Showing posts with label Landmarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Landmarks. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 April 2025
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Saturday, 8 February 2025
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Beautify side, back lanes to attract visitors
Penang to beautify side, back lanes to attract visitors
The Penang Town Hall building in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. NSTP/File pic
It is business as usual in Penang in the wake of the political crisis in the country as the state government continues with its development plans for the benefit of the people.
At 8am yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched a project to upgrade and beautify side and back lanes for bicycles, as well as pedestrian routes within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
He said back lanes in the city were alternative access routes for members of the public, besides serving as maintenance paths, and they would be enhanced with art, landscaping and street furniture to attract visitors.
“These lanes will be upgraded to provide space for recreation, neighbourhood activities and greenery in the city.
“The facilities can also be used for a variety of activities by the local community.
“This will create a sense of safety, cleanliness and wellbeing so that the lanes can be used at all times,” he said when launching the project stretching from Lebuh Ah Quee to Lorong Pitt here.
He said Penang was the best example of a city that achieved the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy living and wellbeing of the people, equality, good jobs and strong economic growth, as well as a sustainable city and society.
“Penang is one of the leading cities in the world, but we still give priority to our environment and heritage sites amid rapid growth.
“The facilities, services and infrastructure we offer have turned the heritage site into a destination of choice for the local community and foreigners to visit, relax and live in.” Bernama
The Penang Town Hall building in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. NSTP/File pic
It is business as usual in Penang in the wake of the political crisis in the country as the state government continues with its development plans for the benefit of the people.
At 8am yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched a project to upgrade and beautify side and back lanes for bicycles, as well as pedestrian routes within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
He said back lanes in the city were alternative access routes for members of the public, besides serving as maintenance paths, and they would be enhanced with art, landscaping and street furniture to attract visitors.
“These lanes will be upgraded to provide space for recreation, neighbourhood activities and greenery in the city.
“The facilities can also be used for a variety of activities by the local community.
“This will create a sense of safety, cleanliness and wellbeing so that the lanes can be used at all times,” he said when launching the project stretching from Lebuh Ah Quee to Lorong Pitt here.
He said Penang was the best example of a city that achieved the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy living and wellbeing of the people, equality, good jobs and strong economic growth, as well as a sustainable city and society.
“Penang is one of the leading cities in the world, but we still give priority to our environment and heritage sites amid rapid growth.
“The facilities, services and infrastructure we offer have turned the heritage site into a destination of choice for the local community and foreigners to visit, relax and live in.” Bernama
Penang Hill funicular train service to shut down for 7 days
Penang Hill funicular train service to shut down for 7 days
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days. -NSTP File pic
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days from June 18 for the second bi-annual scheduled maintenance works.
According to a statement issued by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the train operations will resume on June 25.
"PHC schedules two major scheduled maintenance every year for the funicular system under the supervision of the engineers from the funicular manufacturer (Garaventa AG from Switzerland) to ensure tip-top running condition and meet stringent safety compliance.
"PHC also conducts regular checks and maintenance of its funicular system on daily, weekly and monthly basis, plus routine inspections that are carried out after operation hours," the statement said.
According to the statement, during the shutdown period, visitors may opt for the privately-operated jeep service from Botanical Gardens, or take the existing hiking routes to reach the summit area of Penang Hill.
"PHC would like to thank all visitors for their patience and continuous support to Penang Hill. Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted," the statement added.
Members of the public can contact PHC at 04-8288880 or send an email to inquiries@penanghill.gov.my for any clarification. -- Bernama
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days. -NSTP File pic
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days from June 18 for the second bi-annual scheduled maintenance works.
According to a statement issued by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the train operations will resume on June 25.
"PHC schedules two major scheduled maintenance every year for the funicular system under the supervision of the engineers from the funicular manufacturer (Garaventa AG from Switzerland) to ensure tip-top running condition and meet stringent safety compliance.
"PHC also conducts regular checks and maintenance of its funicular system on daily, weekly and monthly basis, plus routine inspections that are carried out after operation hours," the statement said.
According to the statement, during the shutdown period, visitors may opt for the privately-operated jeep service from Botanical Gardens, or take the existing hiking routes to reach the summit area of Penang Hill.
"PHC would like to thank all visitors for their patience and continuous support to Penang Hill. Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted," the statement added.
Members of the public can contact PHC at 04-8288880 or send an email to inquiries@penanghill.gov.my for any clarification. -- Bernama
Monday, 20 January 2020
129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020
129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight. - NSTP/Mikail Ong Mohamed Basyir
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight.
Traditional Chinese lanterns and colourful LED (light emitting diode) lights will illuminate the temple for several days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The 129-year-old temple has been a hive of activity for photographers looking for angles to capture the massive temple lights including the 33.6m high Kuan Yin statue.
A spellbinding display of fireworks lit the skies, seen as a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with temple officials jointly performed the lighting ceremony.
They announced to give contributions of RM100,000 each.
Lim lauded the temple committee's effort for continuing the tradition since 1983.
"I must congratulate Kek Lok Si for continuing this tradition,” he said.
The Kek Lok Si temple hosted a dinner in conjunction with its lighting ceremony, together with special prayers held along with a chanting session for the devotees.
Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said that a lot of work had been put for the annual lighting display which has became a must visit spot for avid photographers.
"The experience is something one cannot simply say in words, it is magical and should not be missed," he said.
The colourful lights will be turned on from Jan 24 to Feb 8 from 7.30pm to midnight, and from 7.30pm to 10pm from Feb 9 to Feb 21.
~New Straits Times~
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight. - NSTP/Mikail Ong Mohamed Basyir
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight.
Traditional Chinese lanterns and colourful LED (light emitting diode) lights will illuminate the temple for several days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The 129-year-old temple has been a hive of activity for photographers looking for angles to capture the massive temple lights including the 33.6m high Kuan Yin statue.
A spellbinding display of fireworks lit the skies, seen as a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with temple officials jointly performed the lighting ceremony.
They announced to give contributions of RM100,000 each.
Lim lauded the temple committee's effort for continuing the tradition since 1983.
"I must congratulate Kek Lok Si for continuing this tradition,” he said.
