Preparing for 5.5 million tourists

Preparing for 5.5 million tourists

Tourism Malaysia Penang is aiming to attract some 5.5 million tourists to visit the state next year.

Its deputy director, Haryanty Abu Bakar, said she was confident of achieving the target based on its new activities and promotions and programmes in the pipeline.

She said it would be an exciting year as Tourism Malaysia Penang offered 33 interesting tour packages under the Visit Malaysia Year programme next year.

Haryanty said the focus would not only be on food and heritage but also recreational sports such as angling and sailing.

"We are confident of achieving the 5.5 million target," she said after launching the VMY 2014 photo sticker contest at the Penang Bridge toll plaza in Prai recently.

Travel packages worth up to RM2,000 will be given to 30 winners monthly during the three-month contest which starts on Jan 1. Participants are required to take a picture of the sticker on their cars at any tourist spot in the country, then click "Like" on Tourism Malaysia's Facebook page -- www.facebook.com/CutiCuti1Malaysia -- before uploading their pictures on the page and sharing it with 10 friends.

Haryanty said Tourism Malaysia would also be organising a two-day Countdown VMY 2014 Carnival at Queensbay Mall today as a preliminary event to Visit Malaysia Year 2014. She said some 3,000 people were expected to visit 13 booths offering tourist packages during the event.

In Perak, Tourism Malaysia Perak (TMP) director Ahmad Kamarudin Yusoff launched the contest at the Tapah Rest & Relaxation area. Ahmad said the TMP team distributed 1,000 car stickers and 500 goodie bags to motorists during the launch. -- Additional reporting by Diana Yeoh


Haryanty Abu Bakar with a motorist at the launch of the VMY 2014 sticker photo contest.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Wet wild fun in the open sea

Wet wild fun in the open sea

The first water theme park in Penang, Wet World Wild in Moonlight Bay, Batu Ferringhi, officially opens to the public today.

Touted as the first-of-its-kind open sea adventure park in Asia, the latest tourist attraction is set to be a hit among local and overseas visitors.

It features some 10 inflatable obstacles with the main activities involving rock climbing, running track, trampoline, swings, slides and human catapult.

A check by Streets yesterday showed many visitors flocking to the venue to enjoy themselves at the water theme park ahead of its soft opening.

Fida Mohd Ali, 35, and her family members were ecstatic to get the chance to enjoy the thrills at the park.

"We are a big fan of water theme parks and I am happy Penangites now do not have to travel far to enjoy them.

"The obstacles are physically challenging, it took us a while to get our footing on the float structures," said Fida.

Park manager Jackie Tsng said undersea netting were set up as a perimeter off the shoreline to ward off the jellyfish threat.

"We have installed a 400m-long netting to ensure that no jellyfish can intrude into the water theme park.

"We chose Moonlight Bay due to the calm waters here," Tsng said, adding that the theme park was supposed to open in September but was delayed due to the relocation of the venue from Bayu Senja.

Meanwhile, Wet World Wild regional account director Melvin Kuo said no jet skis would be allowed in the area for public safety.

"The park caters for non-motorised watersport, so visitors can have peace of mind while enjoying all the fun-filled family activities.

"Six lifeguards are on duty. We will deploy up to 10 lifeguards on weekends and public holidays," said Kuo.

He said the water park would be closed during inclement weather and choppy waves.

The water theme park is open from 9am to 7pm daily. Admission fee is tentatively fixed at RM40 per adult and RM30 per child.

Visitors will be allowed to use its facilities for a maximum of two hours on weekends and public holidays.

The structures were made in Germany and the current set-up is the first phase of the project.

The RM3 million theme park is the brainchild of Theme Park Concepts & Services Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Penang Global Tourism Board.

There are five phases of the project which will be completed in one year.



~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Merry Christmas

Herbs, spice and all things nice

AMIDST the lush greenery of a hilly terrain, more than 500 visitors took time out to bask in nature's glory in conjunction with Tropical Spice Garden's (TSG) Spice Out Festival recently.

