling.
“This year is all about Bombay fashion. Both our boutique sarees and Masakali Punjabi suits are selling like hot cakes!” declared company director P. Ramalingam.
He said the boutique sarees, also known as ‘part-ly sarees’ for their half-and-half design nature, were the latest craze among the younger generation.
“The part of the cloth that covers the top of the body is see-through, while the bottom is rich with designs.
“While the more traditional sarees hide most of the belly from sight, the younger generation don’t seem to mind showing the belly off,” he quipped.
“The boutique saree is the number one saree style of the year and we’ve sold over 1,000 of these since the middle of last month,” Ramalingam said, adding the handsewn sarees from Mumbai were priced at about RM280 each.
‘Bombay fashion’ has also penetrated the Punjabi suit market with a fresh style called ‘Masakali’.
The suits, made of stretchable materials, all come with unconventional long sleeves.
“However, short sleeves are also separately attached to the outfits, so people can send them to the tailor if they want shorter sleeves,” he said, adding he had sold over 2,000 Masakali Punjabi suits for the festive season.
Over at the B. Mathavon Store, colourful garlands and altar decorations are being snapped up quickly.
Store owner M. Kanagaratnam, 59, said these decorations from Madras and Bombay were very popular during Deepavali.
“Business is good so far, but we’re expecting the crowd to swell from Friday to Sunday when shoppers from Ipoh and Kedah come down,” he said.
And while shops continue to erect canopies around Little India, the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang is keeping an eye out for outside traders aiming to make a quick buck.
Its executive secretary R. Sethupandian said dozens of outside traders had been seen setting up shop in Little India during the Deepavali season in recent years.
“Most of them are licensed with the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to trade on other parts of the island, like Lorong Kulit or Penang Road, but come to Little India during this time to take advantage of the crowd,” he said.
He said outside traders, who did not pay assessment, quit rent or even electricity and water bills, could afford to sell products at cheaper prices than the shops.
“This had affected the business of the shopowners who even have to pay special fees to set up tents outside their shops and covered parking bays,” he added.
Sethupandian said MICCI had sent a letter to MPPP several weeks ago requesting for stronger enforcement during this festive season.
“So far, we have not seen outside traders yet and we hope MPPP will keep tabs,” he said.
MPPP licensing department chief Rafiah Mohd Radzi said the council would continue to monitor the situation until Deepavali on Nov 5.
“We will be sending enforcement teams to conduct checks over the next two weeks,” she added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
WITH Deepavali around the corner, Little India in Penang has exploded with colour, music and life.
Shops around the Indian enclave, covering a compact square in the heart of George Town, are literally spilling out into the streets in the run-up to the Festival of Lights.
While both modern and traditional Tamil music can be heard blaring from giant speakers outside stores, tasty traditional treats are seen on almost every street corner and the sweet smell of incense fills the air.
Adding to the carnival atmosphere are cars, motorcycles, trishaws, bicycles and people, many laden with bulging shopping bags, weaving in and out of the old, narrow streets.
Inside VKN Sivasamy & Sons on Market Street, sarees of every colour of the rainbow can be seen stocked from floor to ceiling.
“This year is all about Bombay fashion. Both our boutique sarees and Masakali Punjabi suits are selling like hot cakes!” declared company director P. Ramalingam.
He said the boutique sarees, also known as ‘part-ly sarees’ for their half-and-half design nature, were the latest craze among the younger generation.
“The part of the cloth that covers the top of the body is see-through, while the bottom is rich with designs.
“While the more traditional sarees hide most of the belly from sight, the younger generation don’t seem to mind showing the belly off,” he quipped.
“The boutique saree is the number one saree style of the year and we’ve sold over 1,000 of these since the middle of last month,” Ramalingam said, adding the handsewn sarees from Mumbai were priced at about RM280 each.
‘Bombay fashion’ has also penetrated the Punjabi suit market with a fresh style called ‘Masakali’.
The suits, made of stretchable materials, all come with unconventional long sleeves.
“However, short sleeves are also separately attached to the outfits, so people can send them to the tailor if they want shorter sleeves,” he said, adding he had sold over 2,000 Masakali Punjabi suits for the festive season.
Over at the B. Mathavon Store, colourful garlands and altar decorations are being snapped up quickly.
Store owner M. Kanagaratnam, 59, said these decorations from Madras and Bombay were very popular during Deepavali.
“Business is good so far, but we’re expecting the crowd to swell from Friday to Sunday when shoppers from Ipoh and Kedah come down,” he said.
And while shops continue to erect canopies around Little India, the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang is keeping an eye out for outside traders aiming to make a quick buck.
Its executive secretary R. Sethupandian said dozens of outside traders had been seen setting up shop in Little India during the Deepavali season in recent years.
“Most of them are licensed with the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to trade on other parts of the island, like Lorong Kulit or Penang Road, but come to Little India during this time to take advantage of the crowd,” he said.
He said outside traders, who did not pay assessment, quit rent or even electricity and water bills, could afford to sell products at cheaper prices than the shops.
“This had affected the business of the shopowners who even have to pay special fees to set up tents outside their shops and covered parking bays,” he added.
Sethupandian said MICCI had sent a letter to MPPP several weeks ago requesting for stronger enforcement during this festive season.
“So far, we have not seen outside traders yet and we hope MPPP will keep tabs,” he said.
MPPP licensing department chief Rafiah Mohd Radzi said the council would continue to monitor the situation until Deepavali on Nov 5.
“We will be sending enforcement teams to conduct checks over the next two weeks,” she added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Hidden goodies
Hidden goodies
To savour the best of Penang food in George Town, head for the stalls at the back lanes and alleys. The food there is appetising even if the surroundings are a bit derelict.
ONLY in Penang will you find good food in (literally) every nook and cranny. Here, even the backlane stalls are famed for their mouth-watering offerings.
Run by third-generation hawkers who use tried and tested secret family recipes and traditions, these stalls do not have signs screaming “Penang’s Best”, which are common at big hawker centres and tourists haunts.
Nevertheless, they are thriving, as can be seen in the backlane stalls dotting George Town’s narrow alleys and between drains, proving that location is not everything when it comes to food.
Backyard bounties: Despite the makeshift appearance, business at the backlane stalls in George Town is thriving.
The most well-known of these humble establishments is without doubt Toh Soon Cafe. A place where time seems to have stood still, its owner Y.S. Ooi still steams and toasts his bread over hot coals in a little “oven” that’s as old as some of the pre-war buildings around it.
Here, RM5 will get you a simple meal of coffee, toast and eggs – with change to spare.
Ooi, who has two young sons, says he’d like to see the third generation taking over. “I don’t want to impose this business on my children because it’s hard work but it would be nice if they could turn Toh Soon into a franchise,” he says.
Expanding the business in the immediate future is not on the cards, though. For one, space is limited at their current premises, Ooi says. “Besides, it’s very tiring. I am here six days a week because my regulars prefer I make their drink.”
Ahamad Ansari makes a mean cup of tea at his stall along Hutton Lane.
Toh Soon adopts an open kitchen concept and customers can see how their food is prepared. “They like to see us in action; it’s really the atmosphere that’s made this place so popular,” Ooi says.
Journalist Ang Tong Kai, who has been a regular for the last six years and sometimes comes two or three times a day “to have coffee while writing”, maintains that the kopi-o there is the best.
“It takes a lot of skill to make the perfect brew because the temperature of the water has to be just right,” he says.
He also recommends the toast and steamed bread, which he describes as special. “The kaya and peanut butter are homemade and the bread is from their own factory.”
Ang believes there aren’t many places left where people can find tasty toast made the traditional way, and points out that it’s common to spot cars bearing Singapore number plates blocking the alley.