The Kek Lok Si temple hosted a dinner in conjunction with its lighting ceremony, together with special prayers held along with a chanting session for the devotees.
Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said that a lot of work had been put for the annual lighting display which has became a must visit spot for avid photographers.
"The experience is something one cannot simply say in words, it is magical and should not be missed," he said.
The colourful lights will be turned on from Jan 24 to Feb 8 from 7.30pm to midnight, and from 7.30pm to 10pm from Feb 9 to Feb 21.
~New Straits Times~
Friday, 10 January 2020
SAM, CAP give thumbs down to Penang Hill cable car project
SAM, CAP give thumbs down to Penang Hill cable car project
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) says the cable car project is not environmentally sustainable. - NSTP/File pic
GEORGE TOWN: The recent breakdown of the Penang Hill funicular railway should not be used as an excuse by the state government to push for a cable car project for the iconic hill, two leading non-governmental organisations (NGOs) said today.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), which are against the project, said, in a statement, that it would have a negative impact on the sensitive and fragile ecosystems of both the hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens.
SAM president Meenakshi Raman and CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the cable car project was not environmentally sustainable.
“The cable car project, if implemented, will cause irreparable damage to the hills and the gardens through the building of more hotels, bungalows for the rich elites, cafes, amusement joints and roads.
“Hence, the breakdown of the existing funicular railway cannot be used as an excuse to push for the cable car project, without investigating the causes for the breakdown and how to prevent them in the future.
“We understand that the maintenance works for the funicular railway are carried out only once in 12 months.
“With the overuse of the railway and infrequent maintenance, there is bound to be a breakdown.
“What must now happen is more frequent maintenance works which could be once in nine months instead, which can prevent the railway from breaking down.
“As such, improving the frequency of the maintenance of the railway must be the most immediate step, that will avert the need for the cable car,” they said today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, had in a recent interview, said that the cable car project was expected to begin year-end and that pre-feasibility studies of the project were ongoing while a full technical study would be carried out as the next step.
He had said that the need for an alternative to the funicular railway became obvious following a breakdown on Dec 21 which left nearly 1,000 visitors stranded for up to four hours on the hill.
In the recent 2020 Budget, the Federal Government had announced a RM100 million allocation for the development of the cable car project.
And in a recent dialogue session with stakeholders, Chow had said that he expected eight to 10 pylons would be needed to support the network, linking the summit to a station outside the gates of the gardens, near the Penang Rifle Club to the hilltop at the entrance of the Habitat.
“Firstly, the Penang Rifle Club is not outside the gardens as claimed by the chief minister as it is within the Special Area Plan of the gardens,” said SAM and CAP.
“Already, on a daily basis in the mornings and on public holidays, the gardens is very crowded with large numbers of people and massive jams.
“With a cable car station near the Penang Rifle Club, the traffic situation will be even more aggravated, changing the nature of the gardens to one that is noisy and even more unbearable.
“Secondly, in order to carry out the cable car project, a major issue will be on how the heavy pylons are going to be brought in and installed, which will require road-building, excavation and construction work.
“In addition, once the construction works are over, maintenance tracks below the cable car line will be needed and all this will cause much disruption to the very fragile and environmentally sensitive areas which the hill and the gardens are.
“For these reasons, SAM and CAP appealed and urged the Penang government not to proceed with the cable car proposal.”
SAM and CAP said comprehensive and thorough studies had to be carried out on the environmental and social impacts of the cable car project on both the hill and the gardens before any decision was made on the project.
“The chief minister had said that pre-feasibility studies of the project were ongoing, while a full technical study would be carried out as the next step,” they said.
“Such studies must ensure that the environmental and social impacts both to the hill and the gardens are not viewed lightly, given the special characteristics and nature of both of these special ecosystems.
As such, we urge the Penang government to make transparent and public the terms of reference of the studies, and clarify if they include comprehensive environmental and social impacts on the hill and the gardens, who is conducting the studies, make public these studies and clarify which are the companies vying for the cable-car project,” they stressed.
Commenting on the statement from SAM and CAP, Chow said the state would only have a better idea of the cable car project upon the completion of the feasibility studies.
“Also, I am sure the NGOs can consult Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng on the terms of reference of the studies as he has all the information,” he said at his office here today.
~New Straits Times~
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) says the cable car project is not environmentally sustainable. - NSTP/File pic
GEORGE TOWN: The recent breakdown of the Penang Hill funicular railway should not be used as an excuse by the state government to push for a cable car project for the iconic hill, two leading non-governmental organisations (NGOs) said today.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), which are against the project, said, in a statement, that it would have a negative impact on the sensitive and fragile ecosystems of both the hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens.
SAM president Meenakshi Raman and CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the cable car project was not environmentally sustainable.
“The cable car project, if implemented, will cause irreparable damage to the hills and the gardens through the building of more hotels, bungalows for the rich elites, cafes, amusement joints and roads.
“Hence, the breakdown of the existing funicular railway cannot be used as an excuse to push for the cable car project, without investigating the causes for the breakdown and how to prevent them in the future.
“We understand that the maintenance works for the funicular railway are carried out only once in 12 months.
“With the overuse of the railway and infrequent maintenance, there is bound to be a breakdown.
“What must now happen is more frequent maintenance works which could be once in nine months instead, which can prevent the railway from breaking down.
“As such, improving the frequency of the maintenance of the railway must be the most immediate step, that will avert the need for the cable car,” they said today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, had in a recent interview, said that the cable car project was expected to begin year-end and that pre-feasibility studies of the project were ongoing while a full technical study would be carried out as the next step.
He had said that the need for an alternative to the funicular railway became obvious following a breakdown on Dec 21 which left nearly 1,000 visitors stranded for up to four hours on the hill.
In the recent 2020 Budget, the Federal Government had announced a RM100 million allocation for the development of the cable car project.
And in a recent dialogue session with stakeholders, Chow had said that he expected eight to 10 pylons would be needed to support the network, linking the summit to a station outside the gates of the gardens, near the Penang Rifle Club to the hilltop at the entrance of the Habitat.