Organised by TSG to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the culture- and nature-themed event attracted visitors of all ages.

Some were trekking up the hilly paths of TSG's secondary forest while others were enjoying the garden's over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna.

Traditional games, clowns, cooking demonstrations, plein air art by Urban Sketchers and artist Marni, bird-watching activities by Malaysian Nature Society, mini guided tours and face painting were among the activities.

There were tea and coconut kiosks as well as stalls selling TSG merchandise, herbs and sandwiches.

TSG managing director Katherine Khoo said the festival was a great success.

"Spice Out was an incredible way to celebrate our 10th anniversary. It was so good to see so many kids and families enjoying the many activities we had organised," said Khoo.

"It was also nice to see so many visitors appreciating the spices at the garden.

"We plan to introduce more activities for children as well as guided tours for Visit Malaysia 2014," she said.



The postcard-perfect Tropical Spice Garden.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Privilege card for tourists

Privilege card for tourists

The Gurney Paragon Mall Tourist Privilege Card was recently launched to give tourists the opportunity to enjoy even more discounts and special deals at the mall.

Launched by the state's Tourism Development committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang, the programme currently has about 100 participating outlets.

Hunza Properties Bhd executive director Khor Siang Gin said this effort signified the mall's commitment towards promoting Penang as a key destination.

"Through this programme, tourists can benefit directly from the participating tenants," he said.

Law said: "I am pleased that Gurney Paragon has taken on this initiative to contribute to the tourism industry. We believe that a successful international tourist city depends on introducing new and exciting products, events and giving visitors an unforgettable experience."

In a press conference, Hunza Properties executive director Lily Tan said the programme was opened to all foreign tourists, as long as they showed their passports.

"Registration is free, and the card is renewable daily. So far, we have already given out 800 cards, and we hope to give out at least 1,000 cards each month. By Melissa Darlyne Chow 

Khor Siang Gin (left) and Danny Law Heng Kiang showing the Tourist Privilege Card launched by Gurney Paragon Mall.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Tranquil suburb under threat

Tranquil suburb under threat

THE sunsets on Gurney Drive -- the island's famed seafronting promenade -- are still spectacular.

The pink and orange hues at dusk do not faze daily strollers or joggers who consider themselves blessed to live on an island which offers many Kodak moments.

The question of how much longer these stunning sunsets can be enjoyed by residents of Pulau Tikus (where Gurney Drive is located) and visitors, remains to be answered, as development threatens to claim the view of Penang's skyline soon.

A massive reclamation project on the outskirts of Pulau Tikus, has seen its developer being made to surrender part of the land it reclaimed to the state authorities. The sad part is that the reclaimed plot of choice happens to include the almost 2km stretch of Gurney Drive.

Apart from daily exercise buffs being deprived of their picture-postcard view of Penang's skyline, owners of posh, sea-fronting condominiums on the strip are also likely to end up with obscured views of blue skies, the Penang channel and Kedah Peak which they have been waking up to.

To say that the peaceful existence enjoyed previously by predominantly middle-class dwellers in the tree-lined Pulau Tikus neighbourhood has been altered, would be an understatement.

Rampant and indiscriminate development, teamed with almost daily traffic snarls have ended in an upper-class neighbourhood where peaceful drives, leisurely strolls to the market or hawker stalls are a thing of the past.

The presence of two shopping malls located almost side by side, the conversion of many residential properties into commercial ones and a handful of hotels and hospitals are now choking the roads and turning peaceful side-streets and avenues into instant racing tracks for motorists.

Property prices continue to sky-rocket and affordable housing in the area is fast becoming a figment of one's imagination.

In a bid to bring some sense of order to the traffic congestion, traffic flow has been diverted into one-way routes along certain major roads in Pulau Tikus.

This has resulted in side roads suddenly becoming thoroughfares.