Another regular patron, Lim Siang Siang, says the stall with its fresh green zinc facade has community leaders, Hong Kong celebrities, politicians, and prominent businessmen among its customers. Even celebrity shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo has visited the stall.
“The chairs and tables are beside a drain and there’s a huge rubbish bin nearby but nobody minds. If you come in the morning, you’ll see cars parked illegally along the road, and shouts warning of the police arriving are quite comical,” she says.
M.M. Abdul Jaafar, who has been operating a stall nearby since 1957, must be quite used to that commotion by now.
“This was my father’s business. We started selling roti Bengali bakar with half-boiled eggs one day before Merdeka,” says the 73-year-old. “Then we added apom manis, roti canai and nasi dalca to the menu.”
The apom manis was taken off the menu after his wife found the work of making them too much for her. His son now helps to run the family’s two stalls along Hutton Lane.
To sample Foo’s boh saik mee (above) and Aunty Ghen’s curry mee (below), go to the back lane along Magazine Road.
From 4.30am to 4pm daily, the sprightly white-bearded man with his friendly, toothless grin will be around serving customers.
Then there’s Gerai Kopi dan Makanan Abdul Hamid, a popular breakfast haunt that serves tasty nasi lemak and also charcoal-toasted Bengali bread.
Located on a back lane along Transfer Road and a mere 10 minutes’ walk away from Toh Soon Cafรฉ, Abdul Hamid is always packed in the mornings.
And just across the street from Abdul Hamid’s is the famous and unassuming Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng.
Ah Boy, aka Lim Kah Beng, runs the business that was started by his grandfather.
“My grandfather’s stall was in Padang Brown. In 1977, my father moved the business here and now I am running it with my wife,” he says.
His mother, Lim Ah Moey, says their soup recipe has not changed at all. The family wakes up at about 4.30am every day to prepare the stock. “In the old days, a bowl was only 20 sen and his grandfather would make hundreds of ringgit in profit; it was that famous,” she recalls with pride.
Flanked on both sides by drains and with plastic canopies for shade, the stall looks quite makeshift but its rows of plastic tables are normally packed with hungry customers patiently waiting for a steaming bowl of Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng.
With a generous helping of ginger meatballs, fish balls, pork intestine and coagulated pork’s blood, the Koay Teow Thng there is among Penang’s finest.
Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng along Lebuh Clarke is a popular breakfast spot for workers in the area.
“The dry version of the dish is really good and I always ask for extra ingredients like the quail eggs,” says lawyer K.N.S. Lim who has been having breakfast at Ah Boy’s since she started working five years ago. “It’s near the court so my friends and I usually have our morning rendezvous here.”
Smartly dressed in their high heels and office wear, the ladies don’t seem to mind the humidity.
“And the coffee here is also really aromatic,” Lim adds.
If you fancy curry mee, the city’s tastiest is just a stone’s throw away from Ah Boy’s stall.
Tucked in an alley opposite the iconic Komtar tower (along Magazine Road), this curry mee stall is run by a lady who introduces herself as “Aunty Ghen”.
“This is my husband’s business but he is 80 now and can’t be here all day,” she says. “He started in the business, helping his mother, when he was 14.”
Aunty Ghen says the secret behind the rich, tasty soup is the santan. She says she herself prepares it every day, waking up very early to do so. “If you buy the coconut milk from the market it won’t be as fragrant because it’s diluted. That’s why I do it myself.”
If you chance to look across at the next stall, you will see Foo dishing out his boh saik mee (uncooked noodles), a traditional Hokkien dish, and Chinese desserts.
“I believe I’m the only one still selling boh saik mee in Penang. The youngsters have never tasted this dish so most of my customers are from the older generation,” says Foo, 46.
“Boh saik mee is very filling and used to be popular among the trishawmen because it was cheap and the portions were huge.
“During my mother’s time, it was five sen per bowl and was cheaper compared to Hokkien Mee, which was double the price. I charge RM1.50 now,” Foo says.
He says not many can stomach the strong smell of the tapioca flour that’s used in the dish. And he’s right: you either love it or hate it as the raw noodles are left to simmer with vegetables and lard until they become thick and starchy.
As backlane food enterprises go, there seems to be no end to the line of customers at Line Clear as well.
Known for its nasi kandar, Line Clear is just a stone’s throw away from Magazine Road and is bound to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
So, for those with an insatiable appetite (and a willingness to explore), George Town’s meandering back lanes are worth checking out for some of Penang’s best lipsmacking food!
-Info courtesy of The Star-
To savour the best of Penang food in George Town, head for the stalls at the back lanes and alleys. The food there is appetising even if the surroundings are a bit derelict.
ONLY in Penang will you find good food in (literally) every nook and cranny. Here, even the backlane stalls are famed for their mouth-watering offerings.
Run by third-generation hawkers who use tried and tested secret family recipes and traditions, these stalls do not have signs screaming “Penang’s Best”, which are common at big hawker centres and tourists haunts.
Nevertheless, they are thriving, as can be seen in the backlane stalls dotting George Town’s narrow alleys and between drains, proving that location is not everything when it comes to food.
Backyard bounties: Despite the makeshift appearance, business at the backlane stalls in George Town is thriving.
The most well-known of these humble establishments is without doubt Toh Soon Cafe. A place where time seems to have stood still, its owner Y.S. Ooi still steams and toasts his bread over hot coals in a little “oven” that’s as old as some of the pre-war buildings around it.
Here, RM5 will get you a simple meal of coffee, toast and eggs – with change to spare.
Ooi, who has two young sons, says he’d like to see the third generation taking over. “I don’t want to impose this business on my children because it’s hard work but it would be nice if they could turn Toh Soon into a franchise,” he says.
Expanding the business in the immediate future is not on the cards, though. For one, space is limited at their current premises, Ooi says. “Besides, it’s very tiring. I am here six days a week because my regulars prefer I make their drink.”
Ahamad Ansari makes a mean cup of tea at his stall along Hutton Lane.
Toh Soon adopts an open kitchen concept and customers can see how their food is prepared. “They like to see us in action; it’s really the atmosphere that’s made this place so popular,” Ooi says.
Journalist Ang Tong Kai, who has been a regular for the last six years and sometimes comes two or three times a day “to have coffee while writing”, maintains that the kopi-o there is the best.
“It takes a lot of skill to make the perfect brew because the temperature of the water has to be just right,” he says.
He also recommends the toast and steamed bread, which he describes as special. “The kaya and peanut butter are homemade and the bread is from their own factory.”
Ang believes there aren’t many places left where people can find tasty toast made the traditional way, and points out that it’s common to spot cars bearing Singapore number plates blocking the alley.
Another regular patron, Lim Siang Siang, says the stall with its fresh green zinc facade has community leaders, Hong Kong celebrities, politicians, and prominent businessmen among its customers. Even celebrity shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo has visited the stall.
“The chairs and tables are beside a drain and there’s a huge rubbish bin nearby but nobody minds. If you come in the morning, you’ll see cars parked illegally along the road, and shouts warning of the police arriving are quite comical,” she says.
M.M. Abdul Jaafar, who has been operating a stall nearby since 1957, must be quite used to that commotion by now.
“This was my father’s business. We started selling roti Bengali bakar with half-boiled eggs one day before Merdeka,” says the 73-year-old. “Then we added apom manis, roti canai and nasi dalca to the menu.”
The apom manis was taken off the menu after his wife found the work of making them too much for her. His son now helps to run the family’s two stalls along Hutton Lane.
To sample Foo’s boh saik mee (above) and Aunty Ghen’s curry mee (below), go to the back lane along Magazine Road.
From 4.30am to 4pm daily, the sprightly white-bearded man with his friendly, toothless grin will be around serving customers.