“Firstly, the Penang Rifle Club is not outside the gardens as claimed by the chief minister as it is within the Special Area Plan of the gardens,” said SAM and CAP.
“Already, on a daily basis in the mornings and on public holidays, the gardens is very crowded with large numbers of people and massive jams.
“With a cable car station near the Penang Rifle Club, the traffic situation will be even more aggravated, changing the nature of the gardens to one that is noisy and even more unbearable.
“Secondly, in order to carry out the cable car project, a major issue will be on how the heavy pylons are going to be brought in and installed, which will require road-building, excavation and construction work.
“In addition, once the construction works are over, maintenance tracks below the cable car line will be needed and all this will cause much disruption to the very fragile and environmentally sensitive areas which the hill and the gardens are.
“For these reasons, SAM and CAP appealed and urged the Penang government not to proceed with the cable car proposal.”
SAM and CAP said comprehensive and thorough studies had to be carried out on the environmental and social impacts of the cable car project on both the hill and the gardens before any decision was made on the project.
“The chief minister had said that pre-feasibility studies of the project were ongoing, while a full technical study would be carried out as the next step,” they said.
“Such studies must ensure that the environmental and social impacts both to the hill and the gardens are not viewed lightly, given the special characteristics and nature of both of these special ecosystems.
As such, we urge the Penang government to make transparent and public the terms of reference of the studies, and clarify if they include comprehensive environmental and social impacts on the hill and the gardens, who is conducting the studies, make public these studies and clarify which are the companies vying for the cable-car project,” they stressed.
Commenting on the statement from SAM and CAP, Chow said the state would only have a better idea of the cable car project upon the completion of the feasibility studies.
“Also, I am sure the NGOs can consult Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng on the terms of reference of the studies as he has all the information,” he said at his office here today.
~New Straits Times~
Friday, 3 January 2020
Two more cannons discovered at Fort Cornwallis
Two more cannons discovered at Fort Cornwallis
Two cannons were accidentally unearthed during restoration and upgrading work on the seawall near Fort Cornwallis here.
The Bloomfeld cannons weigh 3 tonnes each and measure about 3m to 3.6m in length.
They are the fifth and sixth cannons to be discovered since restoration work began on Fort Cornwallis in 2017.
According to National Heritage Department Heritage Commissioner, Mesran Mohd Yusop, the department and Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) would be cooperating in preserving the latest finds.
"For the time being, these cannons will remain here until further stages of research are completed so that we can see the context of the site as a whole," he said during a press conference at Esplanade on Friday (Jan 3).
He added that the discovery could help educate the public on the importance of history and national heritage.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat were also present during the press conference.
~The Star~
Two cannons were accidentally unearthed during restoration and upgrading work on the seawall near Fort Cornwallis here.
The Bloomfeld cannons weigh 3 tonnes each and measure about 3m to 3.6m in length.
They are the fifth and sixth cannons to be discovered since restoration work began on Fort Cornwallis in 2017.
According to National Heritage Department Heritage Commissioner, Mesran Mohd Yusop, the department and Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) would be cooperating in preserving the latest finds.
"For the time being, these cannons will remain here until further stages of research are completed so that we can see the context of the site as a whole," he said during a press conference at Esplanade on Friday (Jan 3).
He added that the discovery could help educate the public on the importance of history and national heritage.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat were also present during the press conference.
~The Star~
Tuesday, 24 December 2019
Penang Hill Train service safe despite recent incidents: PHC
Penang Hill Train service safe despite recent incidents: PHC
The Penang Hill funicular train is safe for use as the two recent service disruptions did not affect the integrity of its operation, according to the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the funicular train undergoes daily, weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance according to standard operating procedure.
“The funicular train consists of various components so we undertake strict regular maintenance and inspection to ensure it is in good condition and safe for use,” he said when contacted today.
“Comprehensive maintenance is done twice a year and at that time the funicular train operation is fully shut down for two to three weeks to enable works to be carried out thoroughly and properly,” he said.
Cheok said the two cases of service breakdowns within two weeks this month which caused visitors to the hill resort to be stranded were isolated incidents.
“Actually, the two incidents involved different problems, with the Dec 4 case attributed to human error caused by a worker pressing the wrong button at the operations place.
“Because of that the alert and warning button was automatically activated, causing the operation system of the funicular train to stop. Checks by the PHC team showed that there were no defects,” he said.
In the latest incident last Saturday, the malfunction involved a damaged seal of the hydraulic brakes of the train, he said.
Engineers and technicians took more than 10 hours to identify the problem and rectify it.
“We are investigating to determine how the seal could have been damaged just after two years when it was meant to last four years.
“The seal was made by a foreign company and this is the first such malfunction in the 10 years of operation of the funicular train,” he said.
He said the recent incidents had not affected visitor arrivals at Penang Hill.
After service resumed at 4.45pm yesterday following Saturday’s disruption, the flow of visitors has been like what is normally seen during school holidays.
“PHC accepts all feedback from visitors and we will do whatever we can to make the service safer and more comfortable. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience, especially those who came after the two incidents,” he said.
On Dec 4, more than 500 people were affected after the train service was disrupted for more than two hours from 10am while last Saturday night’s incident left more than 900 visitors stranded. - Bernama
The Penang Hill funicular train is safe for use as the two recent service disruptions did not affect the integrity of its operation, according to the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the funicular train undergoes daily, weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance according to standard operating procedure.
“The funicular train consists of various components so we undertake strict regular maintenance and inspection to ensure it is in good condition and safe for use,” he said when contacted today.
“Comprehensive maintenance is done twice a year and at that time the funicular train operation is fully shut down for two to three weeks to enable works to be carried out thoroughly and properly,” he said.
Cheok said the two cases of service breakdowns within two weeks this month which caused visitors to the hill resort to be stranded were isolated incidents.
“Actually, the two incidents involved different problems, with the Dec 4 case attributed to human error caused by a worker pressing the wrong button at the operations place.
“Because of that the alert and warning button was automatically activated, causing the operation system of the funicular train to stop. Checks by the PHC team showed that there were no defects,” he said.
In the latest incident last Saturday, the malfunction involved a damaged seal of the hydraulic brakes of the train, he said.