Besides having to contend with increased noise levels and strangers parking almost in front of one's home on a daily basis, pedestrians have found an acute shortage of pedestrian crossings in the area a source of concern.

Picture this: a wheelchair-bound medical tourist needing to navigate her way across a four-lane road to reach a shopping mall.

Even the elderly are sometimes seen clutching to the hands of strangers to cross the road to safety, due to the absence of speed bumps and pedestrian crossings.

Some small business operators in the area have claimed that trade has been affected by the rerouting of certain roads and also the mushrooming of the malls and decreasing number of parking spaces.

An online survey seeking views on how to improve the quality of life in Pulau Tikus has been launched and appears to be a feeble attempt in trying to obtain public opinions well after major decisions have already been made and taken for the neighbourhood.

The defensive stance adopted by some quarters in relation to the state of affairs in Pulau Tikus is made up mainly of finger-pointing or staying mum by those who are in a position to make a difference.

Future generations growing up in Pulau Tikus do not deserve a legacy of not being able to wake up or end the day with great sunrises and sunsets, shady trees or peaceful strolls.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Upgraded aquarium set to shine

Upgraded aquarium set to shine

The Fisheries Research Institute aquarium in Batu Maung, here, will soon reveal the results of its facelift.

The popular tourist destination that drew some 120,000 visitors a year was closed in September last year for renovation and upgrading works costing RM1.75 million.

The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of the month and the aquarium expected to be operational by early or mid-December.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Hashim

Abdullah had announced that the aquarium would be upgraded after a visit last March.

The works were supposed to have been completed before the start of school holidays this month but were delayed due to the contamination of sea water in the area.

A spokesman for the institute said the aquarium was expected to be a major tourist attraction, especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

He said the most prominent change to the aquarium was the new outdoor turtle and fish ponds.

The aquarium would house more than 100 species of marine life, including various sea horse species, arowana, prawns of all sizes and other shellfish.

Some endangered marine life will also be featured in the complex, which will house more than 100 fish tanks of various sizes.

The spokesman said the complex's main tank, a huge, upgraded aquarium, would house different shark species, stingrays and other exotic fish.

The complex will also have an auditorium and mini-halls for talks, seminars and exhibitions.

Another big draw is a skeleton of a whale, which will be displayed at the entrance.

The aquarium is an effort by the institute to increase the number of tourism attractions in Penang. It was built in 1995.

It was then a basic complex to showcase the rich biodiversity of the marine life of Malaysian waters.

It also served as the institute's conservation and research centre for endangered marine life.
v Over the years, the aquarium gained popularity and became a must-visit attraction for many, including local and foreign visitors.

The good news for all prospective visitors is, the institute will retain the old admission fees, which are RM5 per adult, RM2 per child aged 7 to 12, and RM1.50 per student. Admission is free for senior citizens and disabled persons.



Renovation work is currently ongoing at the Fisheries Research Institute aquarium in Batu Maung.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Parking meters to go out with 2013

Parking meters to go out with 2013

From Jan 1 next year, there will be no more parking meters on Penang island.

Instead, motorists will have to use coupons, monthly prepaid passes, and smart parking gadgets.

Penang Island Municipal Council senior assistant officer (parking) Aziah Mohd Ali said the coupons and monthly prepaid passes would be enforced from the first day of the new year.

She said the smart parking gadget would be sold from March and implemented in May.

She said with the new system, the public would be spared the hassle of looking for small change as well as the frustration of broken parking meters.

Aziah said the new parking system would also reduce the number of enforcement officers needed to check on vehicles parked within the council's jurisdiction.

"Enforcement officers will be equipped with smart devices to scan and detect discrepancies when on their rounds.

"Summonses will be issued on the spot to motorists who fail to pay their parking fees," she said during a tour to explain the new parking system to the media at the Tanjung Bungah market, here, recently.

Member of parliament for Bukit Bendera Zairil Mohd Khir Johari was also present.