Then there’s Gerai Kopi dan Makanan Abdul Hamid, a popular breakfast haunt that serves tasty nasi lemak and also charcoal-toasted Bengali bread.
Located on a back lane along Transfer Road and a mere 10 minutes’ walk away from Toh Soon Cafรฉ, Abdul Hamid is always packed in the mornings.
And just across the street from Abdul Hamid’s is the famous and unassuming Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng.
Ah Boy, aka Lim Kah Beng, runs the business that was started by his grandfather.
“My grandfather’s stall was in Padang Brown. In 1977, my father moved the business here and now I am running it with my wife,” he says.
His mother, Lim Ah Moey, says their soup recipe has not changed at all. The family wakes up at about 4.30am every day to prepare the stock. “In the old days, a bowl was only 20 sen and his grandfather would make hundreds of ringgit in profit; it was that famous,” she recalls with pride.
Flanked on both sides by drains and with plastic canopies for shade, the stall looks quite makeshift but its rows of plastic tables are normally packed with hungry customers patiently waiting for a steaming bowl of Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng.
With a generous helping of ginger meatballs, fish balls, pork intestine and coagulated pork’s blood, the Koay Teow Thng there is among Penang’s finest.
Ah Boy’s Koay Teow Thng along Lebuh Clarke is a popular breakfast spot for workers in the area.
“The dry version of the dish is really good and I always ask for extra ingredients like the quail eggs,” says lawyer K.N.S. Lim who has been having breakfast at Ah Boy’s since she started working five years ago. “It’s near the court so my friends and I usually have our morning rendezvous here.”
Smartly dressed in their high heels and office wear, the ladies don’t seem to mind the humidity.
“And the coffee here is also really aromatic,” Lim adds.
If you fancy curry mee, the city’s tastiest is just a stone’s throw away from Ah Boy’s stall.
Tucked in an alley opposite the iconic Komtar tower (along Magazine Road), this curry mee stall is run by a lady who introduces herself as “Aunty Ghen”.
“This is my husband’s business but he is 80 now and can’t be here all day,” she says. “He started in the business, helping his mother, when he was 14.”
Aunty Ghen says the secret behind the rich, tasty soup is the santan. She says she herself prepares it every day, waking up very early to do so. “If you buy the coconut milk from the market it won’t be as fragrant because it’s diluted. That’s why I do it myself.”
If you chance to look across at the next stall, you will see Foo dishing out his boh saik mee (uncooked noodles), a traditional Hokkien dish, and Chinese desserts.
“I believe I’m the only one still selling boh saik mee in Penang. The youngsters have never tasted this dish so most of my customers are from the older generation,” says Foo, 46.
“Boh saik mee is very filling and used to be popular among the trishawmen because it was cheap and the portions were huge.
“During my mother’s time, it was five sen per bowl and was cheaper compared to Hokkien Mee, which was double the price. I charge RM1.50 now,” Foo says.
He says not many can stomach the strong smell of the tapioca flour that’s used in the dish. And he’s right: you either love it or hate it as the raw noodles are left to simmer with vegetables and lard until they become thick and starchy.
As backlane food enterprises go, there seems to be no end to the line of customers at Line Clear as well.
Known for its nasi kandar, Line Clear is just a stone’s throw away from Magazine Road and is bound to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
So, for those with an insatiable appetite (and a willingness to explore), George Town’s meandering back lanes are worth checking out for some of Penang’s best lipsmacking food!
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Temple to hold float parade
Temple to hold float parade
TOW Boh Keong Temple in Hong Kong Street, Penang, will hold a grand float procession tomorrow to mark its 168th anniversary celebration.
Organising committee chairman Khoo Khay Hock said 35 floats of various themes would be parading through 15 streets.
Starting from Hong Kong Street, the procession will then move on to Lebuh Carnarvon.
It will then proceed to Jalan Magazine, Jalan Gurdwara, Lebuh Macallum, Lebuh Mcnair, Lebuh Sandilands, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Gat Lebuh Prangin, Pengkalan Weld, Lebuh Light, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Penang, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong and back to Lebuh Carnarvon before returning to Hong Kong Street.
All the above-mentioned roads will be cordoned off to vehicles in stages during the procession expected to start at 7.30pm.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is expected to kick off the event.
-News courtesy of The Star-
TOW Boh Keong Temple in Hong Kong Street, Penang, will hold a grand float procession tomorrow to mark its 168th anniversary celebration.
Organising committee chairman Khoo Khay Hock said 35 floats of various themes would be parading through 15 streets.
Starting from Hong Kong Street, the procession will then move on to Lebuh Carnarvon.
It will then proceed to Jalan Magazine, Jalan Gurdwara, Lebuh Macallum, Lebuh Mcnair, Lebuh Sandilands, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Gat Lebuh Prangin, Pengkalan Weld, Lebuh Light, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Penang, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong and back to Lebuh Carnarvon before returning to Hong Kong Street.
All the above-mentioned roads will be cordoned off to vehicles in stages during the procession expected to start at 7.30pm.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is expected to kick off the event.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tour packages featuring the King of Fruits
Tour packages featuring the King of Fruits
TRAVEL agencies in Penang have introduced durian packages to woo tourists.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chair- man Danny Law said the packa-ges included tours at durian plantations and feasting of the fruit.
“The durian tour packages are aimed at wooing tourists from Hong Kong and Singapore,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference yesterday when announcing the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association’s (MITA) Penang Tourism Expo 2010, which is scheduled to be held at the Penang International Sports Arena from Dec 3 to Dec 5.
The event, jointly organised by MITA, PenEvents Sdn Bhd and unique Pacific Resources, is expected to draw 30,000 to 50,000 visitors.
Law also said the state’s durian festival, which was held in June this year, would be held in May and June next year.
On tourist arrivals, he said China, India and Indonesia were alternative tourism markets for Penang.
“In July, when we visited Chennai in India, we realised that Penang was not well marketed there.
“By working with Chennai tour operators since then, Penang is now better promoted over there,” he added.
Law also said that in promoting and marketing domestic tourism, it was necessary to look at market segments rather than just family holidays.
“Potential segments include local business travels and gatherings of youth and student groups,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
TRAVEL agencies in Penang have introduced durian packages to woo tourists.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chair- man Danny Law said the packa-ges included tours at durian plantations and feasting of the fruit.
“The durian tour packages are aimed at wooing tourists from Hong Kong and Singapore,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference yesterday when announcing the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association’s (MITA) Penang Tourism Expo 2010, which is scheduled to be held at the Penang International Sports Arena from Dec 3 to Dec 5.
The event, jointly organised by MITA, PenEvents Sdn Bhd and unique Pacific Resources, is expected to draw 30,000 to 50,000 visitors.
Law also said the state’s durian festival, which was held in June this year, would be held in May and June next year.
On tourist arrivals, he said China, India and Indonesia were alternative tourism markets for Penang.
“In July, when we visited Chennai in India, we realised that Penang was not well marketed there.
“By working with Chennai tour operators since then, Penang is now better promoted over there,” he added.
Law also said that in promoting and marketing domestic tourism, it was necessary to look at market segments rather than just family holidays.
“Potential segments include local business travels and gatherings of youth and student groups,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Ah Heng’s char koay teow
Ah Heng’s char koay teow
WHILE the Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow is not available, why not try other alternatives? One that is worth checking out is Ah Heng (pronounced Ah Hiang) Char Koay Teow at Island Park Kopitiam, George Town. Ah Heng started in the business as her uncle’s helper when she was in her teens. She has been frying char koay teow and char mee for almost two decades in Island Park Kopitiam. In 2005, she won an award in the La Moon Best Cooking Competition for the tastiest char koay teow.