Engineers and technicians took more than 10 hours to identify the problem and rectify it.
“We are investigating to determine how the seal could have been damaged just after two years when it was meant to last four years.
“The seal was made by a foreign company and this is the first such malfunction in the 10 years of operation of the funicular train,” he said.
He said the recent incidents had not affected visitor arrivals at Penang Hill.
After service resumed at 4.45pm yesterday following Saturday’s disruption, the flow of visitors has been like what is normally seen during school holidays.
“PHC accepts all feedback from visitors and we will do whatever we can to make the service safer and more comfortable. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience, especially those who came after the two incidents,” he said.
On Dec 4, more than 500 people were affected after the train service was disrupted for more than two hours from 10am while last Saturday night’s incident left more than 900 visitors stranded. - Bernama
Monday, 9 December 2019
RM175,000 to repair, upgrade Tan jetty - Chow
RM175,000 to repair, upgrade Tan jetty - Chow
A total of RM175,000 has been allocated through the Tanjong Member of Parliament’s office to carry out repair and upgrading works of the Tan Jetty off Weld Quay, which is now gaining popularity as a tourist spot.
North East district and land office assistant engineer Nur Fariza Othman said repair works on the jetty located at the George Town Heritage site commenced on Oct 21 and expected to be completed by Dec 15.
She said the works involved, among others, the installation of 192 poles as well as repair works on the 400-metre-long beam and floor structure.
“During the seven-week repair works we have cordoned off the area, but there are still visitors coming here to take pictures,” she told reporters here Sunday.
She said this after visiting the jetty with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen.
Meanwhile, Chow, who is also Tanjong MP, said the repair and upgrading works of the jetty were implemented after receiving complaints from the public to ensure the safety of visitors there.
He said Tan Jetty was gaining the attention of local and foreign tourists as a place to take pictures after receiving widespread media coverage.
“The increase in the number of visitors here makes the structure of the jetty unstable. So repair works must be carried out immediately for the safety of the visitors,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
A total of RM175,000 has been allocated through the Tanjong Member of Parliament’s office to carry out repair and upgrading works of the Tan Jetty off Weld Quay, which is now gaining popularity as a tourist spot.
North East district and land office assistant engineer Nur Fariza Othman said repair works on the jetty located at the George Town Heritage site commenced on Oct 21 and expected to be completed by Dec 15.
She said the works involved, among others, the installation of 192 poles as well as repair works on the 400-metre-long beam and floor structure.
“During the seven-week repair works we have cordoned off the area, but there are still visitors coming here to take pictures,” she told reporters here Sunday.
She said this after visiting the jetty with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen.
Meanwhile, Chow, who is also Tanjong MP, said the repair and upgrading works of the jetty were implemented after receiving complaints from the public to ensure the safety of visitors there.
He said Tan Jetty was gaining the attention of local and foreign tourists as a place to take pictures after receiving widespread media coverage.
“The increase in the number of visitors here makes the structure of the jetty unstable. So repair works must be carried out immediately for the safety of the visitors,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 15 August 2019
Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing
Penang’s Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing
The Penang government is hopeful that the state will get the distinction of having the fourth botanical garden to be listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there are three UNESCO-listed botanical gardens worldwide, namely the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the United Kingdom, and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden in Brazil.
Jagdeep said what makes Penang’s Botanical Garden stand out is that it is completely natural whereas the others were man-made.
“Even Nigel Taylor, the curator of Singapore Botanic Gardens, said he was very confident that our botanical garden has a big potential to be listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site,” he said in a press conference here today.
Jagdeep also hoped that the physical works on the Penang Botanical Garden’s Special Area Plan (SAP) could be kick-started by this year.
The Penang Botanical Garden’s SAP, which was proposed in March 2011 and approved and gazetted on July 4 this year, consists of 25 detailed projects, including seven main projects.
According to Jagdeep, the seven key projects are the construction of a central visitor centre, plant conservation and research centre, Malaysiana Boulevard, nature’s amphitheatre, viewing tower and viewing deck, as well as restoration of garden mall and service yard facilities, nursery and irrigation system.
“For the time being, we are working on developing a timeframe for the key projects, and we would prioritise the 2.35-hectare central visitor centre,” he said.
Penang Botanical Garden curator Dr Saw Leng Guan said the entrance of the garden would be relocated approximately 700 metres away from its original position to the central visitor centre once the project was finished.
Saw said the existing parking space would also be relocated and centralised in the central visitor centre as well.
“Visitors would then be ushered into the garden, which would help in reducing traffic congestion and make it more accessible to the public,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
The Penang government is hopeful that the state will get the distinction of having the fourth botanical garden to be listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there are three UNESCO-listed botanical gardens worldwide, namely the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the United Kingdom, and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden in Brazil.
Jagdeep said what makes Penang’s Botanical Garden stand out is that it is completely natural whereas the others were man-made.
“Even Nigel Taylor, the curator of Singapore Botanic Gardens, said he was very confident that our botanical garden has a big potential to be listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site,” he said in a press conference here today.
Jagdeep also hoped that the physical works on the Penang Botanical Garden’s Special Area Plan (SAP) could be kick-started by this year.
The Penang Botanical Garden’s SAP, which was proposed in March 2011 and approved and gazetted on July 4 this year, consists of 25 detailed projects, including seven main projects.
According to Jagdeep, the seven key projects are the construction of a central visitor centre, plant conservation and research centre, Malaysiana Boulevard, nature’s amphitheatre, viewing tower and viewing deck, as well as restoration of garden mall and service yard facilities, nursery and irrigation system.
“For the time being, we are working on developing a timeframe for the key projects, and we would prioritise the 2.35-hectare central visitor centre,” he said.
Penang Botanical Garden curator Dr Saw Leng Guan said the entrance of the garden would be relocated approximately 700 metres away from its original position to the central visitor centre once the project was finished.
Saw said the existing parking space would also be relocated and centralised in the central visitor centre as well.
“Visitors would then be ushered into the garden, which would help in reducing traffic congestion and make it more accessible to the public,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 6 August 2019
Come admire the beauty of orchids in Penang
Come admire the beauty of orchids in Penang
The annual Penang Orchid Show is happening again aimed at promoting the Pearl of the Orient as a place where beautiful orchids are grown.
