Sunday, 25 December 2011
Saturday, 17 December 2011
All set for Chingay battle Crowd
All set for Chingay battle Crowd can expect to see exciting stunts and moves
A filepic of a Chingay group perofrming daring moves outside a building in Georgetown
GET ready for some of the death-defying Chingay moves at the ‘National Chingay Championship 2011, which begins today at Esplanade from 7pm to 11pm.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the five teams included one from Kedah.
They would showcase their exceptional skills in balancing a giant flag pole, he added.
“Each team consists of about 50 members and they are required to showcase their talents in the most creative way.
“The winners will walk away with RM5,000,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The annual Chingay, lion and dragon dance parade will be held tomorrow at the same time.
The event will see 35 local or- ganisations displaying their unique traditional and cultural skills.
The parade is considered one of the top tourism draws in Penang.
“For the first time this year, the parade is expected to present a more colourful spectacle as there are two dragon dance troupes decorated with light-emitting diodes lights,” he added.
The parade will start at Padang Brown from 7pm and passes through Datuk Keramat Road, Penang Road, Burmah Road, Transfer Road, Sri Bahari Road, Chulia Street, Light Street and ends at Esplanade.
The parade is organised by the state government and supported by Penang Wushu Lion Dance and Penang Chingay Association.
For more information about both events, call 016-4110000.
~News courtesy of The Star~
A filepic of a Chingay group perofrming daring moves outside a building in GeorgetownGET ready for some of the death-defying Chingay moves at the ‘National Chingay Championship 2011, which begins today at Esplanade from 7pm to 11pm.
Penang Tourism Development and Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the five teams included one from Kedah.
They would showcase their exceptional skills in balancing a giant flag pole, he added.
“Each team consists of about 50 members and they are required to showcase their talents in the most creative way.
“The winners will walk away with RM5,000,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The annual Chingay, lion and dragon dance parade will be held tomorrow at the same time.
The event will see 35 local or- ganisations displaying their unique traditional and cultural skills.
The parade is considered one of the top tourism draws in Penang.
“For the first time this year, the parade is expected to present a more colourful spectacle as there are two dragon dance troupes decorated with light-emitting diodes lights,” he added.
The parade will start at Padang Brown from 7pm and passes through Datuk Keramat Road, Penang Road, Burmah Road, Transfer Road, Sri Bahari Road, Chulia Street, Light Street and ends at Esplanade.
The parade is organised by the state government and supported by Penang Wushu Lion Dance and Penang Chingay Association.
For more information about both events, call 016-4110000.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Friday, 16 December 2011
Upgrade for Chew Jetty
Upgrade for Chew Jetty
Hard at work: Workers doing their job at the Chew Jetty in Weld Quay.
PHASE One of the Chew Jetty upgrade project at Weld Quay, Penang, will be completed at the end of the month.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee said the project costing almost RM160,000 was to replace the planks and foundation of the jetty’s walkway.
“Chew Jetty being the largest clan jetty will undergo further upgrading work soon, and the state is in the process of engaging a contractor,” he told reporters at the jetty.
He added that upgrading works at New Jetty, Lee Jetty, Yeoh Jetty and the Phase Two of Chew Jetty were expected to complete before the Chinese New Year in January.
“It will cost an estimated RM150,000 to upgrade each of the jetties which have become a tourist attraction.”
Clan Jetty Village Development and Security Committee chairman Chew Chong Chin said the residents were happy with the upgrading work as the cengal batu used is known for its sturdiness, adding that about 300 people visited the jetty each day.
State Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Chew Jetty has become a ‘must visit’ destination for tourist as it is the largest clan jetty among the six clan jetties in Weld Quay.
He added that the upgrading of the clan jetties would eventually cost RM1mil.
Lau also said that he would be meeting Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) representatives to discuss whether it would be possible to have a proper sewage system for the six clan jetties.
Also present was northeast district office assistant officer Rusfaizal Radzi.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Hard at work: Workers doing their job at the Chew Jetty in Weld Quay.PHASE One of the Chew Jetty upgrade project at Weld Quay, Penang, will be completed at the end of the month.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee said the project costing almost RM160,000 was to replace the planks and foundation of the jetty’s walkway.
“Chew Jetty being the largest clan jetty will undergo further upgrading work soon, and the state is in the process of engaging a contractor,” he told reporters at the jetty.
He added that upgrading works at New Jetty, Lee Jetty, Yeoh Jetty and the Phase Two of Chew Jetty were expected to complete before the Chinese New Year in January.
“It will cost an estimated RM150,000 to upgrade each of the jetties which have become a tourist attraction.”
Clan Jetty Village Development and Security Committee chairman Chew Chong Chin said the residents were happy with the upgrading work as the cengal batu used is known for its sturdiness, adding that about 300 people visited the jetty each day.
State Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Chew Jetty has become a ‘must visit’ destination for tourist as it is the largest clan jetty among the six clan jetties in Weld Quay.
He added that the upgrading of the clan jetties would eventually cost RM1mil.
Lau also said that he would be meeting Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) representatives to discuss whether it would be possible to have a proper sewage system for the six clan jetties.
Also present was northeast district office assistant officer Rusfaizal Radzi.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Cheaper group tickets for Penang Hill
Cheaper group tickets for Penang Hill visitors
VISITORS who come to Penang Hill in large groups will now be able to purchase funicular train tickets at a cheaper price.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said groups of a minimum of 10 visitors in the same price category would receive a 20% discount.
“The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) board has just approved this decision and it is effective immediately,” Lim told at a press conference at his office in Komtar.
PHC general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the move was to encourage tour agents to bring tourists to Penang Hill.
“A separate ticket counter will be opened for groups (at the bottom station) and tickets bought are only valid on the day of purchase,” he said.
Lee added that the operating hours for the funicular train would be extended during the Hari Raya period to give visitors a longer time to enjoy the scenery.
Trains will run two hours longer from 6.30am to 11pm from the first day of Hari Raya until Sept 4.
For more information, call visit www.penanghill.gov.my or call PHC at 04-8288880.
~News courtesy of The Star~
VISITORS who come to Penang Hill in large groups will now be able to purchase funicular train tickets at a cheaper price.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said groups of a minimum of 10 visitors in the same price category would receive a 20% discount.
“The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) board has just approved this decision and it is effective immediately,” Lim told at a press conference at his office in Komtar.
PHC general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the move was to encourage tour agents to bring tourists to Penang Hill.
“A separate ticket counter will be opened for groups (at the bottom station) and tickets bought are only valid on the day of purchase,” he said.
Lee added that the operating hours for the funicular train would be extended during the Hari Raya period to give visitors a longer time to enjoy the scenery.
Trains will run two hours longer from 6.30am to 11pm from the first day of Hari Raya until Sept 4.
For more information, call visit www.penanghill.gov.my or call PHC at 04-8288880.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
More room for ferry passengers
More room for ferry passengers
PENANG Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) has converted part of a ferry’s top portion, which was originally used to transport cars, to accommodate passengers.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said the conversion of the ferry was an addition to the three passenger ferries.
“A total of 120 passengers can be seated in the converted area while the two rows next to it can still cater to cars.
“This way, more people can take the ferries but the conversion also sees a loss of about RM150 for every trip as each floor can originally take up to 32 cars but that has been halved,” he said after distributing the Jalur Gemilang to ferry passengers at the Weld Quay ferry terminal yesterday.
Each round trip for cars costs RM7.70 while passengers pay RM1.20.
Ahmad also said depending on the demand, PPSB will consider adding extra ferries during the Hari Raya festive season.
“On normal days, there are only an average of 3,000 passengers but on festive seasons, the number can rise to 6,000.
“The ferry service is the second choice for motorists if the Penang Bridge is jammed. We currently have eight ferries,” he said.
PPSB ferry head Fisnol Mahmud, who was also present, said the converted ferry started operation on Monday.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PENANG Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) has converted part of a ferry’s top portion, which was originally used to transport cars, to accommodate passengers.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said the conversion of the ferry was an addition to the three passenger ferries.
“A total of 120 passengers can be seated in the converted area while the two rows next to it can still cater to cars.
“This way, more people can take the ferries but the conversion also sees a loss of about RM150 for every trip as each floor can originally take up to 32 cars but that has been halved,” he said after distributing the Jalur Gemilang to ferry passengers at the Weld Quay ferry terminal yesterday.
Each round trip for cars costs RM7.70 while passengers pay RM1.20.
Ahmad also said depending on the demand, PPSB will consider adding extra ferries during the Hari Raya festive season.
“On normal days, there are only an average of 3,000 passengers but on festive seasons, the number can rise to 6,000.
“The ferry service is the second choice for motorists if the Penang Bridge is jammed. We currently have eight ferries,” he said.
PPSB ferry head Fisnol Mahmud, who was also present, said the converted ferry started operation on Monday.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
End of the line for train stop
End of the line for train stop
The 44-year-old Butterworth Railway Station will soon be pulled down to make way for a multi-million-ringgit state-of-the-art replacement.
The old station was officially closed on Aug 5 and is now replaced with a temporary station located about 30m away, next to the KTM Bhd (KTMB) parcel office.
When contacted in Kuala Lumpur, KTMB corporate communications senior manager Mohd Fazil Ismail said the new building was expected to be completed by first quarter of next year.
“The new station will be equipped with CCTV cameras for better security as well as facilities for the disabled.
“Construction work on the new station will go in tandem with the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double track project, which is expected to be ready by 2014,” he said yesterday.
The old station, which was opened by the country’s fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the late Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin, in 1967, is also the only station in Malaysia with a 0km distance meter.
The 0km distance meter indicates that this is the beginning of the rail distance calculation for trains that head north for Padang Besar and south for Singapore.
An employee at the station said two cranes were used to shift a 1936 steam engine locomotive and a shunting locomotive head from the station’s old entrance to the opposite of the temporary station.
The fully air-conditioned temporary station has a ticketing counter, two VIP rooms, a room for the stationmaster, police beat, surau and toilets.
Commuter Teoh Teik Wah, 60, said he was surprised to find the old station closed, noting that there was no prior notice about it in the media.
His wife Lee Kan Sean, 67, said she had been taking the train to visit her family in Kuala Lumpur for the past 50 years, noting that the old station evoked a nostalgic feeling in her.
Factory supervisor L. Munusamy, 48, said he waited outside the old station for almost an hour on Sunday night to fetch his relatives, only to find out later that they had arrived at the temporary station.
“The new platform at the temporary station is barely 4m-wide which is almost half the size of the old platform.
“Although it has a high aluminium roofing, part of platform is wet whenever there is a heavy downpour,” he said.
Money changer-cum-book stall operator Mohamed Sirajuddin Abu Mohd, 38, said many passengers complained of having to walk in the rain and sun for nearly 30m between the sheltered overhead pedestrian bridge outside the old station and the temporary station.
“Car parking facilities are also inadequate as the parking area outside the station has become smaller following land acquisition for the new station project.
“I spent about RM40,000 to construct a temporary shop outside the station, which was completed in June,” he said, adding that he still had to pay rental to KTMB for the temporary trading site.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The 44-year-old Butterworth Railway Station will soon be pulled down to make way for a multi-million-ringgit state-of-the-art replacement.
The old station was officially closed on Aug 5 and is now replaced with a temporary station located about 30m away, next to the KTM Bhd (KTMB) parcel office.
When contacted in Kuala Lumpur, KTMB corporate communications senior manager Mohd Fazil Ismail said the new building was expected to be completed by first quarter of next year.
“The new station will be equipped with CCTV cameras for better security as well as facilities for the disabled.
“Construction work on the new station will go in tandem with the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double track project, which is expected to be ready by 2014,” he said yesterday.