There’s normally a queue during peak hours for the tasty char mee and koay teow. Ah Heng’s noodles have more gravy but she can accommodate the needs of those who like their char koay teow a little dry. You do not need to worry about her manners as she is a soft-spoken person. The price starts at RM3 only!
-Info courtesy of The Star-
WHILE the Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow is not available, why not try other alternatives? One that is worth checking out is Ah Heng (pronounced Ah Hiang) Char Koay Teow at Island Park Kopitiam, George Town. Ah Heng started in the business as her uncle’s helper when she was in her teens. She has been frying char koay teow and char mee for almost two decades in Island Park Kopitiam. In 2005, she won an award in the La Moon Best Cooking Competition for the tastiest char koay teow.
There’s normally a queue during peak hours for the tasty char mee and koay teow. Ah Heng’s noodles have more gravy but she can accommodate the needs of those who like their char koay teow a little dry. You do not need to worry about her manners as she is a soft-spoken person. The price starts at RM3 only!
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Tracking Dr Sun’s footsteps
Tracking Dr Sun’s footsteps
THE mapping out of the Dr Sun Yat-sen heritage trail in Penang is set to become a reality after more than 10 years.
Among the historic buildings along the trail are the Penang Philomatic Union’s second premises (120, Armenian Street), Penang Philomatic Union (94, Jalan Datuk Keramat) and Penang Philomatic Union’s fourth premises/Xiao Lan Ting (65, Macalister Road).
Regarded as the Father of Modern China, Dr Sun made Penang his base where he sowed the seeds of the Canton Uprising in Guangzhou in 1911.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution said the trail was proposed in the late 1990s but no one pushed for it due to lack of funds and verification for research findings.
She said the buildings identified along the trail were important places where Dr Sun had lived, held meetings and given talks while in Penang.
“He came to Penang to source for fundings and to recruit members for his movement. He was planning a revolution in China right here in Penang,” she said in an interview.
PHT had received a RM100,000 grant from the George Town Grants Programme for documentation purposes.
Started last December, the two-year programme is part of a RM20mil seed-funding initiative by Think City Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Federal Government’s investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, for urban rejuvenation projects within the George Town World Heritage Site.
Khoo said the funds would be used to put up signboards at the buildings which would provide a background of the place and its connections with the Chinese revolutionary leader.
Khoo said the trail would also highlight how the people of Penang contributed to Dr Sun’s movement.
“He inspired people through his ideas and developed the Three Principles of the People which are nationalism (people’s rights), democracy (people’s voice), and socialism (people’s livelihood).
“When his movement overthrew the Manchu government, he became the first provisional president of China, which was also the first republic in Asia. He banned old practices like the wearing of pigtails and foot binding,” she said.
Khoo described the heritage trail as a way to educate the public.
“It is enriched by the past, as it is another layer of awareness of our history,” she said.
She hoped the attention brought upon the trail would lead to renovations of some of the buildings that were in dilapidated conditions.
Project coordinator Ho Sheau Fung said a group of researchers and local historians had only come out with the first draft of the trail.
“The next step is to concretise the trail and continue to verify the collected data. We also need to determine the sequence of the sites in the trail, based on historical facts.
“More sites will be identified after this and research is ongoing for the sites where Dr Sun had actually been to. We are also including places that are not directly related to him but associated with his followers,” she said.
The trail will be launched at the centenary celebrations in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the Penang Conference on Nov 13, 1910, where Dr Sun planned an uprising of a larger scale in Guangzhou.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE mapping out of the Dr Sun Yat-sen heritage trail in Penang is set to become a reality after more than 10 years.
Among the historic buildings along the trail are the Penang Philomatic Union’s second premises (120, Armenian Street), Penang Philomatic Union (94, Jalan Datuk Keramat) and Penang Philomatic Union’s fourth premises/Xiao Lan Ting (65, Macalister Road).
Regarded as the Father of Modern China, Dr Sun made Penang his base where he sowed the seeds of the Canton Uprising in Guangzhou in 1911.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution said the trail was proposed in the late 1990s but no one pushed for it due to lack of funds and verification for research findings.
She said the buildings identified along the trail were important places where Dr Sun had lived, held meetings and given talks while in Penang.
“He came to Penang to source for fundings and to recruit members for his movement. He was planning a revolution in China right here in Penang,” she said in an interview.
PHT had received a RM100,000 grant from the George Town Grants Programme for documentation purposes.
Started last December, the two-year programme is part of a RM20mil seed-funding initiative by Think City Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Federal Government’s investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, for urban rejuvenation projects within the George Town World Heritage Site.
Khoo said the funds would be used to put up signboards at the buildings which would provide a background of the place and its connections with the Chinese revolutionary leader.
Khoo said the trail would also highlight how the people of Penang contributed to Dr Sun’s movement.
“He inspired people through his ideas and developed the Three Principles of the People which are nationalism (people’s rights), democracy (people’s voice), and socialism (people’s livelihood).
“When his movement overthrew the Manchu government, he became the first provisional president of China, which was also the first republic in Asia. He banned old practices like the wearing of pigtails and foot binding,” she said.
Khoo described the heritage trail as a way to educate the public.
“It is enriched by the past, as it is another layer of awareness of our history,” she said.
She hoped the attention brought upon the trail would lead to renovations of some of the buildings that were in dilapidated conditions.
Project coordinator Ho Sheau Fung said a group of researchers and local historians had only come out with the first draft of the trail.
“The next step is to concretise the trail and continue to verify the collected data. We also need to determine the sequence of the sites in the trail, based on historical facts.
“More sites will be identified after this and research is ongoing for the sites where Dr Sun had actually been to. We are also including places that are not directly related to him but associated with his followers,” she said.
The trail will be launched at the centenary celebrations in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the Penang Conference on Nov 13, 1910, where Dr Sun planned an uprising of a larger scale in Guangzhou.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, 10 September 2010
A treat by the seaside
A treat by the seaside
THE halal-certified Oriental Seafood in Gurney Drive, Penang, has indeed withstood the test of time having been around for over two decades pleasing taste buds all over the world with its signature seafood interpretations.
This ‘floating’ restaurant is popular not only for its extensive seafood and Chinese dishes but also for its seafront dining under the stars.
Lining one side of the premises are tanks filled with all kinds of live seafood which are an attraction in itself.
The lunch menu features dishes which are fast, good and value for money. Choices include nasi lemak (RM5.50), tomyam maggi mee (RM4.50), fried hor fun with fish meat (RM12 for two persons) and buttered mantis shrimp with mixed vegetable rice (RM6.50).
More varieties in the form of homemade Hailam choon pneah (spring roll), which is a delight with every mouthful, aromatic curry fish head and yummy mee udang are also available.
Dinner is a sumptuous affair with dishes such as grilled mutton, deep fried salted mantis shrimp, sang yue soup (steamboat style), kam heong crab, loong tan (potato grouper) cooked in two styles and crispy deep fried soft shell crab.
The mutton is nicely done minus the usual gamey smell while the sang yue served with beehoon, vegetables and bean curd is a pot full of oceanic sweetness.
Best complemented with cold beer, the mantis shrimp is fragrant and tasty. The grouper with its luscious and succulent meat is delicately sweet and simply delicious.
Besides its innovative interpretation of dishes, there is no compromise in the ingredients used and the seafood are caught daily by local fishermen. Thus, it is no wonder that the restaurant is so popular especially at dinner time.
In fact, Oriental Seafood with its strategic location in Gurney Drive is almost a landmark of Penang. Mention seafood and the outlet will immediately come to mind.
It also caters to tourists by the busloads and this has given rise to the wrong impression that the food here is overpriced. The management would like to state that they only charge RM10 per person for student groups and RM13 for tourist groups for six dishes and a soup.