Organised by the Penang state government and Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (FOMOS), the Penang Orchid Show 2019 will be taking centre stage at the Penang Botanic Gardens from Aug 11-18, 9am-9pm daily.
State tourism development, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, said: "This event will attract people, especially orchid lovers, to Penang. The event will focus on competitions and a sale of orchids. Orchid judges from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be coming together at this grand event," he said at a press conference today.
Another focus will be Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences representatives led by Associate Prof S. Sreeramanan, who will provide information on orchid tissue culture and bio-conservation.
FOMOS organising chairman, Tony Tan, said admission to the event where 600 exotic orchids of 60 different species, classes and hybrids will be found, is free.
"Around 10,000 to 20,000 visitors are expected. For the orchid competition, there will be 60 classes with four major prizes: 'Best Plant of the Show', 'Reserved Best Plant', 'Second Reserved Best Plant' and 'Best Species'," said Tan.
On a different subject, Yeoh told reporters that registration for the Miss Asia Global Malaysia 2019/2020 started today, and that the state government and Miss Asia Global Malaysia Pageant will be announcing the date and venue for preliminary screenings in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kuching.
Being held for the first time in Penang, it is another opportunity for the state to promote its sights.
The competition is open to female Malaysians aged 18-28, single and are a minimum height of 1.65m (165cm). Register via https://forms.gle/t6TZ5ZQXhukyrLAy8 by Aug 20.
-- BERNAMA
The annual Penang Orchid Show is happening again aimed at promoting the Pearl of the Orient as a place where beautiful orchids are grown.
Organised by the Penang state government and Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (FOMOS), the Penang Orchid Show 2019 will be taking centre stage at the Penang Botanic Gardens from Aug 11-18, 9am-9pm daily.
State tourism development, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, said: "This event will attract people, especially orchid lovers, to Penang. The event will focus on competitions and a sale of orchids. Orchid judges from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be coming together at this grand event," he said at a press conference today.
Another focus will be Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences representatives led by Associate Prof S. Sreeramanan, who will provide information on orchid tissue culture and bio-conservation.
FOMOS organising chairman, Tony Tan, said admission to the event where 600 exotic orchids of 60 different species, classes and hybrids will be found, is free.
"Around 10,000 to 20,000 visitors are expected. For the orchid competition, there will be 60 classes with four major prizes: 'Best Plant of the Show', 'Reserved Best Plant', 'Second Reserved Best Plant' and 'Best Species'," said Tan.
On a different subject, Yeoh told reporters that registration for the Miss Asia Global Malaysia 2019/2020 started today, and that the state government and Miss Asia Global Malaysia Pageant will be announcing the date and venue for preliminary screenings in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kuching.
Being held for the first time in Penang, it is another opportunity for the state to promote its sights.
The competition is open to female Malaysians aged 18-28, single and are a minimum height of 1.65m (165cm). Register via https://forms.gle/t6TZ5ZQXhukyrLAy8 by Aug 20.
-- BERNAMA
Penang’s 111-year-old Fire Station rebrands as tourism hotspot
Penang’s 111-year-old Fire Station rebrands as tourism hotspot
The Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station here, one of Malaysia’s oldest fire stations still in operation, has reverted to its signboard structural design first used 111 years ago.
The fire station has rebranded as ‘Central Fire Station 1908’ with large black fonts up front, replacing the previous red signboard and restoring its original infrastructure design.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the signage was changed in accordance with the George Town World Heritage Site Special Area Plan on the initiative of the Beach Street Fire and Rescue Department itself.
“This Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station Building is an iconic structure classified under Category I of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he told reporters after inspecting the new signage here today.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Moktar, who was present, said the rebranding is to capitalise on its tourist appeal by highlighting its status as the first fire station in the state.
Apart from the signage, Saadon said, the shape of the building and some of its features would be maintained to comply with the conditions of the George Town World Heritage Site Special Area Plan.
One of the iconic features of the building’s structural design is its combination of different architectural styles, classical façade merging with its Mughal-style four-storey tower with hints of influences from the Edwardian era of architecture.
He said to save costs, the restoration and preservation works were done mostly on the exterior of the fire station.
-- BERNAMA
The Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station here, one of Malaysia’s oldest fire stations still in operation, has reverted to its signboard structural design first used 111 years ago.
The fire station has rebranded as ‘Central Fire Station 1908’ with large black fonts up front, replacing the previous red signboard and restoring its original infrastructure design.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the signage was changed in accordance with the George Town World Heritage Site Special Area Plan on the initiative of the Beach Street Fire and Rescue Department itself.
“This Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station Building is an iconic structure classified under Category I of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he told reporters after inspecting the new signage here today.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Moktar, who was present, said the rebranding is to capitalise on its tourist appeal by highlighting its status as the first fire station in the state.
Apart from the signage, Saadon said, the shape of the building and some of its features would be maintained to comply with the conditions of the George Town World Heritage Site Special Area Plan.
One of the iconic features of the building’s structural design is its combination of different architectural styles, classical façade merging with its Mughal-style four-storey tower with hints of influences from the Edwardian era of architecture.
He said to save costs, the restoration and preservation works were done mostly on the exterior of the fire station.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 29 July 2019
Promoting Balik Pulau as new tourist destination in Penang
Promoting Balik Pulau as new tourist destination in Penang
BALIK PULAU, July 19 (Bernama) -- The three-day Balik Pulau Festival 2019 from today will promote Balik Pulau as a new tourist destination in Penang.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said many programmes have been organised throughout the festival, including running and cycling events that provide an opportunity for tourists to explore the surrounding Balik Pulau area.
Muhammad Bakhtiar who is also Balik Pulau member of Parliament, said that the public will also be feted to traditional orchestral performances, as well as performances by invited artistes, besides having the chance to win various prizes in lucky draws among them flight tickets, motorcycles, watches, cameras and so on.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the slogan ‘I Love MY (Malaysia)’ in conjunction with Festival Balik Pulau 2019, here today. The slogan, among others, aimed at promoting the spirit of patriotism among the people, especially the young.