Aziah said under the new parking system, the parking rates under the council's jurisdiction on the island would also be standardised at 40 sen for every half hour.

Perkhidmatan Alam Indah Sdn Bhd managing director Abdul Malik Abdul Kader, whose company would manage the new parking system, said agents had been elected to sell the coupons, monthly pass stickers and smart gadget.

"Motorists can purchase them from authorised mini-markets, petrol stations, at the council offices, 24-hour restaurants and the Alam Indah office at 20A, Lorong Seratus Tahun.

"The hand-held smart gadget comes with RM50 preloaded credit. New purchasers need only pay that amount to get the gadget free.

"A replacement gadget will cost RM140," he said.

Meanwhile, there is mixed reaction to the new parking system.

Loh Keng Kwee, wanted to know more about the new parking system, although he was in favour of it.

"This will eliminate the hassle of coins and damaged parking meters but I also hope the council will create more parking bays for motorists on the island," he said.

Retiree S. Subramaniam said the new parking system could be problematic for the elderly.

"It will be quite a hassle for the elderly to go around looking for the agents.

Learning to use the new system itself would be a challenge," he said.

For information on the new parking system, call the council at 04-261 0181 or the hotline at 04-263 7637/263 7000.

To reach Alam Indah, call 04-228 1192 or the hotline 04-261 3350, email alamindah@hotmail.com or visit www.alamindah.my.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Happy Deepavali!

Lights up at Penang 2nd bridge

~Photo courtesy of New Straits Times~

All quiet on the beachfront

All quiet on the beachfront

A strange tranquility pervades the Batu Ferringhi beachfront following the suspension of water sport activities by the local council.

Conspicuously missing from the popular venue was the usual flurry of activities involving the jet-skis, motorboats and parasailing.

A Streets check at the beachfront showed that the popular tourist belt was very much deserted yesterday.

No motorised sports have taken place since the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) temporarily suspended water sport activities following the fatal parasailing accident on Wednesday which killed an Arab woman.

MPPP president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said 23 water sports operators were affected after the suspension order took effect last Thursday.

A licensed water sport operator Lim Khek Cheik, 60, said he has been observing the temporary ban which has affected his business badly.

"I have been earning between RM800 and RM2,000 a day but the suspension has deprived me of my livelihood since Wednesday.

"We are having a meeting today with the Penang Water Sport Club to negotiate with MPPP to lift the ban," he said yesterday when contacted.

Lim said he had to earn at least RM1,000 a day to break even.

"We are unable to make ends meet if the ban continues indefinitely," he added.

Meanwhile, beachgoers still throng the seashore but their numbers have since dwindled.

Paul Pearce, 42, from Australia said he enjoyed parasailing very much and was disappointed that it had been suspended.

"Parasailing and related-water sports are a hit among the foreigners, including my family and friends.

"The incident was unfortunate but I hope the local authority would lift the ban soon," said Pearce.

Local tourist Mohamad Faisal Nordin, 32, however, said he was not too concerned about the suspension on water sports.

"We do not indulge in water sports, unlike overseas visitors.

"Our aim is to laze around and enjoy the scenery, instead of taking part in water sports," he said.



The Batu Ferringhi beachfront is quiet after the temporarily ban on water sport activities. Pic by Michael Ong

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Coupon parking system from next month

Coupon parking system from next month

Penangites on the island are bracing for a new coupon cum smart tag parking system starting on Nov 5.

The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) launched the system recently after a delay of more than a year after a group of disgruntled parking attendants protested against the move.

The coupon system will do away with the parking attendants and parking meters which have been widely damaged by vandalism.

The move is expected to reduce the staff deployed for daily operations.

State Local Government, Traffic Flow Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the new system would solve the problem of widespread vandalism of parking meters.

"The new system will get rid of frequent meter malfunction.

"Motorists can opt to buy the coupons or reloadable prepaid smart tags," Chow said.

Road user Rohayati Zainal, 49, said she was happy that the new parking system was implemented to replace the old metered parking system.