The old station, which was opened by the country’s fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the late Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin, in 1967, is also the only station in Malaysia with a 0km distance meter.
The 0km distance meter indicates that this is the beginning of the rail distance calculation for trains that head north for Padang Besar and south for Singapore.
An employee at the station said two cranes were used to shift a 1936 steam engine locomotive and a shunting locomotive head from the station’s old entrance to the opposite of the temporary station.
The fully air-conditioned temporary station has a ticketing counter, two VIP rooms, a room for the stationmaster, police beat, surau and toilets.
Commuter Teoh Teik Wah, 60, said he was surprised to find the old station closed, noting that there was no prior notice about it in the media.
His wife Lee Kan Sean, 67, said she had been taking the train to visit her family in Kuala Lumpur for the past 50 years, noting that the old station evoked a nostalgic feeling in her.
Factory supervisor L. Munusamy, 48, said he waited outside the old station for almost an hour on Sunday night to fetch his relatives, only to find out later that they had arrived at the temporary station.
“The new platform at the temporary station is barely 4m-wide which is almost half the size of the old platform.
“Although it has a high aluminium roofing, part of platform is wet whenever there is a heavy downpour,” he said.
Money changer-cum-book stall operator Mohamed Sirajuddin Abu Mohd, 38, said many passengers complained of having to walk in the rain and sun for nearly 30m between the sheltered overhead pedestrian bridge outside the old station and the temporary station.
“Car parking facilities are also inadequate as the parking area outside the station has become smaller following land acquisition for the new station project.
“I spent about RM40,000 to construct a temporary shop outside the station, which was completed in June,” he said, adding that he still had to pay rental to KTMB for the temporary trading site.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Penang Hill to get better facilities soon
Penang Hill to get better facilities soon
PENANG Hill and its surrounding localities will be upgraded at a cost of RM8.6mil as part of efforts to ease the traffic congestion there during the peak season and to provide a sheltered walkway for visitors.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said it would be done in three phases.
The first phase comprises three projects while the other two phases are still in planning stages.
“The three projects are the building of shelters for the bottom and hilltop funicular railway stations and a walkway linking the bottom station to a neighbouring Chinese temple car park, which is under-utilised at the moment,” said Lee at a press conference on Tuesday.
The bottom station’s centre court will have shelters installed and it will also be done for the hilltop area.
A sheltered walkway will be built on the hilltop, leading to the promenade near the Bellevue Hotel.
“This will allow the visitors to take in the scenic view in a comfortable atmosphere. Currently, there are no proper shelters and it inconveniences the visitors, when it rains or when it is hot. The shelters will provide cover while at the same time provide an unobstructed view of the hill with proper ventilation,” said Lee.
“We will also build a sheltered walkway (less than 100m) linking the bottom station to a nearby temple car park. This means we will have more car park sites and two entrance points to the bottom station.”
This would ease the current traffic and crowd congestion, especially during the peak period, Lee said.
Penang Development Corporation’s consultancy head Khairil Faizi Abdul Majid said that the projects were expected to be completed within six months.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PENANG Hill and its surrounding localities will be upgraded at a cost of RM8.6mil as part of efforts to ease the traffic congestion there during the peak season and to provide a sheltered walkway for visitors.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said it would be done in three phases.
The first phase comprises three projects while the other two phases are still in planning stages.
“The three projects are the building of shelters for the bottom and hilltop funicular railway stations and a walkway linking the bottom station to a neighbouring Chinese temple car park, which is under-utilised at the moment,” said Lee at a press conference on Tuesday.
The bottom station’s centre court will have shelters installed and it will also be done for the hilltop area.
A sheltered walkway will be built on the hilltop, leading to the promenade near the Bellevue Hotel.
“This will allow the visitors to take in the scenic view in a comfortable atmosphere. Currently, there are no proper shelters and it inconveniences the visitors, when it rains or when it is hot. The shelters will provide cover while at the same time provide an unobstructed view of the hill with proper ventilation,” said Lee.
“We will also build a sheltered walkway (less than 100m) linking the bottom station to a nearby temple car park. This means we will have more car park sites and two entrance points to the bottom station.”
This would ease the current traffic and crowd congestion, especially during the peak period, Lee said.
Penang Development Corporation’s consultancy head Khairil Faizi Abdul Majid said that the projects were expected to be completed within six months.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday, 8 August 2011
Showcase of Chinese artifacts
Showcase of Chinese artifacts dazzles visitors
BEAUTIFUL pottery and porcelain provided a visual feast for visitors as they entered the Han Chiang Chinese Heritage Centre on Jalan Lim Lean Teng in Penang.
More than 100 items including jade jewellery, calligraphy and paintings were on display at the four- day antique and artifacts exhibition which started on July 29.
Lecca Poh, 47, was spotted on the last day of the exhibition together with her son Alex Ooi and Alex’s schoolmate, Lim Shao Wei, both 11.
“The children wanted to visit the exhibition following encouragement from their headmaster,” she said.
“This is an eye-opening experience as we learnt a lot about Chinese culture through the artifacts.
“We also learnt more of Penang’s history via the old photos on display,” she said.
Feast for the eyes: (From left) Alex, Poh and Shao Wei admiring the paintings at the antique and artifacts exhibition
Lau Seong Leng, 47, a collector of pottery, came back a second time as he could not get enough of the exhibition after his first visit.
“The exhibition exposes visitors to rare antique Chinese porcelain and artifacts.
“Overall, I gained knowledge from the exhibition and the public talk conducted by Han Chiang College,” he said.
The exhibition was jointly organised by the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society, Malaysian Chinese Artifact Association and Han Chiang College.
It received an overwhelming response as 500 visitors turned up.
Six exhibitors from Malaysia and China as well as six artists from China participated in the event.
～News courtesy of The Star～
BEAUTIFUL pottery and porcelain provided a visual feast for visitors as they entered the Han Chiang Chinese Heritage Centre on Jalan Lim Lean Teng in Penang.
More than 100 items including jade jewellery, calligraphy and paintings were on display at the four- day antique and artifacts exhibition which started on July 29.
Lecca Poh, 47, was spotted on the last day of the exhibition together with her son Alex Ooi and Alex’s schoolmate, Lim Shao Wei, both 11.
“The children wanted to visit the exhibition following encouragement from their headmaster,” she said.
“This is an eye-opening experience as we learnt a lot about Chinese culture through the artifacts.
“We also learnt more of Penang’s history via the old photos on display,” she said.
Feast for the eyes: (From left) Alex, Poh and Shao Wei admiring the paintings at the antique and artifacts exhibition
Lau Seong Leng, 47, a collector of pottery, came back a second time as he could not get enough of the exhibition after his first visit.
“The exhibition exposes visitors to rare antique Chinese porcelain and artifacts.
“Overall, I gained knowledge from the exhibition and the public talk conducted by Han Chiang College,” he said.
The exhibition was jointly organised by the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society, Malaysian Chinese Artifact Association and Han Chiang College.
It received an overwhelming response as 500 visitors turned up.
Six exhibitors from Malaysia and China as well as six artists from China participated in the event.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Friday, 5 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Promote tourism and education, state urged
Promote tourism and education, state urged
PENANG should look into promoting its tourism and also positioning itself as an education hub, said a prominent foreign-trained academician.
Datuk Dr Woo Wing Thye, a professor in Economics at the University of California, said both fields were appealing to the growing Chinese market.
He added that Penang and the nor- thern states in China shared many things in common, especially the food and environment.
“Penang is a great place for institutions of higher learning.
The lecture was the first of the ‘Penang in Asia’ lecture series organised by Socio- economic and Environmental Research Institute (Seri).
Dr Woo said the state was an ideal spot for winter vacation, adding that people also like to try out exotic food in exotic surroundings.
He also said high salaries were not the only reason why talented Malaysians re-fused to return upon graduation over- seas.
“Money is not everything. Some people decided to stay overseas because they want something secure for their children and family members,” he said.
Also present was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
～News courtesy of The Star～
PENANG should look into promoting its tourism and also positioning itself as an education hub, said a prominent foreign-trained academician.
Datuk Dr Woo Wing Thye, a professor in Economics at the University of California, said both fields were appealing to the growing Chinese market.
He added that Penang and the nor- thern states in China shared many things in common, especially the food and environment.
“Penang is a great place for institutions of higher learning.
The lecture was the first of the ‘Penang in Asia’ lecture series organised by Socio- economic and Environmental Research Institute (Seri).
Dr Woo said the state was an ideal spot for winter vacation, adding that people also like to try out exotic food in exotic surroundings.
He also said high salaries were not the only reason why talented Malaysians re-fused to return upon graduation over- seas.
“Money is not everything. Some people decided to stay overseas because they want something secure for their children and family members,” he said.
Also present was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Friday, 17 June 2011
Two canopied routes to shorten walk
Two canopied routes to shorten walk
AWARE of the inconvenience caused by ongoing renovation works at the Penang International Airport, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has spent RM1.6mil to increase the level of comfort for travellers.
MAHB project manager Fazil Ahmad said that the amount was spent on two tunnel-like driveways leading to the arrival hall. The driveways are covered by temporary canopies and have fans installed.
This, he said, would make the walking distance to the airport entrance shorter, and increase the comfort level.
Easing the inconvenience: Cars seen driving into the two canopied driveways leading to the departure and arrival areas at the Penang International Airport
Previously, travellers had to brave the heat and occasional downpour to reach the airport entrance leading to the arrival and departure halls.
Those driving to pick up and drop off passengers were also faced with much confusion due to the traffic diversion system, leading to constant congestion outside the airport building.
“The two driveways cut through the airport’s parking area, so they shorten the walking distance to the entrance from the parking lot,” said Fazil.
“There is also a separate entrance for parking as opposed to the previous system where all vehicles used the same lane.
“This makes the diversion more effective — those wishing to park at the airport use a different entrance than those driving through the driveways to drop off passengers and to pick them up.”
State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng, who gave a press conference to explain the new system, said that the enhancement was aimed at easing the situation and cutting down on traffic congestion.
He said the temporary diversion would take place until the expected completion of the expanded departure and arrival halls on Oct 1.
“Upon completion, the drop-off area outside the departure hall will see an additional lane to the previous two lanes there,” Lim said recently.
He said a task force comprising the police and Rela personnel had been set up to help direct traffic and provide assistance to the public during peak hours.
The work to replace the existing driveway is part of the airport’s RM250mil renovation project, which is scheduled for full completion by June next year.
Penang MAHB senior airport manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said that as of May 31, the first phase of the renovation, consisting of work on the departure and arrival areas, was 29% completed.
~News courtesy of The Star~
AWARE of the inconvenience caused by ongoing renovation works at the Penang International Airport, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has spent RM1.6mil to increase the level of comfort for travellers.
MAHB project manager Fazil Ahmad said that the amount was spent on two tunnel-like driveways leading to the arrival hall. The driveways are covered by temporary canopies and have fans installed.
This, he said, would make the walking distance to the airport entrance shorter, and increase the comfort level.
Easing the inconvenience: Cars seen driving into the two canopied driveways leading to the departure and arrival areas at the Penang International Airport
Previously, travellers had to brave the heat and occasional downpour to reach the airport entrance leading to the arrival and departure halls.
Those driving to pick up and drop off passengers were also faced with much confusion due to the traffic diversion system, leading to constant congestion outside the airport building.
“The two driveways cut through the airport’s parking area, so they shorten the walking distance to the entrance from the parking lot,” said Fazil.
“There is also a separate entrance for parking as opposed to the previous system where all vehicles used the same lane.
“This makes the diversion more effective — those wishing to park at the airport use a different entrance than those driving through the driveways to drop off passengers and to pick them up.”