“I purposely took advantage of the Balik Pulau Festival to start the ‘I Love MY’ campaign. It should be followed by all Malaysians, as we are all proud of our beloved country. Malaysians should popularise this tagline,” he said.
Earlier, Muhammad Bakhtiar attended a motivational talk by celebrities and entrepreneurs, Ariz Ramli or better known as Caprice, titled ‘Jihad in Education’ to about 1,000 students from schools and institutions of higher learning.
-- BERNAMA
BALIK PULAU, July 19 (Bernama) -- The three-day Balik Pulau Festival 2019 from today will promote Balik Pulau as a new tourist destination in Penang.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said many programmes have been organised throughout the festival, including running and cycling events that provide an opportunity for tourists to explore the surrounding Balik Pulau area.
Muhammad Bakhtiar who is also Balik Pulau member of Parliament, said that the public will also be feted to traditional orchestral performances, as well as performances by invited artistes, besides having the chance to win various prizes in lucky draws among them flight tickets, motorcycles, watches, cameras and so on.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the slogan ‘I Love MY (Malaysia)’ in conjunction with Festival Balik Pulau 2019, here today. The slogan, among others, aimed at promoting the spirit of patriotism among the people, especially the young.
“I purposely took advantage of the Balik Pulau Festival to start the ‘I Love MY’ campaign. It should be followed by all Malaysians, as we are all proud of our beloved country. Malaysians should popularise this tagline,” he said.
Earlier, Muhammad Bakhtiar attended a motivational talk by celebrities and entrepreneurs, Ariz Ramli or better known as Caprice, titled ‘Jihad in Education’ to about 1,000 students from schools and institutions of higher learning.
-- BERNAMA
Mural painting gives different satisfaction to an artist
Mural painting gives different satisfaction to an artist
BALIK PULAU, July 21 (Bernama) -- Due to a profound interest in arts, Nasrul Hisham Jamaludin dared to leave his career as a costume designer to venture into a full-time mural art.
The 43-year-old was determined to leave his 15-year career as a costume designer and decided to open a business as a full-time painter by the name of NashArt.
"When I worked as a costume designer, I do portrait painting, mural and others as a part-time job. But when I get used to it and had the feeling that I could go a long way with painting, so I left my job. I set up a business in Ipoh by painting murals, portraits and at the same time, I also did costume designing.
"In addition, I also held workshops on mural painting for the public, so I could not focus on one thing only but to diversify it. We need to be good in marketing," he told Bernama when met after the visit of Tourism, Art and Culture Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik to the mural at Lily Flat, here yesterday.
Nasrul Hisham with four other local artists was given the opportunity to paint murals on the wall of Lily Flat, Green Flat, Seri Indah Flat and Pekan Kongsi, here in conjunction with the three-day 2019 Balik Pulau Arts Festival.
He said painting a mural gave more satisfaction to an artist compared to canvas painting because murals were closer to the community besides the vast space to work.
"Portraiture painting, for example, can only be seen at the Art Gallery or in an exhibition. If painting on the walls, many people can see it and I think these paintings are more appreciated by the community... it does give a different kind of satisfaction," said the Kg Titi Teras-born artist, who has painted eight murals in Kajang, Ipoh and Bagan Datuk since becoming a mural painter in the last five years.
The Penangite noted that a career as a painter could generate a lucrative income if the painter was wise to take the opportunity and know the marketing strategy.
Meanwhile, Amir Andhar Abu Samah, 25, also shared the same opinion and noted that painting a mural was more satisfying from drawing on canvas as the space was quite limited.
"When you paint on canvas, the number of viewers is not large but it is more fun when you paint a mural because we paint it for people to see. I will feel satisfied whenever people look at my work, and we can show what we can do," said the 25-year-old who became a full-time mural painter after graduating in arts in 2014.
His artworks could be seen in areas around Butterworth, Bagan Luar and Kuala Lumpur and in Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
BALIK PULAU, July 21 (Bernama) -- Due to a profound interest in arts, Nasrul Hisham Jamaludin dared to leave his career as a costume designer to venture into a full-time mural art.
The 43-year-old was determined to leave his 15-year career as a costume designer and decided to open a business as a full-time painter by the name of NashArt.
"When I worked as a costume designer, I do portrait painting, mural and others as a part-time job. But when I get used to it and had the feeling that I could go a long way with painting, so I left my job. I set up a business in Ipoh by painting murals, portraits and at the same time, I also did costume designing.
"In addition, I also held workshops on mural painting for the public, so I could not focus on one thing only but to diversify it. We need to be good in marketing," he told Bernama when met after the visit of Tourism, Art and Culture Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik to the mural at Lily Flat, here yesterday.
Nasrul Hisham with four other local artists was given the opportunity to paint murals on the wall of Lily Flat, Green Flat, Seri Indah Flat and Pekan Kongsi, here in conjunction with the three-day 2019 Balik Pulau Arts Festival.
He said painting a mural gave more satisfaction to an artist compared to canvas painting because murals were closer to the community besides the vast space to work.
"Portraiture painting, for example, can only be seen at the Art Gallery or in an exhibition. If painting on the walls, many people can see it and I think these paintings are more appreciated by the community... it does give a different kind of satisfaction," said the Kg Titi Teras-born artist, who has painted eight murals in Kajang, Ipoh and Bagan Datuk since becoming a mural painter in the last five years.
The Penangite noted that a career as a painter could generate a lucrative income if the painter was wise to take the opportunity and know the marketing strategy.
Meanwhile, Amir Andhar Abu Samah, 25, also shared the same opinion and noted that painting a mural was more satisfying from drawing on canvas as the space was quite limited.
"When you paint on canvas, the number of viewers is not large but it is more fun when you paint a mural because we paint it for people to see. I will feel satisfied whenever people look at my work, and we can show what we can do," said the 25-year-old who became a full-time mural painter after graduating in arts in 2014.
