ATM of Malaysia

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~

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~

Malaysian Official Currency - Ringgit

Penang Bridge

Hibiscus - National Flower

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~

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~

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~

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~

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~

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~