The restaurant has six VIP rooms equipped with karaoke systems and is able to host functions and weddings. Diners are also assured of warm and friendly service.
Business hours are from 11am to 11.30pm daily. For reservations, call 04-8904500.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
THE halal-certified Oriental Seafood in Gurney Drive, Penang, has indeed withstood the test of time having been around for over two decades pleasing taste buds all over the world with its signature seafood interpretations.
This ‘floating’ restaurant is popular not only for its extensive seafood and Chinese dishes but also for its seafront dining under the stars.
Lining one side of the premises are tanks filled with all kinds of live seafood which are an attraction in itself.
The lunch menu features dishes which are fast, good and value for money. Choices include nasi lemak (RM5.50), tomyam maggi mee (RM4.50), fried hor fun with fish meat (RM12 for two persons) and buttered mantis shrimp with mixed vegetable rice (RM6.50).
More varieties in the form of homemade Hailam choon pneah (spring roll), which is a delight with every mouthful, aromatic curry fish head and yummy mee udang are also available.
Dinner is a sumptuous affair with dishes such as grilled mutton, deep fried salted mantis shrimp, sang yue soup (steamboat style), kam heong crab, loong tan (potato grouper) cooked in two styles and crispy deep fried soft shell crab.
The mutton is nicely done minus the usual gamey smell while the sang yue served with beehoon, vegetables and bean curd is a pot full of oceanic sweetness.
Best complemented with cold beer, the mantis shrimp is fragrant and tasty. The grouper with its luscious and succulent meat is delicately sweet and simply delicious.
Besides its innovative interpretation of dishes, there is no compromise in the ingredients used and the seafood are caught daily by local fishermen. Thus, it is no wonder that the restaurant is so popular especially at dinner time.
In fact, Oriental Seafood with its strategic location in Gurney Drive is almost a landmark of Penang. Mention seafood and the outlet will immediately come to mind.
It also caters to tourists by the busloads and this has given rise to the wrong impression that the food here is overpriced. The management would like to state that they only charge RM10 per person for student groups and RM13 for tourist groups for six dishes and a soup.
The restaurant has six VIP rooms equipped with karaoke systems and is able to host functions and weddings. Diners are also assured of warm and friendly service.
Business hours are from 11am to 11.30pm daily. For reservations, call 04-8904500.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 15 August 2010
United to draw medical tourists
United to draw medical tourists
SEVEN of Penang’s biggest private hospitals have banded together to establish the Penang Health Association — a platform to collectively promote the state as a medical haven for visitors.
In a launching ceremony at the beginning of the month, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Island Hospital, LohGuanLye Specialist Centre, Mount Miriam Hospital, Pantai Hospital Penang and Penang Adventist Hospital partnered to boost the image of Penang health care.
“The idea for this partnership between hospitals came about four years ago.
“We realised that if we continued to only promote ourselves separately, it would be counter-productive and confuse visitors seeking medical care,” said association chairman Datuk Dr Chan Kok Ewe.
“For the sake of the medical industry in Penang, we have to work together.”
Dr Chan explained that the partnership of the seven hospitals made it possible to attract patients to a single destination – Penang – rather than to individual hospitals.
“With a common folder and a universal exhibition booth giving the information and services of all the hospitals, patients will have their own choice of treatment possibilities,” he said.
He added that although the partnership had only been announced to the public this month, its collective efforts over the last few years were already beginning to bear fruit.
“In 2009, Penang attracted 202,000 foreign visitors despite the global recession.
“2010 has also seen a marked increase with the figure expected to reach 250,000 and with this partnership, we expect these figures to continue to grow,” Dr Chan said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
SEVEN of Penang’s biggest private hospitals have banded together to establish the Penang Health Association — a platform to collectively promote the state as a medical haven for visitors.
In a launching ceremony at the beginning of the month, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Island Hospital, LohGuanLye Specialist Centre, Mount Miriam Hospital, Pantai Hospital Penang and Penang Adventist Hospital partnered to boost the image of Penang health care.
“The idea for this partnership between hospitals came about four years ago.
“We realised that if we continued to only promote ourselves separately, it would be counter-productive and confuse visitors seeking medical care,” said association chairman Datuk Dr Chan Kok Ewe.
“For the sake of the medical industry in Penang, we have to work together.”
Dr Chan explained that the partnership of the seven hospitals made it possible to attract patients to a single destination – Penang – rather than to individual hospitals.
“With a common folder and a universal exhibition booth giving the information and services of all the hospitals, patients will have their own choice of treatment possibilities,” he said.
He added that although the partnership had only been announced to the public this month, its collective efforts over the last few years were already beginning to bear fruit.
“In 2009, Penang attracted 202,000 foreign visitors despite the global recession.
“2010 has also seen a marked increase with the figure expected to reach 250,000 and with this partnership, we expect these figures to continue to grow,” Dr Chan said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Choir from Hong Kong coming to town
Choir from Hong Kong coming to town
THE 30-member Hong Kong Munsang College Alumni Chorus will present a charity concert to raise funds for the Penang Hospice Society and Musica Sinfonietta.
Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Training and Development (MITD), the event themed ‘Music For Life’ will be held at 7.30pm at the Penang Chinese Town Hall on Sept 4.
Organising chairman Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon said the choir under Sincere Yip, a prominent choral director and music edu-cator, would perform popular pieces such as ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Sway’, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ as well as two Russian folk songs.
He said the choir members had chosen to visit Penang for their annual trip abroad as they were invited by MITD chairman, Datuk Dr Thomas Chee.
The audience will be treated to a touch of Malaysian flavour by local choir ‘Mayson Musical Choir’ which will showcase Chinese and Malay folk songs.
Musica Sinfonietta’s violinist Verena Koay will also perform in a solo of Vivaldi’s classic piece, ‘Spring’ from The Four Seasons violin concerto while the orchestra will entertain the audience with pieces by American composer Leroy Anderson and songs from the movie ‘Mamma Mia’.
Admission is by invitation only at RM20 for students and RM50 for adults.
For details, call Lily Boey at 012-4749020, Digital Music School at 04-2263340/ 6582366/8992108, Penang Chinese Town Hall at 2611342 or Joan Khoo (MITD) at 2620028.
Donations are also appreciated.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE 30-member Hong Kong Munsang College Alumni Chorus will present a charity concert to raise funds for the Penang Hospice Society and Musica Sinfonietta.
Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Training and Development (MITD), the event themed ‘Music For Life’ will be held at 7.30pm at the Penang Chinese Town Hall on Sept 4.
Organising chairman Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon said the choir under Sincere Yip, a prominent choral director and music edu-cator, would perform popular pieces such as ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Sway’, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ as well as two Russian folk songs.
He said the choir members had chosen to visit Penang for their annual trip abroad as they were invited by MITD chairman, Datuk Dr Thomas Chee.
The audience will be treated to a touch of Malaysian flavour by local choir ‘Mayson Musical Choir’ which will showcase Chinese and Malay folk songs.
Musica Sinfonietta’s violinist Verena Koay will also perform in a solo of Vivaldi’s classic piece, ‘Spring’ from The Four Seasons violin concerto while the orchestra will entertain the audience with pieces by American composer Leroy Anderson and songs from the movie ‘Mamma Mia’.
Admission is by invitation only at RM20 for students and RM50 for adults.
For details, call Lily Boey at 012-4749020, Digital Music School at 04-2263340/ 6582366/8992108, Penang Chinese Town Hall at 2611342 or Joan Khoo (MITD) at 2620028.
Donations are also appreciated.