"I am all for the new system but I am concerned about the parking attendants' livelihood," she said.

The parking system with scanning features would start in May next year when the enforcement officers are able to detect the coupons and prepaid smart tags displayed using a smart detector.

The summonses will be printed out on-the-spot before the officers place them on the vehicle's windscreen.

The coupons will be available in MPPP offices and selected 24-hour convenient stores.

MPPP enforcement officers showing the parking coupons which will be introduced next month for motorists. Pic by Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah



~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Hakka village to be built in Balik Pulau

Hakka village to be built in Balik Pulau

BALIK Pulau, the southwestern tip of the island, will soon have its very own Hakka Village.

Expected to cost some RM20 million, the new tourist attraction will sit on a 8.1ha piece of land at Kuala Sungai Pinang.

According to the deputy president of the Federation of Hakka Association of Malaysia Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian, they hope to break ground by year-end.

"This month, we will submit the layout and later, the building plan, to the Penang Island Municipal Council for approval.

"We hope that within three years, the entire village can be completed," he said on the sidelines of the Penang Hakka Association's 74th anniversary dinner held at the Han Chiang High School hall here recently.

While construction has not taken place, he announced that there will be a modern hotel-standard lodge designed according to the traditional earth building in China.

"The round building will house the Balik Pulau Cultural Museum and art gallery. The exhibits will be presented in three languages," he said.

Cheah, who is also the village committee's chief planner, said that they were collaborating with one of the Taiwanese universities' College of Hakka Studies to establish a Hakka cultural base as a resource centre for the academicians.

Other notable features of the village include a hawker centre selling local delicacies and souvenirs, Cheah said.

"We have also preserved a durian orchard with nutmeg, clove and rubber plantations to showcase the natural heritage of Balik Pulau.

"We hope the tourists can enjoy the true value of Balik Pulau's ecology and culture," he said, stating the potential for cultural and heritage tourism in Balik Pulau, aside from eco-tourism.

Cheah said he had invited the Taiwanese Hakka scholars to conduct fieldwork and research in Balik Pulau to identify the composition and ratio of the Hakka population there.

"In the end, we concluded that Balik Pulau is indeed a settlement place of the early Hakka clan," he said.

"Hakka dialect was widely used to such an extent that the Catholic church in Balik Pulau used it to recite Bible verses in its early days.

"This (village) will be a significant landmark for the Hakka on the world map.

"The Hakka village will be an ideal leisure and cultural spot, and truly a pride of the Hakka people."



An artist’s impression of the RM20 million Balik Pulau Hakka Village

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Blight on the tourist belt

Blight on the tourist belt

IF the Penang Island Municipal Council ever decides to seriously throw the book at jaywalkers in Batu Ferringhi, the fines would be a substantial source of revenue for the local authority's coffers.

Anyone familiar with the tourist belt can attest to the fact that jaywalkers rule in Batu Feringghi.

Day or night, they pose a danger to other road users, instead of the other way around and is most rampant on weekends and long holidays.

And yes, they include foreigners -- tourists who flock to the beach hotels to enjoy Penang's famous sun kissed beaches.

As a resident of Batu Ferringhi, I face the daunting task of avoiding the law-breakers when I am driving on the road.

It is prevalent along the Jalan Batu Ferringhi stretch, especially near the popular tourist night market. Personally, I have had a few near misses.

More often than not, even when the motorists honk their horns, the jaywalkers do not move to the side to let them pass. The frustrated motorists are forced to gingerly navigate around the jaywalkers to avoid hitting them.

The pedestrians lack of respect for the law is understandable because they are engrossed with the myriad of attractions around them. Topping the list of attractions are the rows and rows of stalls selling souvenirs including imitation goods. Another distraction are pirated DVDs.

The pedestrians appear to be in hurry to get the best deals from the vendors.

To be fair, they are not entirely to be blamed as the souvenir stalls have taken over the pedestrian walkway.