State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng, who gave a press conference to explain the new system, said that the enhancement was aimed at easing the situation and cutting down on traffic congestion.
He said the temporary diversion would take place until the expected completion of the expanded departure and arrival halls on Oct 1.
“Upon completion, the drop-off area outside the departure hall will see an additional lane to the previous two lanes there,” Lim said recently.
He said a task force comprising the police and Rela personnel had been set up to help direct traffic and provide assistance to the public during peak hours.
The work to replace the existing driveway is part of the airport’s RM250mil renovation project, which is scheduled for full completion by June next year.
Penang MAHB senior airport manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said that as of May 31, the first phase of the renovation, consisting of work on the departure and arrival areas, was 29% completed.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Easier now to savour Balik Pulau durians
Easier now to savour Balik Pulau durians
DURIAN lovers can now enjoy a variety of the king of fruits from Balik Pulau, Penang, including the famed Mao Shan Wang (King of Civet Cats), in the heart of the city.
Thanks to a durian promotion to be held at New World Park on Burmah Road from today until the July 31, urbanites do not have to travel to the durian orchards in Balik Pulau.
Organised by the village security and development committee (JKKK) of Jalan Transfer and Argyl Road, and New World Park, the promotion will see fresh durians transported daily from the orchards of Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau.
The promotion will be held at the New World Park from noon to 8pm daily.
Other varieties available during the promotion include the Ang Sim (red heart), Khun Poh, Ang Heh (Red Prawn) and D24. Mangosteens and rambutans will also be sold alongside the durians.
Seasonal treat: Chang (right) prying open a durian during the press conference to announce the durian promotion at New World Park on Burmah Road in Penang. With him is Loo (left)
New World Park marketing and promotion executive Loo Ai Leen said the management was happy to help in promoting local fruits.
Media members were treated to some 50 durians of various varieties courtesy of Balik Pulau durian farmers Chang Teik Huat, 58, and Chin Ah Bong, 43.
Fruits sold throughout the promotion will be coming from their orchards.
The duo gave tips on how to select durians.
“Good durians can be smelt from a distance instead of having to sniff up close, and are lighter compared to durians yet to fully ripen.
“You also find the thorns less hard when you brush it against the palm of your hand,” said Chang.
Also present was state Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow who described durian as among Penang’s tourist attractions.
He said the orchards in Balik Pulau were able to produce up to 10,000 durians per day during the local durian season which is between early June to late August.
The durians will be sold between RM10 to RM30 per kg during the promotion, depending on the varieties.
~News courtesy of The Star~
DURIAN lovers can now enjoy a variety of the king of fruits from Balik Pulau, Penang, including the famed Mao Shan Wang (King of Civet Cats), in the heart of the city.
Thanks to a durian promotion to be held at New World Park on Burmah Road from today until the July 31, urbanites do not have to travel to the durian orchards in Balik Pulau.
Organised by the village security and development committee (JKKK) of Jalan Transfer and Argyl Road, and New World Park, the promotion will see fresh durians transported daily from the orchards of Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau.
The promotion will be held at the New World Park from noon to 8pm daily.
Other varieties available during the promotion include the Ang Sim (red heart), Khun Poh, Ang Heh (Red Prawn) and D24. Mangosteens and rambutans will also be sold alongside the durians.
Seasonal treat: Chang (right) prying open a durian during the press conference to announce the durian promotion at New World Park on Burmah Road in Penang. With him is Loo (left)New World Park marketing and promotion executive Loo Ai Leen said the management was happy to help in promoting local fruits.
Media members were treated to some 50 durians of various varieties courtesy of Balik Pulau durian farmers Chang Teik Huat, 58, and Chin Ah Bong, 43.
Fruits sold throughout the promotion will be coming from their orchards.
The duo gave tips on how to select durians.
“Good durians can be smelt from a distance instead of having to sniff up close, and are lighter compared to durians yet to fully ripen.
“You also find the thorns less hard when you brush it against the palm of your hand,” said Chang.
Also present was state Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow who described durian as among Penang’s tourist attractions.
He said the orchards in Balik Pulau were able to produce up to 10,000 durians per day during the local durian season which is between early June to late August.
The durians will be sold between RM10 to RM30 per kg during the promotion, depending on the varieties.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Georgetown Festival 2011
Big names and exciting events in store at Georgetown Fest 2011
PENANGITES can look forward to a host of international performances during the George Town Festival 2011.
Among the highlights are a free presentation called 12 Monkeys to be held at the Penang Botanic Gardens at 7.30pm on July 9, and three ticketed events.
12 Monkeys features works by world renowned Beijing Opera director Ghaffar Pourazar, Thai contemporary dancer Jitti Chompee and local dancer Zubin Mohamad, with each piece portraying the character and background of a monkey character.
No. 7, to be held from July 1 to 3, is a one-woman show starring Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua (Margaret from the popular sitcom Phua Chu Kang).
The show, inspired by the seventh wife of Cheong Fatt Tze of the famed Blue Mansion movie, is scheduled to be held at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion at 7.30pm.
Opera fans are also in for a treat with the Pro Musica Gala Concert on July 17, showcasing rising young opera stars such as Belgian soprano Julie Mossay, Italian tenor Enrico Casari and Thai baritone Kittinant Chinsamran.
The concert will take place at Dewan Sri Pinang at 7.30pm.
There will also be a performance by Akhram Khan Company, one of the foremost innovative dance companies in the world, for the first time ever in Penang.
It will be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang on July 20 at 7.30pm.
The George Town Festival Committee is still sourcing for funds from corporate companies and other avenues, aside from the RM1.2mil allocation from the state government.
George Town Festival director Joe Sidek said they were still short of RM2.5mil.
However, he is upbeat that none of the programmes would have to be scaled down despite only three weeks to go before the festival begins.
He also thanked the state government for its strong support.
The festival will open on July 1 at the grand ballroom of E&O Hotel with Peranakan Penang, a cultural and fashion showcase of exquisite Peranakan jewellery worth more than RM100mil in total.
The jewellery will be paired with evening dresses from top Malaysian fashion designers Yeohlee and Zang Toi, with a special appearance by Malaysian-born supermodel Ling Tan.
The festival, until July 31, celebrates George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage site and will feature over 80 programmes showcasing arts and culture.
The George Town Festival is organised in collaboration with the Penang Municipal Council, George Town World Heritage Incorporated and Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd. The Star is the official media partner.
For details on ticketing and pricing, e-mail to info@georgetownfestival.com or call 04-2616308.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PENANGITES can look forward to a host of international performances during the George Town Festival 2011.
Among the highlights are a free presentation called 12 Monkeys to be held at the Penang Botanic Gardens at 7.30pm on July 9, and three ticketed events.
12 Monkeys features works by world renowned Beijing Opera director Ghaffar Pourazar, Thai contemporary dancer Jitti Chompee and local dancer Zubin Mohamad, with each piece portraying the character and background of a monkey character.
No. 7, to be held from July 1 to 3, is a one-woman show starring Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua (Margaret from the popular sitcom Phua Chu Kang).
The show, inspired by the seventh wife of Cheong Fatt Tze of the famed Blue Mansion movie, is scheduled to be held at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion at 7.30pm.
Opera fans are also in for a treat with the Pro Musica Gala Concert on July 17, showcasing rising young opera stars such as Belgian soprano Julie Mossay, Italian tenor Enrico Casari and Thai baritone Kittinant Chinsamran.
The concert will take place at Dewan Sri Pinang at 7.30pm.
There will also be a performance by Akhram Khan Company, one of the foremost innovative dance companies in the world, for the first time ever in Penang.
It will be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang on July 20 at 7.30pm.
The George Town Festival Committee is still sourcing for funds from corporate companies and other avenues, aside from the RM1.2mil allocation from the state government.
George Town Festival director Joe Sidek said they were still short of RM2.5mil.
However, he is upbeat that none of the programmes would have to be scaled down despite only three weeks to go before the festival begins.
He also thanked the state government for its strong support.
The festival will open on July 1 at the grand ballroom of E&O Hotel with Peranakan Penang, a cultural and fashion showcase of exquisite Peranakan jewellery worth more than RM100mil in total.
The jewellery will be paired with evening dresses from top Malaysian fashion designers Yeohlee and Zang Toi, with a special appearance by Malaysian-born supermodel Ling Tan.
The festival, until July 31, celebrates George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage site and will feature over 80 programmes showcasing arts and culture.
The George Town Festival is organised in collaboration with the Penang Municipal Council, George Town World Heritage Incorporated and Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd. The Star is the official media partner.
For details on ticketing and pricing, e-mail to info@georgetownfestival.com or call 04-2616308.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Celebrity at Chowrasta Market
Taiwanese celebrity draws attention at Chowrasta Market
HOUSEWIVES in Penang seem to have fallen for the charm of Taiwanese celebrity chef Chen Hong.
He was at the Chowrasta Market yesterday and was instantly recognised by the marketgoers.
Some were keen to have their photographs taken with him while other fans were heard calling out his television nickname “Ah Hong” as he passed by.
Chen was embarking on a food adventure which was being filmed as a segment of his popular cooking show.
His mission is to discover lesser-known street food by sampling fare prepared by the hawkers and restaurants in Penang.
Among his fans was housewife Dimas Harun, 60, who had been watching his shows for over 10 years.
“I learned to cook Chinese food by watching the show and my family loves the taste of the dishes.”
Shaking hands with Chen made Dimas a happy lady. She was meeting her idol for the first time.
“It is surprising to see him here and I admire his friendliness,” she enthused.
Taiwanese tourist Lin Ying-Hsiu, 29, said it was hard to believe that she could meet Chen in Penang, as she had never met him in Taiwan before.
“Chen is one of the popular icons in Taiwan. I am proud to see he is popular in Malaysia too,” she said.
Chen will visit 30 hawker stalls and 20 restaurants in Batu Ferringhi, George Town, Pulau Tikus and Gurney Drive during his two-week stay in Penang.
“The state is a food paradise and I like the passion of the eatery operators here.
“They go all out to make their food tasty,” said Chen who was also unveiled as Penang’s food ambassador for Taiwan by the state government.
“I am honoured, as this is the first time that I am co-operating with a government in my career,” he said.
Chen said he would be working on a cookbook and a television programme during his visit, which is in collaboration with Food Digest magazine, and the online food portals FoodTok and Gourmet Garden.
~News courtesy of The Star~
HOUSEWIVES in Penang seem to have fallen for the charm of Taiwanese celebrity chef Chen Hong.
He was at the Chowrasta Market yesterday and was instantly recognised by the marketgoers.
Some were keen to have their photographs taken with him while other fans were heard calling out his television nickname “Ah Hong” as he passed by.
Chen was embarking on a food adventure which was being filmed as a segment of his popular cooking show.
His mission is to discover lesser-known street food by sampling fare prepared by the hawkers and restaurants in Penang.
Among his fans was housewife Dimas Harun, 60, who had been watching his shows for over 10 years.
“I learned to cook Chinese food by watching the show and my family loves the taste of the dishes.”
Shaking hands with Chen made Dimas a happy lady. She was meeting her idol for the first time.
“It is surprising to see him here and I admire his friendliness,” she enthused.
Taiwanese tourist Lin Ying-Hsiu, 29, said it was hard to believe that she could meet Chen in Penang, as she had never met him in Taiwan before.
“Chen is one of the popular icons in Taiwan. I am proud to see he is popular in Malaysia too,” she said.
Chen will visit 30 hawker stalls and 20 restaurants in Batu Ferringhi, George Town, Pulau Tikus and Gurney Drive during his two-week stay in Penang.
“The state is a food paradise and I like the passion of the eatery operators here.