-News courtesy of The Star-
All things Thai at Fort Cornwallis
All things Thai at Fort Cornwallis
FORT Cornwallis in Penang boasts of a rich historical legacy but this weekend, it will celebrate a first by playing host to a Thai food and culture festival.
The Thai Food, Fruits and Cultural Festival will be held at the fort from 10am to 11pm today and tomorrow.
It is jointly organised by the Penang Govern-ment and Thai Consulate-General of Penang.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said visitors to the fair would be able to sample Thai cul-ture through their dances, martial arts and food.
“The public will get the opportunity to experience authentic culinary traditions and cuisines of Thailand.
“On top of that, a few entertaining perfor- mances of Thailand’s delicate and graceful traditional dances as well as its well-known kick-boxing national sport — Muay Thai — will be showcased,” Law told press conference on Thursday.
He said visitors and tourists should try their best to be present for the festival’s opening ceremony at 6.30pm today as there would be a Klong Yao (long Thai Style drum made of hardwood) performance and Thai cul- tural dances.
He said there would also be traditional massages offered at stalls. Admission to the festival is free.
-News courtesy of The Star-
FORT Cornwallis in Penang boasts of a rich historical legacy but this weekend, it will celebrate a first by playing host to a Thai food and culture festival.
The Thai Food, Fruits and Cultural Festival will be held at the fort from 10am to 11pm today and tomorrow.
It is jointly organised by the Penang Govern-ment and Thai Consulate-General of Penang.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said visitors to the fair would be able to sample Thai cul-ture through their dances, martial arts and food.
“The public will get the opportunity to experience authentic culinary traditions and cuisines of Thailand.
“On top of that, a few entertaining perfor- mances of Thailand’s delicate and graceful traditional dances as well as its well-known kick-boxing national sport — Muay Thai — will be showcased,” Law told press conference on Thursday.
He said visitors and tourists should try their best to be present for the festival’s opening ceremony at 6.30pm today as there would be a Klong Yao (long Thai Style drum made of hardwood) performance and Thai cul- tural dances.
He said there would also be traditional massages offered at stalls. Admission to the festival is free.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Kway Teow Soup
Kway Teow Soup
Kedai Kopi Soon Yuen
25 & 26, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town.
Open 7am to noon. Closed on Wednesdays.
THE MSG-free kway teow soup here is very wholesome, tinged with the flavours of the siew pak choy that comes with it. The soup – made from pork, chicken and duck bones – is light with a natural sweetness.
The soup and the freshly-made fish balls make up for the not-so-slippery-smooth kway teow. The sai toh (wolf herring) fish balls do not contain preservatives; they are made fresh early every morning before Tan Kee Tin opens the shop for the day. A normal bowl comes with shredded chicken, fish balls and vegetables, but Tan also offers offal and duck and chicken intestines.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Kedai Kopi Soon Yuen
25 & 26, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town.
Open 7am to noon. Closed on Wednesdays.
THE MSG-free kway teow soup here is very wholesome, tinged with the flavours of the siew pak choy that comes with it. The soup – made from pork, chicken and duck bones – is light with a natural sweetness.
The soup and the freshly-made fish balls make up for the not-so-slippery-smooth kway teow. The sai toh (wolf herring) fish balls do not contain preservatives; they are made fresh early every morning before Tan Kee Tin opens the shop for the day. A normal bowl comes with shredded chicken, fish balls and vegetables, but Tan also offers offal and duck and chicken intestines.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Curry Mee
Lorong Seratus Tahun Curry Mee
55 Lorong Seratus Tahun, George Town.
Open 7.30am to 2pm. Closed on Thursdays but open on all public holidays.
THE 31-year-old family business is now run by the Moey sons, Kok Pheng, Kok Keong and Kok Kong. There is another outlet at 72-H, Jalan Anson (it’s open from 9am to 5.30pm and closed on Thursdays). A bowl of curry noodles here comes in a pale and watery stock with just a hint of coconut milk, unlike the thick, coconut milk-enriched curry stock elsewhere.
It is served with their special chilli paste, a secret concoction of ground dried chillies fried in oil, which is what gives the noodles their aromas and spicy flavours. This version of curry noodles has become so famous in Penang that it has come to be regarded as Penang’s very own curry mee, with toppings of blood cockles, cubes of pig’s blood jelly, cuttlefish, prawns and tofu puffs.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
55 Lorong Seratus Tahun, George Town.
Open 7.30am to 2pm. Closed on Thursdays but open on all public holidays.
THE 31-year-old family business is now run by the Moey sons, Kok Pheng, Kok Keong and Kok Kong. There is another outlet at 72-H, Jalan Anson (it’s open from 9am to 5.30pm and closed on Thursdays). A bowl of curry noodles here comes in a pale and watery stock with just a hint of coconut milk, unlike the thick, coconut milk-enriched curry stock elsewhere.
It is served with their special chilli paste, a secret concoction of ground dried chillies fried in oil, which is what gives the noodles their aromas and spicy flavours. This version of curry noodles has become so famous in Penang that it has come to be regarded as Penang’s very own curry mee, with toppings of blood cockles, cubes of pig’s blood jelly, cuttlefish, prawns and tofu puffs.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Council seeks three additional CAT buses
Council seeks three additional CAT buses
THE Penang Municipal Council has requested three additional Central Area Transit (CAT) city shuttle buses from Rapid Penang to ply the CAT route in George Town.
MPPP financial management sub-committee alternate chairman Tan Hun Wooi said that there would be a total of six CAT buses if Rapid Penang agreed to the council’s request.
The three buses that ply the CAT route each make 14 trips per day within the heritage enclave.
“The council pays Rapid Penang RM50,000 a month to operate the service from 6am to midnight daily,” he said.
Tan said Rapid Penang owed the council RM656,000 in site rental for the Lorong Kulit, Tanjung Bungah and Balik Pulau bus stations.
“Therefore, we will contra the debt with the monthly payments for the three new buses,” he said.
Tan said Rapid Penang was required to provide the service as part of the conditions set by the council for Rapid Penang to enjoy the 50% discount in the site rental at the bus stations.
“We have also asked Rapid Penang to appoint three state representatives including an MPPP representative, who will be named by the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to sit on Rapid Penang’s board of directors,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Tan said the additional three new CAT buses would allow Rapid Penang to clear the debt with the coun- cil while the council gets to provide additional transport service which would benefit Penangites and tourists.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Municipal Council has requested three additional Central Area Transit (CAT) city shuttle buses from Rapid Penang to ply the CAT route in George Town.
MPPP financial management sub-committee alternate chairman Tan Hun Wooi said that there would be a total of six CAT buses if Rapid Penang agreed to the council’s request.
The three buses that ply the CAT route each make 14 trips per day within the heritage enclave.
“The council pays Rapid Penang RM50,000 a month to operate the service from 6am to midnight daily,” he said.
Tan said Rapid Penang owed the council RM656,000 in site rental for the Lorong Kulit, Tanjung Bungah and Balik Pulau bus stations.
“Therefore, we will contra the debt with the monthly payments for the three new buses,” he said.
Tan said Rapid Penang was required to provide the service as part of the conditions set by the council for Rapid Penang to enjoy the 50% discount in the site rental at the bus stations.
“We have also asked Rapid Penang to appoint three state representatives including an MPPP representative, who will be named by the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to sit on Rapid Penang’s board of directors,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Tan said the additional three new CAT buses would allow Rapid Penang to clear the debt with the coun- cil while the council gets to provide additional transport service which would benefit Penangites and tourists.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, 30 July 2010
Chinese temple to celebrate anniversaries
Temple to celebrate anniversaries with Guan Yin parade
A GRAND procession will be the highlight when Than Hsiang Temple celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Buddhist Welfare Asso- ciation and Enlightenment Anniversary of Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva.