As if that is not bad enough, the absence of zebra crossings forces the pedestrians to risk their lives whenever they cross the road. There is also no overhead pedestrian bridges in the area.

The presence of policemen does not help either.

Fortunately, we have been spared of any tragedy involving jaywalking so far.

However, the authorities should not wait for disaster to strike before taking the matter seriously.

We also don't want to harass or inconvenient the pedestrians, especially tourists, by simply booking them for jaywalking.

That will be bad for the tourism sector. The onus is on the authorities.

They should be proactive and clear the walkway of unlicensed stalls, install a zebra crossing or even put someone to man the busy spots to help pedestrians cross the road safely.

Until these measures are taken, or tourists stop flocking Batu Ferringhi, motorists like myself pray hard that nothing untoward happens to us and the jaywalkers.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Family fun park on Batu Ferringhi shores

Family fun park on Batu Ferringhi shores

Wet World Wild Adventure Park features rock climbing, running track, trampoline, swings, slides, ponds, walls and a human catapult

A WIPEOUT-LIKE open sea water adventure park is set to open later this month at the shores of Batu Ferringhi here.

The first of its kind in Asia, the Wet World Wild Adventure Park (WWW) is a family fun interactive park on water, consisting of multitudes of obstacles that include rock climbing, running track, trampoline, swings, slides, ponds, walls and a human catapult.

Theme Park Concepts & Services Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Richard Koh said the structures were engineered in Germany and are TUV Safety Standards certified.

"WWW is making safety a priority where life jackets are compulsory. Lifeguards will also be stationed around the play area.

"Building the WWW is an exciting venture for TCPS and we hope to expand further as there is a need for fun and safe open sea water activities," Koh said in a press conference here yesterday, which was also attended by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

With an initial investment of RM3 million for the first phase of the park, which measures 0.4ha, Koh said they hope to complete all five phases within a year.

"As for how big the entire park would be, this depends on how popular all the phases are.

"We will see the response to the product," he said.

When asked on the threat of jellyfish in the play area, located between Hard Rock Hotel and Parkroyal Hotel, Koh said they would be placing two or three layers of safety nets in the area.

A WWW challenge in the mould of Wipeout will also be held on a yearly basis throughout Asia, with awards being given, Koh added.

The adventure park will be operating during non-monsoon seasons with a maximum of 80 people for a session.

Entry tickets are priced at RM30 per two-hour sessions. The park will be opened from 8am to 6pm.



An example of how the Wet World Wild Adventure Park in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, will look like when it opens to the public in September.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Chowrasta Market: Traders await facelift

Traders await facelift

IF there is one place where rats are aplenty in Penang, it would be at the Chowrasta market in Jalan Penang.

The market, built some 120 years ago, has the dubious distinction of housing some of the biggest rats in the country.

Abu Bakar Pakir, a butcher here, said the rodents, some as big as cats, would roam the market at night.

"The rat menace is so terrible that we have to store our goods properly.

"Otherwise, our regular customers would have fallen sick," said Abu Bakar of the market, which is now undergoing a RM12.1 million facelift.

He said other than rats, which nest under the market, shortage of parking was another major concern for both traders and patrons.

"There is limited parking for vehicles in the area.

"To worsen the situation, illegal traders sell their wares at the parking lots outside the market."

Further compounding the problem, said housewife Noraini Hussain, is the scramble for parking with patrons of the various eateries near the market.

She said market-goers have to "fight" with the restaurant patrons for parking space.

"We have no choice but to get to the market early to get a parking space," said the 35-year-old.

Despite the rat situation and parking shortage, she said many people still do their shopping at the market.

"It is close to our homes and the prices for most goods are quite reasonable."

Regular patron Tan Ley Chin, 52, described the market as "quite dirty".

He said there used to be about 10 and 12 people assigned to sweep and clean the market.

"These days, one could only find two or three people working.

"I am glad the market is undergoing a major facelift. I hope the rat problem can be eradicated and the market will be cleaner."