His artworks could be seen in areas around Butterworth, Bagan Luar and Kuala Lumpur and in Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Penang Hill's century-old bungalow to be turned into family lodge, campsite
Penang Hill's century-old bungalow to be turned into family lodge, campsite
Eco-holiday goers will have another reason to immerse themselves in the 130 million-year-old rainforest in Penang Hill once the Hillside Bungalow is refurbished into a family lodge and campsite.
Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House are being renovated under the Hillside Retreat Penang project to tap the eco-tourism potential of Penang Hill.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Cheok Lay Leng said Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House, the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill, are nestled comfortably within the surrounding rainforest.
"Under this project, Hillside Bungalow along upper tunnel road will have four boutique rooms, four bunk rooms plus an open area that can accommodate up to 16, four-person-tents for camping.
"Tulip House, located just below the main Summit Road near the Bee Gallery, will have two rooms. The maximum capacity for this project is about 80 persons," he told a press conference here today.
He said Hillside Retreat Penang is expected to be ready by end of October 2019 and the official launch date will be announced soon.
Cheok said besides a design that blends well with the environment, the refurbished properties will have living and dining areas, toilets and shower rooms, refuse and recyclable material storage, rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features.
"Campers will get a chance to indulge themselves under a blanket of stars, inhaling the cool fresh air while casting their eyes over the Milky Way. This is a chance to enjoy a timeless moment of tranquility and intimacy with loved ones in peace and quiet," he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project would provide more opportunities for tourists to explore such hidden gems at different parts of Penang Hill with the extended time spent on the hill.
"It also reflects the endeavours of the Penang state government to promote eco-tourism and allowing families to spend quality time together by enjoying the natural beauty of Penang Hill throughout the day," he said.
Built in the early 1900s, Hillside Bungalow is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill and is classified as a Category II heritage building in the Penang Hill Local Plan 1998 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan 2016.
The bungalow was once used as a rest house for British government officers. It was turned into a rest house for public servants after Independence and left vacant.
Tulip House was built by the British in the 1920s for workers at that time, and the place was used as a government quarters after Independence. It was then handed over to PHC after 2011 and was renovated in 2016.
-- BERNAMA
Eco-holiday goers will have another reason to immerse themselves in the 130 million-year-old rainforest in Penang Hill once the Hillside Bungalow is refurbished into a family lodge and campsite.
Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House are being renovated under the Hillside Retreat Penang project to tap the eco-tourism potential of Penang Hill.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Cheok Lay Leng said Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House, the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill, are nestled comfortably within the surrounding rainforest.
"Under this project, Hillside Bungalow along upper tunnel road will have four boutique rooms, four bunk rooms plus an open area that can accommodate up to 16, four-person-tents for camping.
"Tulip House, located just below the main Summit Road near the Bee Gallery, will have two rooms. The maximum capacity for this project is about 80 persons," he told a press conference here today.
He said Hillside Retreat Penang is expected to be ready by end of October 2019 and the official launch date will be announced soon.
Cheok said besides a design that blends well with the environment, the refurbished properties will have living and dining areas, toilets and shower rooms, refuse and recyclable material storage, rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features.
"Campers will get a chance to indulge themselves under a blanket of stars, inhaling the cool fresh air while casting their eyes over the Milky Way. This is a chance to enjoy a timeless moment of tranquility and intimacy with loved ones in peace and quiet," he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project would provide more opportunities for tourists to explore such hidden gems at different parts of Penang Hill with the extended time spent on the hill.
"It also reflects the endeavours of the Penang state government to promote eco-tourism and allowing families to spend quality time together by enjoying the natural beauty of Penang Hill throughout the day," he said.
Built in the early 1900s, Hillside Bungalow is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill and is classified as a Category II heritage building in the Penang Hill Local Plan 1998 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan 2016.
The bungalow was once used as a rest house for British government officers. It was turned into a rest house for public servants after Independence and left vacant.
Tulip House was built by the British in the 1920s for workers at that time, and the place was used as a government quarters after Independence. It was then handed over to PHC after 2011 and was renovated in 2016.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Conservationists disagree over way forward
Conservationists disagree over way forward
The decorated entrance to Lee Jetty in Pengkalan Weld. Some activists are concerned the jetties are becoming ‘theme parks’. -NSTP/Danial Saad
Conservationists are split over whether the Unesco World Heritage status accorded to parts of the city, which led to an influx of tourists, has done more harm than good to the clan jetties here.
The difference of opinion appears to rest on the best way to preserve the integrity of the jetties, with some calling for a ban on businesses operating on the jetties, while others feel there is a need to encourage it.
Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Housing, Building and Planning Professor Dr. A. Ghafar Ahmad says so long as there are residents staying on the jetties, they will be preserved.
“You must understand the history of the clan jetties, which began as a homestead for Chinese immigrants who came here for work in the then booming Penang maritime trade.
“So the true meaning of the jetties and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is still intact as long as there are residents living there,” he tells the New Sunday Times.
However, he says, the jetties, especially Chew Jetty, may end up losing its OVU if the entire jetty is converted into a fully-commercial enterprise.
“It is all right for residents living there to carry out business or trade. You cannot stop that. In fact, residents should be encouraged to participate in economic activities as seen in other World Heritage listed sites.”
However, Ghafar qualifies this by stating that only residents living in the jetties should be allowed to conduct businesses to ensure they would invest in maintaining the place, which is also their home.
“They know the place, so they will take better care of it.”
He says there should be control over the types of businesses allowed to operate on the jetties as well as their opening hours.
“There should be do’s and don’ts for business operators as well as tourists visiting the jetties.
“There should be stringent rules, strictly enforced.
“The authorities must conduct research to determine these factors before implementing them.”
He says the authorities must look into limiting the number of tourists visiting the jetties.
This, he says, was to ensure that the narrow wooden boardwalks would not be damaged and that residents would not be inconvenienced with the presence of tourists at all times.
“The authorities can charge tourists a fee, which can be channelled towards maintaining the jetties.”
Ghafar says effort must be undertaken to improve the infrastructure of the jetties.
“For example, the toilets must be improved, instead of allowing residents to release their sewage into the sea. There should also be steps taken to protect the structure against fires.”
Conservation architect Tan Yeow Wooi disagrees with Ghafar on the way the jetties are being preserved for future generations.