Event organising committee chairman Chan Kean Teong said the 6.2km procession, believed to be held for the first time in the southwest district in Penang, would feature 10 floats.
It will leave the temple in Bayan Lepas at 6.30pm tomorrow before passing Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Jalan Tengah. Then it will return to the temple.
He said at least 2,000 participants were expected for the event scheduled to end at 10pm. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will launch the event.
“We welcome everyone to join us for this auspicious occasion,” Chan said.
A launching ceremony of a comme-morative gold medallion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva will be held in conjunction with the celebration at 5.30pm the same day.
Chan said the medallion, priced at RM2,200 and bearing the image of Guan Yin with a mantra inscribed on the reverse side, would make a fine gift.
He added that a compassion repentance chanting session was scheduled to be held at the temple at 8pm today.
-News courtesy of The Star-
A GRAND procession will be the highlight when Than Hsiang Temple celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Buddhist Welfare Asso- ciation and Enlightenment Anniversary of Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva.
Event organising committee chairman Chan Kean Teong said the 6.2km procession, believed to be held for the first time in the southwest district in Penang, would feature 10 floats.
It will leave the temple in Bayan Lepas at 6.30pm tomorrow before passing Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Jalan Tengah. Then it will return to the temple.
He said at least 2,000 participants were expected for the event scheduled to end at 10pm. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will launch the event.
“We welcome everyone to join us for this auspicious occasion,” Chan said.
A launching ceremony of a comme-morative gold medallion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva will be held in conjunction with the celebration at 5.30pm the same day.
Chan said the medallion, priced at RM2,200 and bearing the image of Guan Yin with a mantra inscribed on the reverse side, would make a fine gift.
He added that a compassion repentance chanting session was scheduled to be held at the temple at 8pm today.
-News courtesy of The Star-
All is ready for St Anne’s finale
All is ready for St Anne’s finale
THE St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam has built a second dormitory costing RM850,000 in time for the on-going St Anne’s Novena and Feast to provide accommodation for the festival’s volunteers.
Church priest Monsignor Stephen Liew said the St Anne’s Dorm, which is located next to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in the church compound, has separate rooms for men and women.
He said the fully air-conditioned rooms were equipped with 32 beds each as well as bathrooms and toilets respectively.
“There are also two separate common toilet-cum-bathroom units which are designed similar to the Rest and Recreation toilets along PLUS highways.
“Each unit has nine toilet seats and eight shower heads in separate concrete cubicles as well as long wash basins and a few industrial fans,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Liew said pilgrims attending the feast could take their baths there but advised them to maintain its cleanliness.
He said the church also recently spent about RM300,000 to repair the bell tower at the St Anne’s Sanctuary and replaced the steeple at the St Anne’s Shrine at a cost of RM30,000.
“We have also replaced the central statue inside the St Anne’s Shrine with a crucifix as there are already two big St Anne’s statues on both sides of the building,” he added.
Liew said between 80,000 and 100,000 pilgrims were expected to attend the feast, especially during the main candlelight procession at 10pm tomorrow after the 9pm mass.
He said after the procession, 250 youths and adults would stage a Tamil drama titled ‘The Search’ outside the sanctuary.
The 180-minute long drama, he said, was a joint effort by members from St Anthony’s Church Nibong Tebal, Mother of Good Health Church Parit Buntar and St Joseph’s Church Bagan Serai.
Liew also said the church hoped to raise RM500,000 for the St Anne’s Haemodialysis Welfare Association’s expansion plans which included the rental of two more shoplots in Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya nearby.
“The association plans to increase its dialysis machines from 11 units to 25 units to cater up to 80 renal patients from the present 30 patients,” he said.
Liew said a 2km-long stretch on Jalan Kulim (from the Taman Sentosa traffic lights till the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights) would be closed to motorists between 2pm tomorrow till 2pm on Sunday for the festival.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam has built a second dormitory costing RM850,000 in time for the on-going St Anne’s Novena and Feast to provide accommodation for the festival’s volunteers.
Church priest Monsignor Stephen Liew said the St Anne’s Dorm, which is located next to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in the church compound, has separate rooms for men and women.
He said the fully air-conditioned rooms were equipped with 32 beds each as well as bathrooms and toilets respectively.
“There are also two separate common toilet-cum-bathroom units which are designed similar to the Rest and Recreation toilets along PLUS highways.
“Each unit has nine toilet seats and eight shower heads in separate concrete cubicles as well as long wash basins and a few industrial fans,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Liew said pilgrims attending the feast could take their baths there but advised them to maintain its cleanliness.
He said the church also recently spent about RM300,000 to repair the bell tower at the St Anne’s Sanctuary and replaced the steeple at the St Anne’s Shrine at a cost of RM30,000.
“We have also replaced the central statue inside the St Anne’s Shrine with a crucifix as there are already two big St Anne’s statues on both sides of the building,” he added.
Liew said between 80,000 and 100,000 pilgrims were expected to attend the feast, especially during the main candlelight procession at 10pm tomorrow after the 9pm mass.
He said after the procession, 250 youths and adults would stage a Tamil drama titled ‘The Search’ outside the sanctuary.
The 180-minute long drama, he said, was a joint effort by members from St Anthony’s Church Nibong Tebal, Mother of Good Health Church Parit Buntar and St Joseph’s Church Bagan Serai.
Liew also said the church hoped to raise RM500,000 for the St Anne’s Haemodialysis Welfare Association’s expansion plans which included the rental of two more shoplots in Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya nearby.
“The association plans to increase its dialysis machines from 11 units to 25 units to cater up to 80 renal patients from the present 30 patients,” he said.
Liew said a 2km-long stretch on Jalan Kulim (from the Taman Sentosa traffic lights till the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights) would be closed to motorists between 2pm tomorrow till 2pm on Sunday for the festival.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Visa free for Malaysia
No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).
No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.
Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.
Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
Visa for Malaysia (2)
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 3 Months
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days
Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days
Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)
Visa for Malaysia (1)
Countries That Require Visa
Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara
Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara
Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Entry requirements for Malaysia
To enter Malaysia, a visitor should fulfill the following conditions:
i. Passport or Travel Document
Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia.
Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.
Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad.
Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured.
The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.
ii. Fulfill visa requirement
A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.
Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
iii. Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds
A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.
iv. Not a prohibited person
Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.
v. Complete in the arrival/departure card
A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies.
A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.
-Info courtesy of Malaysian Immigration Dept-
i. Passport or Travel Document
Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia.
Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.
Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad.
Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured.
The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.
ii. Fulfill visa requirement
A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.
Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
iii. Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds
A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.
iv. Not a prohibited person
Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.
v. Complete in the arrival/departure card
A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies.
A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.
-Info courtesy of Malaysian Immigration Dept-
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Eating under the trees
Eating under the trees
The motley collection of food stalls at Lengkok Burmah may not be much to look at but there’s good food to be had there.
ALTHOUGH Pulau Tikus is quite a built-up area, there are several pockets here and there that are still empty. One such pocket is a piece of land in Lengkok Burmah, just opposite Jalan Raja Gopal, which has become another of Penang’s popular chiu jang khar or “under the trees” eateries.
There, a motley collection of stalls, mismatched tables and stools are arranged higgledy-piggledy wherever there is space to squeeze one in. Odd pieces of roofing, canvas and multi-coloured parasols provide protection from the sun, although it is actually quite shady under the various palm and other trees which tower above.
Started about 15 years ago, the sprawling al-fresco eatery has, over time, become collectively known as “Lau Hiok H’nui” in Hokkien. Apparently, the area used to abound with dark green, aromatic daun kaduk plants many years ago. It’s popular with locals, especially office workers from the vicinity who pop in for a cheap and tasty lunch.