“They go all out to make their food tasty,” said Chen who was also unveiled as Penang’s food ambassador for Taiwan by the state government.
“I am honoured, as this is the first time that I am co-operating with a government in my career,” he said.
Chen said he would be working on a cookbook and a television programme during his visit, which is in collaboration with Food Digest magazine, and the online food portals FoodTok and Gourmet Garden.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Friday, 10 June 2011
Tourism spot in ruins
Tourism spot in ruins
EVEN the ‘gods’ have to make way for development, if the fate of the stone statues of Chinese mythological deities in Batu Maung, Penang, is anything to go by.
For the statues, along with those of Western cartoon icons, have to come down after the site, under a private ownership, was bought over by a developer two years ago.
State of neglect: The collection of statues lies in ruins on a privately-owned piece of land situated beside Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu Maung
Hence, what used to be one of Penang’s major attractions, referred to as the mini Haw Par Villa, is fast disappearing from the state’s tourism map.
Today, what is left of the statues, situated next to Penang’s famed Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple (Sam Poh Tong), is barely recognisable.
Many of the stone structures have developed cracks or broken into pieces while the surrounding site is overgrown with unsightly creepers and bushes.
State of neglect: The collection of statues lies in ruins on a privately-owned piece of land situated beside Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu Maung
In short, the place is in a sorry state — a far cry from the 1950s-1990s when it used to be a popular tourism spot attracting busloads of tourists and shutterbugs, especially during public and school holidays.
Only three statues — the Fu Lu Shou (the Gods of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity), Kuan Yin and Laughing Buddha — are still largely intact but their colours have faded.
Sam Poh Tong caretaker Ang Poh Keat, 68, said the site next to the temple became dilapidated after the land was bought over by a developer two years ago.
Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu Maung
“I heard the developer is going to build a luxurious hotel and place motorboats at the seaside,” he said.
He said it was sad to see a popular tourist spot having to make way for development.
“There’s nothing we can do as they (the developer) own the land now.”
Colourful memories: Old photo taken in 1997 during Lim's family vacation to Penang's mini Haw Par Villa in Batu Maung showing Lim as a boy posing next to the statues of Chinese deities still in good condition in their heyday
Local resident Lim Chin Seng, 23, felt sorry for the place’s rundown state as it was his favourite spot during his childhood days in the 1990s.
He recalled taking photos with the statues such as the Monkey God, Kuan Yin, Laughing Buddha, God of Prosperity and Ne Zha (a boy-god in Chinese mythology) as well as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Santa Claus, Statue of Liberty, Pegasus and Ninja Turtles.
Lim, who had not visited the site for the past few years, said he was saddened to see the broken statues when he took his friends, who came from other states, to the place recently.
“All that remains now are nostalgic memories of the place from my photo collections of those colourful statues,” he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
EVEN the ‘gods’ have to make way for development, if the fate of the stone statues of Chinese mythological deities in Batu Maung, Penang, is anything to go by.
For the statues, along with those of Western cartoon icons, have to come down after the site, under a private ownership, was bought over by a developer two years ago.
State of neglect: The collection of statues lies in ruins on a privately-owned piece of land situated beside Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu MaungHence, what used to be one of Penang’s major attractions, referred to as the mini Haw Par Villa, is fast disappearing from the state’s tourism map.
Today, what is left of the statues, situated next to Penang’s famed Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple (Sam Poh Tong), is barely recognisable.
Many of the stone structures have developed cracks or broken into pieces while the surrounding site is overgrown with unsightly creepers and bushes.
State of neglect: The collection of statues lies in ruins on a privately-owned piece of land situated beside Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu MaungIn short, the place is in a sorry state — a far cry from the 1950s-1990s when it used to be a popular tourism spot attracting busloads of tourists and shutterbugs, especially during public and school holidays.
Only three statues — the Fu Lu Shou (the Gods of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity), Kuan Yin and Laughing Buddha — are still largely intact but their colours have faded.
Sam Poh Tong caretaker Ang Poh Keat, 68, said the site next to the temple became dilapidated after the land was bought over by a developer two years ago.
Penang's famous Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, also called Sam Poh Tong, in Batu Maung“I heard the developer is going to build a luxurious hotel and place motorboats at the seaside,” he said.
He said it was sad to see a popular tourist spot having to make way for development.
“There’s nothing we can do as they (the developer) own the land now.”
Colourful memories: Old photo taken in 1997 during Lim's family vacation to Penang's mini Haw Par Villa in Batu Maung showing Lim as a boy posing next to the statues of Chinese deities still in good condition in their heydayLocal resident Lim Chin Seng, 23, felt sorry for the place’s rundown state as it was his favourite spot during his childhood days in the 1990s.
He recalled taking photos with the statues such as the Monkey God, Kuan Yin, Laughing Buddha, God of Prosperity and Ne Zha (a boy-god in Chinese mythology) as well as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Santa Claus, Statue of Liberty, Pegasus and Ninja Turtles.
Lim, who had not visited the site for the past few years, said he was saddened to see the broken statues when he took his friends, who came from other states, to the place recently.
“All that remains now are nostalgic memories of the place from my photo collections of those colourful statues,” he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Bold and beautiful Japanese fare
Bold and beautiful Japanese fare
FANS of Japanese food now have a new hangout with the opening of Matsu at the Lone Pine Hotel in Penang.
Located at the mezzanine level of the historic hotel which is the oldest along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, the restaurant has a swanky interior with pine wood seating and full-height glass windows.
The outlet aims to serve up the traditional fare of Japan with a modern twist.
The opening of the restaurant was attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Consul-General of Japan Tetsuro Kai.
Charity sale: Guests snapping up the sushi which was specially prepared to benefit the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
Lim said the new outlet had been a long time coming as Japanese food had proven to be rather popular nowadays due to its figure-friendly and health properties.
“Japanese cuisine is also artistic. The way it is presented is beautiful.
“But when people are hungry, they probably won’t be too concerned with food presentation as long as the dish fills their tummies!”
He also expressed his belief that such establishments would contribute not only to Penang’s standing as a happening city, but also make it home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the country.
Kai added that he hoped the restaurant would go on to be a success for many years to come.
According to hotel general manager Marco Battistotti, the hotel had gained a loyal following of Japanese guests over the years.
Therefore, when it closed down for a two-year refurbishment, it was decided that a Japanese restaurant should be opened as well.
“We wanted to bring the people of Penang and Japan together through food,” he said during the recent opening ceremony.
To mark the occasion, a 1.5m long roll of sushi with unagi, soft-shelled crab and prawns, was specially made.
It was later sliced into smaller pieces and sold to guests for RM10 each.
The proceeds from the sale went to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
In addition to that, the hotel also pledged to donate 10% of the restaurant’s first-month total sales to the disaster fund.
~News courtesy of The Star~
FANS of Japanese food now have a new hangout with the opening of Matsu at the Lone Pine Hotel in Penang.
Located at the mezzanine level of the historic hotel which is the oldest along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, the restaurant has a swanky interior with pine wood seating and full-height glass windows.
The outlet aims to serve up the traditional fare of Japan with a modern twist.
The opening of the restaurant was attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Consul-General of Japan Tetsuro Kai.
Charity sale: Guests snapping up the sushi which was specially prepared to benefit the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief FundLim said the new outlet had been a long time coming as Japanese food had proven to be rather popular nowadays due to its figure-friendly and health properties.
“Japanese cuisine is also artistic. The way it is presented is beautiful.
“But when people are hungry, they probably won’t be too concerned with food presentation as long as the dish fills their tummies!”
He also expressed his belief that such establishments would contribute not only to Penang’s standing as a happening city, but also make it home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the country.
Kai added that he hoped the restaurant would go on to be a success for many years to come.
According to hotel general manager Marco Battistotti, the hotel had gained a loyal following of Japanese guests over the years.
Therefore, when it closed down for a two-year refurbishment, it was decided that a Japanese restaurant should be opened as well.
“We wanted to bring the people of Penang and Japan together through food,” he said during the recent opening ceremony.
To mark the occasion, a 1.5m long roll of sushi with unagi, soft-shelled crab and prawns, was specially made.
It was later sliced into smaller pieces and sold to guests for RM10 each.
The proceeds from the sale went to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
In addition to that, the hotel also pledged to donate 10% of the restaurant’s first-month total sales to the disaster fund.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Hill train’s down again
Hill train’s down again
The uphill rides are temporarily halted until the problem is fixed.
THE Penang Hill funicular train service has been disrupted again – the third time in a little more than a month since its re-opening on April 25 after a RM73mil upgrade.
The service was disrupted at 11.45am yesterday following the failure of an electronic component in the power supply module in one of the two coaches.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), which operates the service, then suspended uphill rides but still brought down about 400 passengers at a very slow speed and also ferried them down in jeeps.
PHC general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said three engineers from Garaventa AG Switzerland, who have been here to help PHC maintain the coaches for the past couple of weeks, were attending to the problem.
“They are working hard to get the coach running by tomorrow (today),” Lee said in a statement.
PHC senior assistant manager of promotions and marketing Anne Goh said the “technical glitch” caused the train to slow down and not run efficiently.
“We are now bringing down the visitors by jeeps but we are not allowing visitors to go up the hill with the train because we need to figure out the cause of the glitch,” she said.
The upgraded system first broke down on May 3 after a stray dog hit a sensitive component of the coach. It broke down again on June 3 after an electrical problem in one of two coaches.
Not going up: Noraha and her daughter Nasihah binti Md Nasir, 13, reading the notice on the service disruption.
Many children visiting the Penang Hill during their school holidays were seen disappointed upon being told that the train service had been disrupted.
Student S. Palani from Malacca was sad he could not ride the new train.
“This is my first time to Penang Hill and I really wanted to see the hill,” he said.
Grandmother Aminah binti Puteh, 67 who brought her grandchildren from Kuala Lumpur, said the service had been disrupted numerous times of late.
“It’s a waste of time coming all the way and not being able to go up,” she said.
Her grandson, Alliff Azhar, 18, added that he was really looking forward to going up to the hill.
“I feel bad for my younger cousins because they were so eager to ride the train,” he said.
Teacher Noraha binti Saad, 38 from Kuala Lumpur was there with her daughters waiting for the train to be fixed.
“We came all the way from KL and we are leaving Penang today. My daughters were looking forward to going up the hill. I will stay for a while more and hope it gets fixed soon,” she said.
Tourists Jack Lamm, 23, and Anthony Veal, 21, both from England, said they would probably try to take the jeep up.
“We may even trek up Penang Hill via the Botanical Gardens,” said Lamm.
~~News courtesy of The Star~
The uphill rides are temporarily halted until the problem is fixed.THE Penang Hill funicular train service has been disrupted again – the third time in a little more than a month since its re-opening on April 25 after a RM73mil upgrade.
The service was disrupted at 11.45am yesterday following the failure of an electronic component in the power supply module in one of the two coaches.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), which operates the service, then suspended uphill rides but still brought down about 400 passengers at a very slow speed and also ferried them down in jeeps.
PHC general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said three engineers from Garaventa AG Switzerland, who have been here to help PHC maintain the coaches for the past couple of weeks, were attending to the problem.
“They are working hard to get the coach running by tomorrow (today),” Lee said in a statement.
PHC senior assistant manager of promotions and marketing Anne Goh said the “technical glitch” caused the train to slow down and not run efficiently.
“We are now bringing down the visitors by jeeps but we are not allowing visitors to go up the hill with the train because we need to figure out the cause of the glitch,” she said.
The upgraded system first broke down on May 3 after a stray dog hit a sensitive component of the coach. It broke down again on June 3 after an electrical problem in one of two coaches.
Not going up: Noraha and her daughter Nasihah binti Md Nasir, 13, reading the notice on the service disruption.