The market renovation works, which started early this year and expected to be completed in March 2015, would provide more room for traders.

At present, some 90 traders are selling their wares at the market. When completed, the market could take in about 170 traders.

The number of traders outside the market would be reduced by almost half, from 138 to 66.

Once ready, some 120 parking lots would also be available.



The market renovation works, which is expected to be completed in March 2015, would provide more room for traders.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Happy national day！

Happy national day！

Mid-Autumn FestoRama returns to Penang

Mid-Autumn FestoRama returns to Penang

ON Sept 15, one of the oldest streets here, Lebuh Pantai, will be transformed into a colourful and sepia-lit dance hall like Old Shanghai.

Men and women dressed in fashion from the 1940s to the 60s would be strolling about, children would be playing "teng teng" (hopscotch) along the nearby Lebuh Bishop, the classic Mini Coopers lining up on Gat Lebuh China and A-go-go and rock 'n' roll flashmobs breaking out in sudden dance moves.

All these signify that the Mid-Autumn FestoRama is back in town!

Themed "The Pearl of The Orient 2013 Blossoms Under The Full Moon", the event, held for the second time, is aimed at promoting Chinese culture among Penangites and tourists. Some 70,000 people are expected to attend from 3pm to 11pm.

CreatiVision managing director Adelyn Lim said the Mid-Autumn Festival, or more commonly known in Malaysia as the Lantern or Mooncake Festival, had always signified the gathering of friends and family members among the Chinese community.

"The public is encouraged to take part in the event along with their family and friends.

"We also encourage orphanages and old folk's homes to contact us about taking part in the event," she said here recently.

Present were Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail and Penang Global Tourism managing director Ooi Geok Ling.

Lim said spurred on by last year's successful Mid-Autumn Festival, the organisers had decided to hold a bigger event and hold more exciting entertainment for people of all ages.

The events included a wushu demonstration, qipao (Cheong Sam) fashion show, Golden Shanghai Musical with a big dance floor provided for the public and also a Creative Moon Cake competition with cash prizes.

Other exciting events include a giant lantern display, lion dances and Chinese drum performances and a non-stop golden oldies karaoke singing.

Traditional children games would also be organised along Lebuh Bishop.

Free gifts would also be distributed and some 50 booths set up.

On the possible traffic congestion at the venues of the event, Patayiah said the council together with the police would manage the traffic flow and road closures in some areas.

For details, call 019-272 0999 or 03-4041 8009 or visit www.9-creativision.com or www.facebook.com/creativision.



Models wearing traditional Chinese dresses at the press conference for the Mid-Autumn Festorama at Pusat Informasi Taman Perbandaran. Pic by Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

New theme park and golf resort on mainland Penang

New theme park and golf resort on mainland Penang

The state government has called for a Request For Proposal (RFP) for an international theme park and golf resort development in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, on the mainland.

The theme park will measure 87.01ha, while the golf resort, which will have an international standard golf course with a minimum 18 holes, will measure 190.2ha, said Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar.

"The theme park and golf resort will be a boost to the tourism sector.

"The Second Penang Bridge is expected to be completed later this year.

"We feel this is the right time to embark on a new product which will benefit the region as a whole and Penang specifically," he announced at a press conference here, recently.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was also present.

Rosli said the theme park would be a minimum of 60.7ha, and the remaining hectares used for residential, commercial and other developments related to the theme park.

Rosli said the tender would be given the flexibility to propose development components to ensure the viability of the overall project.

"The non-compulsory but strongly encouraged components are community projects, a public swimming pool with diving facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre for the performing arts and a sports complex," he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said the theme park and golf course would create employment and attract more people to Penang.

"For Penang to become an international city, the mainland must also achieve international benchmarks," Lim said.

The tender period was expected to last two-and-a-half months, until Oct 31.



Datuk Rosli Jaafar (left) shows the development plan to Lim Guan Eng. Pic by Asman Ibrahim

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~