There are now some 20 or so stalls serving local delights like Hokkien Mee at Ah Leung’s; Lor Mee from twins Pang Jee and Pang Foong; Curry Mee, Claypot Noodles and Kuey Teow Soup. There are two drinks stalls, a Keng Jay P’nui (economy rice) and even Thai food.
Some are relatively new while others have become institutions in their own right. Chan Seng Chai at the front is a good example. At 70, the old man is still beavering away, frying up platefuls of fragrant char kuey teow the way he has been for the past 30+ years – with lard over a charcoal brazier. “This,” he claims, “ensures a different fragrance altogether.”
Given that most hawkers now rely on high-powered gas burners which turn the flames up or down at the flick of a switch, I wondered how he managed to control the heat. He indicated two simple devices: the air vent on the front of the ancient brazier which he shuts to turn the heat down, and a hand-held dried palm leaf fan which, every so often, he waves hard when he wants to raise the temperature. This old man has a thing or two to teach a generation which has grown up with remote controls and other labour-saving devices.
He has, however, made certain concessions to his age: daughter Siew Fung now assists, standing beside him adding ingredients like their own home-ground chilli paste – mass-produced just won’t do – and self-shelled see ham (cockles) while he continues frying and fanning. Even the little squares of banana leaves with which they line their plates come from home-grown trees.
She also takes the load off him by traipsing all over the grounds delivering the freshly-fried kuey teow and collecting used plates.
“Costs have risen,” he says, echoing a constant lament I hear from many hawkers. “When I first started, a plate cost 20 sen. Now it’s RM3.”
At the stall just behind is another old-timer, Ah Foong, 60, who has been selling her well-known Yee Sang Kai Chok (fish or chicken congee) for over 30 years. “I started in a Pulau Tikus coffeeshop when my daughter was in primary education,” she laughs, “and now her own child has started at school!”
In the background, husband Yap labours away washing up the used crockery and cutlery.
The youthful-looking grandmother uses ikan haruan for its smooth, fine flesh, which, she claims, is also good for health. Unlike certain meats which are considered “toxic” by the Chinese, even those who have just undergone surgery can eat haruan, she says. She believes she’s the only one in Penang to use it.
Customers can order various combinations of chicken, pork or fish cooked with bee hoon, mee sua, mee, moi – with its more grainy texture – and Hong Kong-style kentang chok, which she says has to be cooked over a low fire for three hours.
Prices range from RM3 to RM8 although she reminiscences fondly about a customer who once ka liu (added extra ingredients) of kidney, liver, intestines and fish, bringing the total to a whopping RM15!
Go right in and you’ll find Ong Seng Kek at his Fried Noodles stall. He’s also been at it over 30 years, starting at the same coffeeshop in Pulau Tikus as Ah Foong, then moving here over a decade ago.
Aided by wife Ah Hoong and son Ah Beng, he continues to dish up plate after plate of Sar Hor Fun or Hokkien Char, although apparently his fried rice is probably the best known.
It’s different because whereas at most stalls char siew is added during the cooking process, his is laid on top after, making it almost a Char Siew Chao Fun instead. It’s quite delicious, albeit slightly sweet, but good with a dollop of sambal belacan.
Lengkok Burmah’s Chiu Jang Khar eatery is open weekdays (closed on public holidays) from about 7am or 8am until 2pm or 3pm.
>Helen Ong loves Penang and food, not necessarily in that order. Check out her website at www.helenong.com.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The motley collection of food stalls at Lengkok Burmah may not be much to look at but there’s good food to be had there.
ALTHOUGH Pulau Tikus is quite a built-up area, there are several pockets here and there that are still empty. One such pocket is a piece of land in Lengkok Burmah, just opposite Jalan Raja Gopal, which has become another of Penang’s popular chiu jang khar or “under the trees” eateries.
There, a motley collection of stalls, mismatched tables and stools are arranged higgledy-piggledy wherever there is space to squeeze one in. Odd pieces of roofing, canvas and multi-coloured parasols provide protection from the sun, although it is actually quite shady under the various palm and other trees which tower above.
Started about 15 years ago, the sprawling al-fresco eatery has, over time, become collectively known as “Lau Hiok H’nui” in Hokkien. Apparently, the area used to abound with dark green, aromatic daun kaduk plants many years ago. It’s popular with locals, especially office workers from the vicinity who pop in for a cheap and tasty lunch.
There are now some 20 or so stalls serving local delights like Hokkien Mee at Ah Leung’s; Lor Mee from twins Pang Jee and Pang Foong; Curry Mee, Claypot Noodles and Kuey Teow Soup. There are two drinks stalls, a Keng Jay P’nui (economy rice) and even Thai food.
Some are relatively new while others have become institutions in their own right. Chan Seng Chai at the front is a good example. At 70, the old man is still beavering away, frying up platefuls of fragrant char kuey teow the way he has been for the past 30+ years – with lard over a charcoal brazier. “This,” he claims, “ensures a different fragrance altogether.”
Given that most hawkers now rely on high-powered gas burners which turn the flames up or down at the flick of a switch, I wondered how he managed to control the heat. He indicated two simple devices: the air vent on the front of the ancient brazier which he shuts to turn the heat down, and a hand-held dried palm leaf fan which, every so often, he waves hard when he wants to raise the temperature. This old man has a thing or two to teach a generation which has grown up with remote controls and other labour-saving devices.
He has, however, made certain concessions to his age: daughter Siew Fung now assists, standing beside him adding ingredients like their own home-ground chilli paste – mass-produced just won’t do – and self-shelled see ham (cockles) while he continues frying and fanning. Even the little squares of banana leaves with which they line their plates come from home-grown trees.
She also takes the load off him by traipsing all over the grounds delivering the freshly-fried kuey teow and collecting used plates.
“Costs have risen,” he says, echoing a constant lament I hear from many hawkers. “When I first started, a plate cost 20 sen. Now it’s RM3.”
At the stall just behind is another old-timer, Ah Foong, 60, who has been selling her well-known Yee Sang Kai Chok (fish or chicken congee) for over 30 years. “I started in a Pulau Tikus coffeeshop when my daughter was in primary education,” she laughs, “and now her own child has started at school!”
In the background, husband Yap labours away washing up the used crockery and cutlery.
The youthful-looking grandmother uses ikan haruan for its smooth, fine flesh, which, she claims, is also good for health. Unlike certain meats which are considered “toxic” by the Chinese, even those who have just undergone surgery can eat haruan, she says. She believes she’s the only one in Penang to use it.
Customers can order various combinations of chicken, pork or fish cooked with bee hoon, mee sua, mee, moi – with its more grainy texture – and Hong Kong-style kentang chok, which she says has to be cooked over a low fire for three hours.
Prices range from RM3 to RM8 although she reminiscences fondly about a customer who once ka liu (added extra ingredients) of kidney, liver, intestines and fish, bringing the total to a whopping RM15!
Go right in and you’ll find Ong Seng Kek at his Fried Noodles stall. He’s also been at it over 30 years, starting at the same coffeeshop in Pulau Tikus as Ah Foong, then moving here over a decade ago.
Aided by wife Ah Hoong and son Ah Beng, he continues to dish up plate after plate of Sar Hor Fun or Hokkien Char, although apparently his fried rice is probably the best known.
It’s different because whereas at most stalls char siew is added during the cooking process, his is laid on top after, making it almost a Char Siew Chao Fun instead. It’s quite delicious, albeit slightly sweet, but good with a dollop of sambal belacan.
Lengkok Burmah’s Chiu Jang Khar eatery is open weekdays (closed on public holidays) from about 7am or 8am until 2pm or 3pm.
>Helen Ong loves Penang and food, not necessarily in that order. Check out her website at www.helenong.com.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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