Many children visiting the Penang Hill during their school holidays were seen disappointed upon being told that the train service had been disrupted.
Student S. Palani from Malacca was sad he could not ride the new train.
“This is my first time to Penang Hill and I really wanted to see the hill,” he said.
Grandmother Aminah binti Puteh, 67 who brought her grandchildren from Kuala Lumpur, said the service had been disrupted numerous times of late.
“It’s a waste of time coming all the way and not being able to go up,” she said.
Her grandson, Alliff Azhar, 18, added that he was really looking forward to going up to the hill.
“I feel bad for my younger cousins because they were so eager to ride the train,” he said.
Teacher Noraha binti Saad, 38 from Kuala Lumpur was there with her daughters waiting for the train to be fixed.
“We came all the way from KL and we are leaving Penang today. My daughters were looking forward to going up the hill. I will stay for a while more and hope it gets fixed soon,” she said.
Tourists Jack Lamm, 23, and Anthony Veal, 21, both from England, said they would probably try to take the jeep up.
“We may even trek up Penang Hill via the Botanical Gardens,” said Lamm.
~~News courtesy of The Star~
Take safety seriously
Take safety seriously
Accident waiting to happen: A photo taken by hotel guest Ruslam Zakaria showing the rider on the galloping horse moments before the accident.
TOURISTS are shocked over the latest accident on Batu Ferringhi beach and want the Penang Government to be more stringent in controlling sports activities there.
Ruslam Zakaria, from Kuala Lumpur, described the incident as a hit-and-run version on the beach as the horse rider just galloped away after knocking down five-year-old Arina Kirana Azrin yesterday morning.
He said he was taking pictures on the beach when he saw a horse ridden by a man running away from two Penang Municipal Council enforcement officers.
“The horse was galloping very fast when it knocked down a girl who was playing with sand,” he said.
Arina, who suffered a fracture to the left collarbone, was first sent to a clinic before being admitted to the Penang Hospital.
Ruslam, 46, said he would now have to think of the safety of water sports activities on the beach first before trying them out as his daughter was interested in a horse ride before the accident.
He was apparently unaware of a ban on horse riding and quad-biking on the beach which came into effect in January.
“I hope the girl is fine in the hospital now as I can’t imagine if this happened to my daughters,” said the father-of-two.
Australian tourist Arthur Paikos, 61, who has been visiting Penang since 1980, said he was disappointed to learn about the accident as he heard that a Chinese national was rammed by a water scooter during his last trip here on February.
It was reported that Zhu Li, 47, broke both her legs after being rammed by a water scooter while she was taking a walk on the beach on Feb 24.
“I thought the enforcement unit would have taken stern action to handle the issue of illegal operators after that accident and was surprised to hear another case happening again,” Arthur said.
He said the state government should demarcate a specific area for water sports activities like what some other countries are doing.
Arthur’s wife, Heather, 57, said she did not dare to take a stroll on the beach now as she was afraid that a pack of dogs there might attack her.
“The beach is so messy and dirty,” she added.
Another Australian, Craig Dunstan, 29, who is on his sixth vacation in Penang, said the authorities should look into the matter more seriously before it became critical.
“The relevant authority must carry out strict enforcement before people start saying that the beach in Penang is dangerous which will be damaging and a bad reputation for the tourism industry here,” he said.
Other accidents which occurred at the beach included that involving seven-year-old Rina Aizawa from Japan who was playing on the beach when a parasailing rope hooked her neck, lifting her off the ground and dragging her for a short distance last Dec 24.
She sustained laceration on her neck. The incident also left her traumatised.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Accident waiting to happen: A photo taken by hotel guest Ruslam Zakaria showing the rider on the galloping horse moments before the accident.
TOURISTS are shocked over the latest accident on Batu Ferringhi beach and want the Penang Government to be more stringent in controlling sports activities there.
Ruslam Zakaria, from Kuala Lumpur, described the incident as a hit-and-run version on the beach as the horse rider just galloped away after knocking down five-year-old Arina Kirana Azrin yesterday morning.
He said he was taking pictures on the beach when he saw a horse ridden by a man running away from two Penang Municipal Council enforcement officers.
“The horse was galloping very fast when it knocked down a girl who was playing with sand,” he said.
Arina, who suffered a fracture to the left collarbone, was first sent to a clinic before being admitted to the Penang Hospital.
Ruslam, 46, said he would now have to think of the safety of water sports activities on the beach first before trying them out as his daughter was interested in a horse ride before the accident.
He was apparently unaware of a ban on horse riding and quad-biking on the beach which came into effect in January.
“I hope the girl is fine in the hospital now as I can’t imagine if this happened to my daughters,” said the father-of-two.
Australian tourist Arthur Paikos, 61, who has been visiting Penang since 1980, said he was disappointed to learn about the accident as he heard that a Chinese national was rammed by a water scooter during his last trip here on February.
It was reported that Zhu Li, 47, broke both her legs after being rammed by a water scooter while she was taking a walk on the beach on Feb 24.
“I thought the enforcement unit would have taken stern action to handle the issue of illegal operators after that accident and was surprised to hear another case happening again,” Arthur said.
He said the state government should demarcate a specific area for water sports activities like what some other countries are doing.
Arthur’s wife, Heather, 57, said she did not dare to take a stroll on the beach now as she was afraid that a pack of dogs there might attack her.
“The beach is so messy and dirty,” she added.
Another Australian, Craig Dunstan, 29, who is on his sixth vacation in Penang, said the authorities should look into the matter more seriously before it became critical.
“The relevant authority must carry out strict enforcement before people start saying that the beach in Penang is dangerous which will be damaging and a bad reputation for the tourism industry here,” he said.
Other accidents which occurred at the beach included that involving seven-year-old Rina Aizawa from Japan who was playing on the beach when a parasailing rope hooked her neck, lifting her off the ground and dragging her for a short distance last Dec 24.
She sustained laceration on her neck. The incident also left her traumatised.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Nature's art on show
Nature's art on show
COLOURFUL petals and sweet flowery scents will greet visitors to the Penang Botanic Gardens in conjunction with the Penang Floral Festival 2011 taking place from today until June 5.
Stall operators have been busy preparing for the festival, such as setting up flowers and plants of all shapes, sizes and colours to be sold at the entrance to the gardens.
Green fingers: Oh Foon May, 15, pruning plants in preparation for the Floral Festival at Botanic Gardens
A stage has been set up for the opening ceremony today by state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law.
The festival’s organising chairman Ooi Eng Choon, who is from the Penang Arts Society, said that the festival was held to encourage the locals to appreciate nature.
“We want people to develop a love for nature, as nature has the ability to lower stress levels,” he said.
Twelve Penang Arts Society committee members have been preparing for the festival since February.
“We have been holding meetings to plan the event, including arranging with the stall operators and judges for the bonsai and adenium competition,” said committee member Pong Kok Kiong, 37.
Australian tourist John Grafitti, 71, was admiring the flowers at the stalls.
“The flowers on display are stunning. The Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place,” he said.
There will also be a stall by the Friends of the Botanical Gardens selling T-shirts with prints of leaves.
Also on display throughout the nine-day festival are 150 bonsai and adenium plants from the competition.
“The response to the competition has been encouraging. It shows that there is a great interest in bonsai and adenium plants locally,” said committee member Chuah Yeh Pow, 50.
The Floral Festival is from 10am to 7pm daily, and entry is free.
～News courtesy of The Star～
COLOURFUL petals and sweet flowery scents will greet visitors to the Penang Botanic Gardens in conjunction with the Penang Floral Festival 2011 taking place from today until June 5.
Stall operators have been busy preparing for the festival, such as setting up flowers and plants of all shapes, sizes and colours to be sold at the entrance to the gardens.
Green fingers: Oh Foon May, 15, pruning plants in preparation for the Floral Festival at Botanic GardensA stage has been set up for the opening ceremony today by state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law.
The festival’s organising chairman Ooi Eng Choon, who is from the Penang Arts Society, said that the festival was held to encourage the locals to appreciate nature.
“We want people to develop a love for nature, as nature has the ability to lower stress levels,” he said.
Twelve Penang Arts Society committee members have been preparing for the festival since February.
“We have been holding meetings to plan the event, including arranging with the stall operators and judges for the bonsai and adenium competition,” said committee member Pong Kok Kiong, 37.
Australian tourist John Grafitti, 71, was admiring the flowers at the stalls.
“The flowers on display are stunning. The Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place,” he said.
There will also be a stall by the Friends of the Botanical Gardens selling T-shirts with prints of leaves.
Also on display throughout the nine-day festival are 150 bonsai and adenium plants from the competition.
“The response to the competition has been encouraging. It shows that there is a great interest in bonsai and adenium plants locally,” said committee member Chuah Yeh Pow, 50.
The Floral Festival is from 10am to 7pm daily, and entry is free.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Friday, 27 May 2011
Rendezvous at Rendezvous
Rendezvous at Rendezvous
RENDEZVOUS at Green Hall, Penang, is a rare culinary gem waiting to be discovered, with many passing by the place unaware of the delicious traditional Arab and Mediterranean dishes served there.
Every creation is a labour of love by owner cum chef Abel Zenagui.
“The preparation is time consuming and requires attention to detail, with most of the dishes being cooked over a slow fire. I try to maintain the original taste as much as possible to enable the locals to enjoy authentic Arab and Mediterranean fare,” he said.
The passionate chef, who is very particular about the quality and freshness of his gastronomic interpretations, manages the eight-month-old restaurant with his wife Rifta Ridzuan.
Diners can savour specialties like Mushroom Soup, Paella (a rice dish that originated from Spain and is cooked with tomato puree, green pepper, seafood and chicken), Mixed Grill, Lamb Tajin and Kabsa Chicken.
The Mushroom Soup is somewhat different with its big chunky mushroom pieces but the taste is nevertheless hearty, while the Paella is bursting with flavours and comes with a lemon slice for diners who prefer that extra sourish zing.
Best taken hot, the Mixed Grill consists of beef, lamb kebab and Shish Thoug (chicken). The locals might find this dish too dry to their liking as it is served without any sauce but the meats are surprisingly delectable, having absorbed the spices and herbs they were marinated in. Black pepper sauce is served upon request.
The Lamb Tajin, with the tender lamb soaked in a tomato-based stew-like gravy, tastes simply wonderful. Be sure to relish every mouthful as the dish took three hours to cook, simmering over a slow fire. The Tajin is served with either couscous (moistened semolina wheat coated with finely ground wheat flour) or Arabic bread.
The Kabsa (Middle Eastern rice coated with special mixed herbs) Chicken is yet another palate pleaser, and is served with yoghurt and homemade chilli paste that act as perfect foil to the rice.
More tantalising selections include Maqluba Rice (cooked with herbs and mixed with fried eggplant, potato, carrot and nuts), Steak, Lamb Chop, Spaghetti and Pizza while a must-try dessert is the Algerian Baklawa.
An extremely popular sweet dish in Algeria, the baklawa is a delightful combination of multi-grained nuts like almond, walnut and pistachio mixed with pure honey and layers of crispy pastry that has been baked for two hours.
Set lunch (priced from RM22 to RM36 per person) and dinner (RM24 to RM38) comprising mushroom soup, choice of main course and a drink (coffee, tea or iced lemon tea) are also available.
Rendezvous is housed in a beautifully renovated heritage premises (opposite the High Court) and features a charming and woodsy interior that is tastefully decorated with eclectic pieces, including Chinese antiques.
The first and only Arab and Mediterranean fine dining restaurant in town, patrons can look forward to belly dancing on Saturday nights. The pork-free outlet is also ideal for hosting private functions, with a seating capacity of 80 people and up to 100 for a cocktail reception.
The restaurant has also recently introduced its membership scheme offering special discounts of up to 15%. Happy hours are from 3pm to 8pm with a variety of snacks and appetisers selling at only RM7 per plate.
Operating hours are from 11am to 11pm daily. For further enquiries, call 04-2505066/68.
~News courtesy of The Star~
RENDEZVOUS at Green Hall, Penang, is a rare culinary gem waiting to be discovered, with many passing by the place unaware of the delicious traditional Arab and Mediterranean dishes served there.
Every creation is a labour of love by owner cum chef Abel Zenagui.
“The preparation is time consuming and requires attention to detail, with most of the dishes being cooked over a slow fire. I try to maintain the original taste as much as possible to enable the locals to enjoy authentic Arab and Mediterranean fare,” he said.
The passionate chef, who is very particular about the quality and freshness of his gastronomic interpretations, manages the eight-month-old restaurant with his wife Rifta Ridzuan.
Diners can savour specialties like Mushroom Soup, Paella (a rice dish that originated from Spain and is cooked with tomato puree, green pepper, seafood and chicken), Mixed Grill, Lamb Tajin and Kabsa Chicken.
The Mushroom Soup is somewhat different with its big chunky mushroom pieces but the taste is nevertheless hearty, while the Paella is bursting with flavours and comes with a lemon slice for diners who prefer that extra sourish zing.
Best taken hot, the Mixed Grill consists of beef, lamb kebab and Shish Thoug (chicken). The locals might find this dish too dry to their liking as it is served without any sauce but the meats are surprisingly delectable, having absorbed the spices and herbs they were marinated in. Black pepper sauce is served upon request.
The Lamb Tajin, with the tender lamb soaked in a tomato-based stew-like gravy, tastes simply wonderful. Be sure to relish every mouthful as the dish took three hours to cook, simmering over a slow fire. The Tajin is served with either couscous (moistened semolina wheat coated with finely ground wheat flour) or Arabic bread.
The Kabsa (Middle Eastern rice coated with special mixed herbs) Chicken is yet another palate pleaser, and is served with yoghurt and homemade chilli paste that act as perfect foil to the rice.
More tantalising selections include Maqluba Rice (cooked with herbs and mixed with fried eggplant, potato, carrot and nuts), Steak, Lamb Chop, Spaghetti and Pizza while a must-try dessert is the Algerian Baklawa.
An extremely popular sweet dish in Algeria, the baklawa is a delightful combination of multi-grained nuts like almond, walnut and pistachio mixed with pure honey and layers of crispy pastry that has been baked for two hours.
Set lunch (priced from RM22 to RM36 per person) and dinner (RM24 to RM38) comprising mushroom soup, choice of main course and a drink (coffee, tea or iced lemon tea) are also available.
Rendezvous is housed in a beautifully renovated heritage premises (opposite the High Court) and features a charming and woodsy interior that is tastefully decorated with eclectic pieces, including Chinese antiques.
The first and only Arab and Mediterranean fine dining restaurant in town, patrons can look forward to belly dancing on Saturday nights. The pork-free outlet is also ideal for hosting private functions, with a seating capacity of 80 people and up to 100 for a cocktail reception.
The restaurant has also recently introduced its membership scheme offering special discounts of up to 15%. Happy hours are from 3pm to 8pm with a variety of snacks and appetisers selling at only RM7 per plate.
Operating hours are from 11am to 11pm daily. For further enquiries, call 04-2505066/68.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Penangites celebrate all things French
Penangites celebrate all things French
SHOPPERS walking into Gurney Plaza in Penang will have a chance to be seduced by French culture.
They will be greeted by a 5.5m wooden model of the Eiffel Tower in the atrium of the new wing.
The structure is part of the shopping mall’s French Festival till June 2, which also saw the launching of a French Film Festival to complement the experience.
The festival was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by state Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, Alliance Francaise Penang president Datuk Renji Sathiah, and Gurney Plaza central manager Lawrence Teh.
“Penang is aiming to be an international city, and this festival has come at the right time to show that we are not only a tourist destination but also a place for investors,” said Abdul Malik.
The French Film Festival from Thursday to May 31 will showcase six films from a variety of genres such as action and romance.
“This festival is a great way to promote French culture,” said Renji.
Gurney Plaza will also be holding a ballet and dance performance by MyDance Station and individual talents at 3pm followed by live strolling musicians at 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.
A living statue performance from 4pm to 8pm will also be held on both days.
~News courtesy of The Star~
SHOPPERS walking into Gurney Plaza in Penang will have a chance to be seduced by French culture.
They will be greeted by a 5.5m wooden model of the Eiffel Tower in the atrium of the new wing.
The structure is part of the shopping mall’s French Festival till June 2, which also saw the launching of a French Film Festival to complement the experience.
The festival was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by state Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, Alliance Francaise Penang president Datuk Renji Sathiah, and Gurney Plaza central manager Lawrence Teh.
“Penang is aiming to be an international city, and this festival has come at the right time to show that we are not only a tourist destination but also a place for investors,” said Abdul Malik.
The French Film Festival from Thursday to May 31 will showcase six films from a variety of genres such as action and romance.
“This festival is a great way to promote French culture,” said Renji.
Gurney Plaza will also be holding a ballet and dance performance by MyDance Station and individual talents at 3pm followed by live strolling musicians at 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.
A living statue performance from 4pm to 8pm will also be held on both days.
~News courtesy of The Star~
A divine visit to five temples
A divine visit to five temples
SOME 100 devotees of the Sea Goddess Mazu attended a ceremony in which the Sea Goddess ‘visited’ five selected temples on Penang island.
They were the Tow Boh Keong Temple in Hong Kong Street, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple (God of Prosperity and Morality) and Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi (consists of adjoining Yap Temple and Choo Chay Keong Temple) in Armenian Street, Chor Soo Keong Temple and Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple in Batu Maung.
The group was led by the caretaker of the Mazu Temple in Sg Nyior in Butterworth, Wang Siu Tiam, aged 62.
“I have visited several places in Malaysia and found that the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple is the only temple with a statue of Ming Dynasty admiral Cheng Ho facing the sea,” he said.
“Cheng Ho is believed to have prayed at Mazu temples each time before embarking on his journeys.
“Devotees who pay homage to Mazu are mainly fishermen or those whose work is related to the sea.
“They would pray to Mazu for the safety of their family members at sea,” he said.
Wang added that he brought Mazu to ‘visit’ the temples because usually, temple deities are only invited out during ceremonial services.
SMJK Phor Tay student Teoh Kai Xin, 16, said she was glad to be given the the opportunity to carry the Mazu statue at the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple.
“I pray to the goddess to help me in my studies. I hope my prayer comes true,” she said.
Her cousin Phang Ni Wei, 24, said she too paid homage to Mazu.
Phang, a personal assistant in an insurance company, lives in Batu Maung and her family members are mostly fishermen.
Two lion dance troupes led the crowd of devotees towards the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple where firecrackers were let off.
After ‘visiting’ the temple, Mazu was taken onboard a fishing boat back to the Mazu Temple in Butterworth.
~News courtesy of The Star~
SOME 100 devotees of the Sea Goddess Mazu attended a ceremony in which the Sea Goddess ‘visited’ five selected temples on Penang island.
They were the Tow Boh Keong Temple in Hong Kong Street, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple (God of Prosperity and Morality) and Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi (consists of adjoining Yap Temple and Choo Chay Keong Temple) in Armenian Street, Chor Soo Keong Temple and Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple in Batu Maung.
The group was led by the caretaker of the Mazu Temple in Sg Nyior in Butterworth, Wang Siu Tiam, aged 62.
“I have visited several places in Malaysia and found that the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple is the only temple with a statue of Ming Dynasty admiral Cheng Ho facing the sea,” he said.
“Cheng Ho is believed to have prayed at Mazu temples each time before embarking on his journeys.
“Devotees who pay homage to Mazu are mainly fishermen or those whose work is related to the sea.
“They would pray to Mazu for the safety of their family members at sea,” he said.
Wang added that he brought Mazu to ‘visit’ the temples because usually, temple deities are only invited out during ceremonial services.
SMJK Phor Tay student Teoh Kai Xin, 16, said she was glad to be given the the opportunity to carry the Mazu statue at the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple.
“I pray to the goddess to help me in my studies. I hope my prayer comes true,” she said.
Her cousin Phang Ni Wei, 24, said she too paid homage to Mazu.
Phang, a personal assistant in an insurance company, lives in Batu Maung and her family members are mostly fishermen.
Two lion dance troupes led the crowd of devotees towards the Sam Poh Kong Footprint Temple where firecrackers were let off.
After ‘visiting’ the temple, Mazu was taken onboard a fishing boat back to the Mazu Temple in Butterworth.
~News courtesy of The Star~
After work attractions
After work attractions
THE George Town Festival 2011 is just “one piece of the puzzle” in attracting talent back to Penang, says Dell Global Business Centre managing director Datuk Simon Wong.
He feels that a vibrant social environment would help to lure the top brains to the state.
“It’s about making professionals see that Penang is a great place to be, work, play and live.
“Not just somewhere that provides great career opportunities, but also a good social life and a vibrant arts scene — this is part of what quality of life is all about,” he said in an interview.
Wong said he had met festival director Joe Sidek through contacts at investPenang, a state government business entity, and had been invited to get on board for the July festival that commemorates the third anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage listing.
Seeing the festival as an opportunity to contribute to the local arts scene, Dell gave the thumbs up with a RM100,000 sponsorship — the first to come from the Free Industrial Zone in Penang.
Aside from the funding, Dell is also loaning the committee 10 computers for their use during the festival.
“We also have a workforce of about 3,000 in our Bayan Lepas base who are available as volunteers, or, at the very least, attendees for the festival,” he said with a smile.
Wong said as Penang went from being a traditionally strong manufacturing base to expanding into other business areas, the demands of employees had to evolve as well.
“When the Industrial Zone started, the attractions (for investors) were a great historical landscape, a capable government and an available supply chain.
“Those are reasons Dell invested here in 1995. Now, we have to look at creating a great place to live — more than a place for just a career, but also a vibrant arts environment, a strong social scene and something to look forward to in the evenings,” said the father of five.
Joe, who is leading the team in organising the festival, said it was fantastic to see a growing support base for the event.
“This is the second year we are doing a full month-long festival to celebrate the third anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage listing.
“Last year, aside from getting some support from the state, several developers stepped in to contribute to the festival.
“This year, we want to target prominent companies in the state, specifically the 10 companies that ‘made’ Penang in the 1970s (at the beginning of the Free Industrial Zone) and the 10 companies that continue to ‘make’ Penang now,” Joe said, adding that Dell fell into the second category.
He said creating a balanced and animated city would help Penang lure young professionals who were in the midst of choosing between the state, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to make their mark.
“We want to make Penang the all-round better choice, not only in the job sense but also ‘out there’ where there are things to do after work hours,” Joe said.
He also hoped the festival would give Penang a boost in its race to catch up with Kuala Lumpur’s art scene.
“If you look back, you’ll see that Penang is historically a strong cultural society.
“In fact, we were predecessors of culture for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
“Now, we just want to lay back claim to that culture,” he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE George Town Festival 2011 is just “one piece of the puzzle” in attracting talent back to Penang, says Dell Global Business Centre managing director Datuk Simon Wong.
He feels that a vibrant social environment would help to lure the top brains to the state.
“It’s about making professionals see that Penang is a great place to be, work, play and live.
“Not just somewhere that provides great career opportunities, but also a good social life and a vibrant arts scene — this is part of what quality of life is all about,” he said in an interview.
Wong said he had met festival director Joe Sidek through contacts at investPenang, a state government business entity, and had been invited to get on board for the July festival that commemorates the third anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage listing.
Seeing the festival as an opportunity to contribute to the local arts scene, Dell gave the thumbs up with a RM100,000 sponsorship — the first to come from the Free Industrial Zone in Penang.
Aside from the funding, Dell is also loaning the committee 10 computers for their use during the festival.
“We also have a workforce of about 3,000 in our Bayan Lepas base who are available as volunteers, or, at the very least, attendees for the festival,” he said with a smile.
Wong said as Penang went from being a traditionally strong manufacturing base to expanding into other business areas, the demands of employees had to evolve as well.
“When the Industrial Zone started, the attractions (for investors) were a great historical landscape, a capable government and an available supply chain.
“Those are reasons Dell invested here in 1995. Now, we have to look at creating a great place to live — more than a place for just a career, but also a vibrant arts environment, a strong social scene and something to look forward to in the evenings,” said the father of five.
Joe, who is leading the team in organising the festival, said it was fantastic to see a growing support base for the event.
“This is the second year we are doing a full month-long festival to celebrate the third anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage listing.
“Last year, aside from getting some support from the state, several developers stepped in to contribute to the festival.
“This year, we want to target prominent companies in the state, specifically the 10 companies that ‘made’ Penang in the 1970s (at the beginning of the Free Industrial Zone) and the 10 companies that continue to ‘make’ Penang now,” Joe said, adding that Dell fell into the second category.
He said creating a balanced and animated city would help Penang lure young professionals who were in the midst of choosing between the state, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to make their mark.
“We want to make Penang the all-round better choice, not only in the job sense but also ‘out there’ where there are things to do after work hours,” Joe said.
He also hoped the festival would give Penang a boost in its race to catch up with Kuala Lumpur’s art scene.
“If you look back, you’ll see that Penang is historically a strong cultural society.
“In fact, we were predecessors of culture for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
“Now, we just want to lay back claim to that culture,” he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Driving home a lesson
Driving home a lesson
Grace period: MPPP enforcement officers waiting for the car owner to turn up after clamping the vehicle that is occupying space reserved for motorcycles in Pulau Tikus, Penang.
THE first day of the wheel-clamping move by the Penang Municipal Council saw nine cars being clamped on the island.
The exercise, which started at about 11.30am in several parts of the Pulau Tikus area, was carried out by nine MPPP enforcement officers.
Council assistant enforcement officer V. Siva Kumar said the exercise attracted curious stares from the public.
He said many motorists removed their illegally parked vehicles upon seeing the operations being carried out yesterday along Lorong Kuching, Cantonment Road and Burmah Road.
“It’s not the council’s objective to cause any inconvenience to anyone but our aim is to clear the roads from any obstruction,” he said, adding that the operations would continue today in other areas of the island.
Read the sign: A car parked on a clamping zone in Burmah Road.
From now until June 1, he said owners of vehicles that were clamped need not pay the RM50 fee to remove the clamp but would be given warning and advice instead.
However, vehicles not claimed within four hours would be towed to the council’s enforcement premises on Jalan Timah in George Town.
“The owners will be billed RM150 as towing charges for cars and RM300 for heavy vehicles,” he said.
The clamping will be enforced round-the-clock, while the time to remove the clamps is from 8am to 10pm daily except public holidays.
A notice will be put up on the vehicle to enable the owners to contact the council to remove the clamps.
As of 3pm yesterday, all nine vehicle owners whose cars were clamped had contacted the council office to get the clamps removed.
While clamping is new on the island, it has been carried out on the mainland by enforcement officers from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) since July 26, 2005.
MPSP councillor Oon Neow Aun said the operations under the Traffic Ordinance (Parking Coupons) MPSP 1995 were conducted from time to time to ensure the vehicles were parked in the designated places.
He said 1,006 vehicles had been clamped over the first four months this year, and RM50,750 collected in the Seberang Prai area.
“Last year, we collected RM78,100 after clamping 1,530 vehicles all over the mainland,” he said, adding that MPSP had started wheel-clamping and towing since July 26, 2005.
A check revealed that 18 vehicles were clamped in the Jalan Padang Lalang area of Bukit Mertajam yesterday morning.
Most of the owners were seen paying the RM50 fee to remove the clamp without any hesitation.
A motorist who came out of a bank upon seeing his car being clamped immediately rushed back to the automated teller machine (ATM) and withdrew money to pay for the removal of the clamp.
Oon said for those who failed to pay the fee by 6pm, their vehicles would be towed to the MPSP store and the owner would be charged RM200 in towing fees.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Grace period: MPPP enforcement officers waiting for the car owner to turn up after clamping the vehicle that is occupying space reserved for motorcycles in Pulau Tikus, Penang.
THE first day of the wheel-clamping move by the Penang Municipal Council saw nine cars being clamped on the island.
The exercise, which started at about 11.30am in several parts of the Pulau Tikus area, was carried out by nine MPPP enforcement officers.
Council assistant enforcement officer V. Siva Kumar said the exercise attracted curious stares from the public.
He said many motorists removed their illegally parked vehicles upon seeing the operations being carried out yesterday along Lorong Kuching, Cantonment Road and Burmah Road.
“It’s not the council’s objective to cause any inconvenience to anyone but our aim is to clear the roads from any obstruction,” he said, adding that the operations would continue today in other areas of the island.
Read the sign: A car parked on a clamping zone in Burmah Road.
From now until June 1, he said owners of vehicles that were clamped need not pay the RM50 fee to remove the clamp but would be given warning and advice instead.
However, vehicles not claimed within four hours would be towed to the council’s enforcement premises on Jalan Timah in George Town.
“The owners will be billed RM150 as towing charges for cars and RM300 for heavy vehicles,” he said.
The clamping will be enforced round-the-clock, while the time to remove the clamps is from 8am to 10pm daily except public holidays.
A notice will be put up on the vehicle to enable the owners to contact the council to remove the clamps.
As of 3pm yesterday, all nine vehicle owners whose cars were clamped had contacted the council office to get the clamps removed.
While clamping is new on the island, it has been carried out on the mainland by enforcement officers from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) since July 26, 2005.
MPSP councillor Oon Neow Aun said the operations under the Traffic Ordinance (Parking Coupons) MPSP 1995 were conducted from time to time to ensure the vehicles were parked in the designated places.
He said 1,006 vehicles had been clamped over the first four months this year, and RM50,750 collected in the Seberang Prai area.
“Last year, we collected RM78,100 after clamping 1,530 vehicles all over the mainland,” he said, adding that MPSP had started wheel-clamping and towing since July 26, 2005.
A check revealed that 18 vehicles were clamped in the Jalan Padang Lalang area of Bukit Mertajam yesterday morning.
Most of the owners were seen paying the RM50 fee to remove the clamp without any hesitation.
A motorist who came out of a bank upon seeing his car being clamped immediately rushed back to the automated teller machine (ATM) and withdrew money to pay for the removal of the clamp.
Oon said for those who failed to pay the fee by 6pm, their vehicles would be towed to the MPSP store and the owner would be charged RM200 in towing fees.
~News courtesy of The Star~
‘Tap and go’ bus rides
‘Tap and go’ bus rides
Rapid Penang will test run its E-ticketing system for three months, starting June 1, to enhance the bus fare collection process.
Its media relations manager Mohd Tajudin Mohd Kassim said the system would be put on trial on 50 buses departing from the Weld Quay bus terminal for the Paya Terubong, Air Itam, Farlim and Balik Pulau routes.
“Under the ‘Taptopay’ electronic fare system, commuters only have to tap their bus passes on decoders once they board the bus, and the fare will be deducted automatically.
“The system will cut down the commuters’ boarding time and eliminate the hassle of using cash and coins for every journey,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Mohd Tajudin said once the system is proven to be feasible and able to link to the company’s existing Global Positioning System (GPS), it will be implemented on all the 350 buses statewide.
“Commuters wishing to participate in the test run are required to change to the new microchipped bus pass at our headquaters on Lorong Kulit.”
For more information, call 04-2381313 or visit the company’s website (www.rapidpg.com.my).
~News courtesy of The Star~
Rapid Penang will test run its E-ticketing system for three months, starting June 1, to enhance the bus fare collection process.
Its media relations manager Mohd Tajudin Mohd Kassim said the system would be put on trial on 50 buses departing from the Weld Quay bus terminal for the Paya Terubong, Air Itam, Farlim and Balik Pulau routes.
“Under the ‘Taptopay’ electronic fare system, commuters only have to tap their bus passes on decoders once they board the bus, and the fare will be deducted automatically.
“The system will cut down the commuters’ boarding time and eliminate the hassle of using cash and coins for every journey,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Mohd Tajudin said once the system is proven to be feasible and able to link to the company’s existing Global Positioning System (GPS), it will be implemented on all the 350 buses statewide.
“Commuters wishing to participate in the test run are required to change to the new microchipped bus pass at our headquaters on Lorong Kulit.”
For more information, call 04-2381313 or visit the company’s website (www.rapidpg.com.my).
~News courtesy of The Star~
Exciting fairs coming soon
Exciting fairs coming soon
ICT@Komtar Digital Lifestyle Mall in Komtar, Penang, will be holding five fairs from May to July.
The first one will be the Camera Fair tomorrow.
This will be followed by a Notebook Fair, Broadband, Mobile and GPS Fair and a Components Fair in June.
From July 22 to July 24, a Games, Speakers and Accessories Fair will be held for games enthusiasts.
Excitement awaits visitors to the Camera Fair as there will be an iPad 2 on sale with a purchase-with-purchase offer that gives them a chance to buy the iPad 2 from as low as RM888.
Visitors who spend a minimum of RM5 can take part in a spin-the-wheel contest to buy items at a special price.
ICT@Komtar director Shanley Leong said shoppers will no longer have to wait for PC fairs to buy gadgets at an affordable price.
“Just come here as we offer good deals 365 days a year,” she said at a press conference.
~News courtesy of The Star~
ICT@Komtar Digital Lifestyle Mall in Komtar, Penang, will be holding five fairs from May to July.
The first one will be the Camera Fair tomorrow.
This will be followed by a Notebook Fair, Broadband, Mobile and GPS Fair and a Components Fair in June.
From July 22 to July 24, a Games, Speakers and Accessories Fair will be held for games enthusiasts.
Excitement awaits visitors to the Camera Fair as there will be an iPad 2 on sale with a purchase-with-purchase offer that gives them a chance to buy the iPad 2 from as low as RM888.
Visitors who spend a minimum of RM5 can take part in a spin-the-wheel contest to buy items at a special price.
ICT@Komtar director Shanley Leong said shoppers will no longer have to wait for PC fairs to buy gadgets at an affordable price.
“Just come here as we offer good deals 365 days a year,” she said at a press conference.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Friday, 20 May 2011
Cool place to chill out
Cool place to chill out
THOSE looking for a place to kick back after an arduous day at work need not look further than the Church Street Cafe.
Located along Church Street, the cafe is the perfect getaway spot for many seeking a reprieve after a stressful day at work despite being nestled in the buzzing heart of the inner city.
The cafe, operating since 2004, serves up a mouth-watering array of western dishes such as Santa Fe Enchiladas and Dragon Wings.
The enchiladas is sure to satisfy the appetite of Tex-Mex cuisine lovers with its spiciness, which comes from the peppers used. The spiciness complements the chicken meat chunks meant to be wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Mouth-watering: (clockwise from front) Mushroom Grill Chicken, Santa Fe Enchiladas, Snow Beer and Dragon Wing.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer to sink their teeth into a turkey wing, they can go for the Dragon Wings.
Despite being notoriously known for its dry meat, the turkey wing, as big or even bigger than a human palm, is surprisingly tender. Cooked to perfection and coated in a smoky barbeque sauce, the turkey wing is the perfect dish to be eaten with the cafe’s signature beverage, the Snow Beer.
The Snow Beer is almost similar to an ice-blended beer. The beer and glass are frozen beforehand to give it that refreshing sensation as it runs down the customer’s gullet.
According to cafe owner Yeap Teik Chuan, his place is the only place that sells Snow Beer.
“Many people have tried it at home but failed because the temperature has to be just right to freeze the beer. One has to be creative to survive in the food and beverage business.”
The walls of the outlet are plastered with album covers of musicians like The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley as Yeap had started the outlet with beer and ‘Rock n Roll’ in mind.
“I will be the one choosing the music and I will not allow any of my staff to tamper with the playlist featuring my favourite bands like Guns N’ Roses, Queen and The Beatles.
Every Wednesday, the cafe will have Dart Game Night where customers can come in and play with each other. The outlet is also equipped with a pool table.
The prices here are reasonable and the service, ambience and cleanliness are second to none, and this makes customers want to come back for more! Moreover, there will also be a new menu soon.
In addition to that, the outlet also has a private room equipped with musical instruments like guitars and drum sets for a jamming session or a private party which can accommodate up to 20 people.
Church Street Cafe (04-2639422) is open from noon to 3am on weekdays and 5pm to 3am on weekends and public holidays.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THOSE looking for a place to kick back after an arduous day at work need not look further than the Church Street Cafe.
Located along Church Street, the cafe is the perfect getaway spot for many seeking a reprieve after a stressful day at work despite being nestled in the buzzing heart of the inner city.
The cafe, operating since 2004, serves up a mouth-watering array of western dishes such as Santa Fe Enchiladas and Dragon Wings.
The enchiladas is sure to satisfy the appetite of Tex-Mex cuisine lovers with its spiciness, which comes from the peppers used. The spiciness complements the chicken meat chunks meant to be wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Mouth-watering: (clockwise from front) Mushroom Grill Chicken, Santa Fe Enchiladas, Snow Beer and Dragon Wing.Meanwhile, for those who prefer to sink their teeth into a turkey wing, they can go for the Dragon Wings.
Despite being notoriously known for its dry meat, the turkey wing, as big or even bigger than a human palm, is surprisingly tender. Cooked to perfection and coated in a smoky barbeque sauce, the turkey wing is the perfect dish to be eaten with the cafe’s signature beverage, the Snow Beer.
The Snow Beer is almost similar to an ice-blended beer. The beer and glass are frozen beforehand to give it that refreshing sensation as it runs down the customer’s gullet.
According to cafe owner Yeap Teik Chuan, his place is the only place that sells Snow Beer.
“Many people have tried it at home but failed because the temperature has to be just right to freeze the beer. One has to be creative to survive in the food and beverage business.”
The walls of the outlet are plastered with album covers of musicians like The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley as Yeap had started the outlet with beer and ‘Rock n Roll’ in mind.
“I will be the one choosing the music and I will not allow any of my staff to tamper with the playlist featuring my favourite bands like Guns N’ Roses, Queen and The Beatles.
Every Wednesday, the cafe will have Dart Game Night where customers can come in and play with each other. The outlet is also equipped with a pool table.
The prices here are reasonable and the service, ambience and cleanliness are second to none, and this makes customers want to come back for more! Moreover, there will also be a new menu soon.
In addition to that, the outlet also has a private room equipped with musical instruments like guitars and drum sets for a jamming session or a private party which can accommodate up to 20 people.
Church Street Cafe (04-2639422) is open from noon to 3am on weekdays and 5pm to 3am on weekends and public holidays.
~News courtesy of The Star~
French fest to enliven the weekend
French fest to enliven the weekend
PENANG will come alive with a French passion this weekend in conjunction with the 10th French Art and Film Festival.
First on the list of activities is a French reading contest that will take place at the Gurney Plaza old wing concourse tomorrow and Sunday.
Justine Esteve, the director of Alliance Francaise de Penang who is co-organising the festival, said all French speakers were welcome to join the competition that would start at 4pm on both days.
“We have many students from our language school competing but everyone who can read in French is welcome.
“There will be selected texts available for the participants to choose from but they are welcome to bring their own books and poetry as well,” Esteve said.
She added that each participant would be allowed three minutes to read.
She said the participants would be judged based on three main criteria — pronunciation, rhythm and fluency.
“The first place winners on both Saturday and Sunday will win one free term of French classes at Alliance Francaise de Penang.
“There is no registration fee for the competition and those who want to join can just show up at Gurney Plaza before the sessions begin,” Esteve said.
The second activity lined up for the festival is an Indonesian cultural performance with a French twist.
“Didik Nini Thowok, an accomplished Indonesian dancer, will be performing in the dance and poetry recital entitled ‘Centhini — Empat Puluh Malam dan Satunya Hujan’.
“The performance is based on an old Java-nese literature that has been translated into French by author Elizabeth D. Inandiak,” said Esteve.
“Inandiak, a noted translator who specia-lises in Southeast Asian languages, will be reading extracts from the text in Malay du-ring the performance,” she said, adding that English translations would projected on a screen.
She said the performance would be held in Penang’s Town Hall at the Esplanade on Sunday at 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced at RM20 with a RM5 discount for Alliance Francaise members.
They can be obtained from Alliance Fran-caise de Penang at 46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong or at the Town Hall before the perfor-mance.
The French Art and Film Festival will also see the screening of six French movies at GSC Gurney Plaza from May 26 to May 31.
A special appearance by Merzhin, a French Celtic Rock band, is also on the cards with the band performing at the Hard Rock Cafe Penang on June 26.
The festival, that started this month in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, is organised by Alliance Francaise and the French Embassy in Malaysia.
For the movie screening schedule and more information about the festival activities, visit www.faff.com.my, check out Alliance Francaise de Penang’s Facebook page or call 04-2276008.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PENANG will come alive with a French passion this weekend in conjunction with the 10th French Art and Film Festival.
First on the list of activities is a French reading contest that will take place at the Gurney Plaza old wing concourse tomorrow and Sunday.
Justine Esteve, the director of Alliance Francaise de Penang who is co-organising the festival, said all French speakers were welcome to join the competition that would start at 4pm on both days.
“We have many students from our language school competing but everyone who can read in French is welcome.
“There will be selected texts available for the participants to choose from but they are welcome to bring their own books and poetry as well,” Esteve said.
She added that each participant would be allowed three minutes to read.
She said the participants would be judged based on three main criteria — pronunciation, rhythm and fluency.
“The first place winners on both Saturday and Sunday will win one free term of French classes at Alliance Francaise de Penang.
“There is no registration fee for the competition and those who want to join can just show up at Gurney Plaza before the sessions begin,” Esteve said.
The second activity lined up for the festival is an Indonesian cultural performance with a French twist.
“Didik Nini Thowok, an accomplished Indonesian dancer, will be performing in the dance and poetry recital entitled ‘Centhini — Empat Puluh Malam dan Satunya Hujan’.
“The performance is based on an old Java-nese literature that has been translated into French by author Elizabeth D. Inandiak,” said Esteve.
“Inandiak, a noted translator who specia-lises in Southeast Asian languages, will be reading extracts from the text in Malay du-ring the performance,” she said, adding that English translations would projected on a screen.
She said the performance would be held in Penang’s Town Hall at the Esplanade on Sunday at 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced at RM20 with a RM5 discount for Alliance Francaise members.
They can be obtained from Alliance Fran-caise de Penang at 46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong or at the Town Hall before the perfor-mance.
The French Art and Film Festival will also see the screening of six French movies at GSC Gurney Plaza from May 26 to May 31.
A special appearance by Merzhin, a French Celtic Rock band, is also on the cards with the band performing at the Hard Rock Cafe Penang on June 26.
The festival, that started this month in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, is organised by Alliance Francaise and the French Embassy in Malaysia.
For the movie screening schedule and more information about the festival activities, visit www.faff.com.my, check out Alliance Francaise de Penang’s Facebook page or call 04-2276008.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Monk’s vision realised
Monk’s vision realised
The four-storey tower is topped by a dome, pagoda and bell.
SOME 5,000 devotees gathered at Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple on Burma Lane, Penang, for the grand opening of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower.
Chants filled the air as the devotees paid homage to Buddha.
Joining the devotees were busloads of tourists and shutterbugs.
The opening of the 33m-high four-storey tower costing RM3mil started with a solemn procession.
It was led by the temple’s chief monk U Pannya Vamsa who was followed by some devotees carrying golden umbrellas, holy relics, precious items and other Buddhist artifacts.
Devotees from Myanmar were also seen in their traditional costumes, making the procession even more colourful and eye-catching.
Many of the devotees had a good time at the event which had traditional Myanmarese dances in front of the tower.
Temple trustee Yeap Theam Kwee, speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony yesterday, said that luckily, it was a nice and sunny day and this had attracted a large crowd.
“About 150 monks from countries such as Myanmar, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom were also at the event.”
Thai Consul-General Voradet Viravakin and his Japanese counterpart Tetsuro Kai were also present at the grand opening.
The tower, which was completed last month, was the brainchild of the chief monk who had a vision three years ago to bring in replicas of Buddhist shrines from other countries and feature them all under a single roof.
At the tower, visitors were able to admire the white marble wall sculptures of ancient Buddhist shrines from 22 countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia and Malaysia.
The tower occupies a built-up area of 697sq m in the temple grounds.
Its first three floors house Buddhist artifacts, relics, ornaments and Buddha images while the top floor has the dome, pagoda and temple bell.
Myanmarese devotee Khin Htay Nyunt, 58, said she came to Penang just to witness the golden tower’s opening.
“The tower is really beautiful and I feel blessed after praying in this place,” she said.
Visitors to the temple in the evening were treated to multi-cultural dance and song performances.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The four-storey tower is topped by a dome, pagoda and bell.SOME 5,000 devotees gathered at Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple on Burma Lane, Penang, for the grand opening of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower.
Chants filled the air as the devotees paid homage to Buddha.
Joining the devotees were busloads of tourists and shutterbugs.
The opening of the 33m-high four-storey tower costing RM3mil started with a solemn procession.
It was led by the temple’s chief monk U Pannya Vamsa who was followed by some devotees carrying golden umbrellas, holy relics, precious items and other Buddhist artifacts.
Devotees from Myanmar were also seen in their traditional costumes, making the procession even more colourful and eye-catching.
Many of the devotees had a good time at the event which had traditional Myanmarese dances in front of the tower.
Temple trustee Yeap Theam Kwee, speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony yesterday, said that luckily, it was a nice and sunny day and this had attracted a large crowd.
“About 150 monks from countries such as Myanmar, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom were also at the event.”
Thai Consul-General Voradet Viravakin and his Japanese counterpart Tetsuro Kai were also present at the grand opening.
The tower, which was completed last month, was the brainchild of the chief monk who had a vision three years ago to bring in replicas of Buddhist shrines from other countries and feature them all under a single roof.
At the tower, visitors were able to admire the white marble wall sculptures of ancient Buddhist shrines from 22 countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia and Malaysia.
The tower occupies a built-up area of 697sq m in the temple grounds.
Its first three floors house Buddhist artifacts, relics, ornaments and Buddha images while the top floor has the dome, pagoda and temple bell.
Myanmarese devotee Khin Htay Nyunt, 58, said she came to Penang just to witness the golden tower’s opening.
“The tower is really beautiful and I feel blessed after praying in this place,” she said.
Visitors to the temple in the evening were treated to multi-cultural dance and song performances.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)