He says the identity of the clan jetties is becoming lost due to the increasing number of tourists and commercial enterprises on the jetties.
“Looking back in history, we understand that these clan jetties were set up to replicate the immigrants’ hometowns in China, where the village residents mostly share the same ancestors.
“Of course, their homes in China would have been on land, but since they came to Penang to work as coolies at the docks or in the town, as well as sampan operators ferrying passengers and food in the straits channel, they may have decided to stick close to the sea.”
He says another clue that indicates the villages are built to mirror the residents’ hometowns is the fact that the temples in all the villages share the same name as the temple back in their ancestral villages in China.
“How can we claim that the clan jetties have retained their integrity if the residents of the clan surname begin leaving the jetties? It will no longer be a clan jetty.”
He says after the end of Penang’s free-port status, many residents moved out of the jetties in search of jobs.
“Due to social changes, only old people and young children are left in the jetties.
“However, with the tourism boom, most residents are now no longer living in the jetties, but are instead subletting the premises.”
He says physical changes to the facade of the jetties have compromised their character.
“It used to be wooden houses with thatched roof, but now you have more modern materials, such as stainless steel, glass and zinc.
“The facade (of houses) has also been removed to accommodate the trinkets being sold.”
Tan points out two different pictures of the same spot in Chew Jetty taken 10 years apart.
“Look at this picture. In the older picture, there is a mother cutting her son’s hair on the porch. In the newer picture, the entire area is filled with souvenirs.
“This is a shocking change and you will not be able to tell that it’s the same place.”
He says many had been caught by surprise when, two years ago, the businesses on the jetties suddenly increased by nearly 80 per cent within six months.
“In the beginning, residents used to complain that they were not getting any benefits from tourists. A few then started to do business selling souvenirs. Before you knew it, more shops began popping up.”
What is worse, Tan says, is the fact that most shops sell things that have nothing to do with the identity of the jetties.
“They sell things that are not related to the jetties and you can see more and more businesses catering to tourists and that’s really intrusive.”
He says the lack of control on the number of businesses operating in jetties shows that George Town World Heritage Inc is not managing the jetties well.
He says immediate action is needed before the settlements fully become markets.
“They need to control the commercialisation and gentrification to protect the OUV.”
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The decorated entrance to Lee Jetty in Pengkalan Weld. Some activists are concerned the jetties are becoming ‘theme parks’. -NSTP/Danial Saad
Conservationists are split over whether the Unesco World Heritage status accorded to parts of the city, which led to an influx of tourists, has done more harm than good to the clan jetties here.
The difference of opinion appears to rest on the best way to preserve the integrity of the jetties, with some calling for a ban on businesses operating on the jetties, while others feel there is a need to encourage it.
Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Housing, Building and Planning Professor Dr. A. Ghafar Ahmad says so long as there are residents staying on the jetties, they will be preserved.
“You must understand the history of the clan jetties, which began as a homestead for Chinese immigrants who came here for work in the then booming Penang maritime trade.
“So the true meaning of the jetties and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is still intact as long as there are residents living there,” he tells the New Sunday Times.
However, he says, the jetties, especially Chew Jetty, may end up losing its OVU if the entire jetty is converted into a fully-commercial enterprise.
“It is all right for residents living there to carry out business or trade. You cannot stop that. In fact, residents should be encouraged to participate in economic activities as seen in other World Heritage listed sites.”
However, Ghafar qualifies this by stating that only residents living in the jetties should be allowed to conduct businesses to ensure they would invest in maintaining the place, which is also their home.
“They know the place, so they will take better care of it.”
He says there should be control over the types of businesses allowed to operate on the jetties as well as their opening hours.
“There should be do’s and don’ts for business operators as well as tourists visiting the jetties.
“There should be stringent rules, strictly enforced.
“The authorities must conduct research to determine these factors before implementing them.”
He says the authorities must look into limiting the number of tourists visiting the jetties.
This, he says, was to ensure that the narrow wooden boardwalks would not be damaged and that residents would not be inconvenienced with the presence of tourists at all times.
“The authorities can charge tourists a fee, which can be channelled towards maintaining the jetties.”
Ghafar says effort must be undertaken to improve the infrastructure of the jetties.
“For example, the toilets must be improved, instead of allowing residents to release their sewage into the sea. There should also be steps taken to protect the structure against fires.”
Conservation architect Tan Yeow Wooi disagrees with Ghafar on the way the jetties are being preserved for future generations.
He says the identity of the clan jetties is becoming lost due to the increasing number of tourists and commercial enterprises on the jetties.
“Looking back in history, we understand that these clan jetties were set up to replicate the immigrants’ hometowns in China, where the village residents mostly share the same ancestors.
“Of course, their homes in China would have been on land, but since they came to Penang to work as coolies at the docks or in the town, as well as sampan operators ferrying passengers and food in the straits channel, they may have decided to stick close to the sea.”
He says another clue that indicates the villages are built to mirror the residents’ hometowns is the fact that the temples in all the villages share the same name as the temple back in their ancestral villages in China.
“How can we claim that the clan jetties have retained their integrity if the residents of the clan surname begin leaving the jetties? It will no longer be a clan jetty.”
He says after the end of Penang’s free-port status, many residents moved out of the jetties in search of jobs.
“Due to social changes, only old people and young children are left in the jetties.
“However, with the tourism boom, most residents are now no longer living in the jetties, but are instead subletting the premises.”
He says physical changes to the facade of the jetties have compromised their character.
“It used to be wooden houses with thatched roof, but now you have more modern materials, such as stainless steel, glass and zinc.
“The facade (of houses) has also been removed to accommodate the trinkets being sold.”
Tan points out two different pictures of the same spot in Chew Jetty taken 10 years apart.
“Look at this picture. In the older picture, there is a mother cutting her son’s hair on the porch. In the newer picture, the entire area is filled with souvenirs.
“This is a shocking change and you will not be able to tell that it’s the same place.”
He says many had been caught by surprise when, two years ago, the businesses on the jetties suddenly increased by nearly 80 per cent within six months.
“In the beginning, residents used to complain that they were not getting any benefits from tourists. A few then started to do business selling souvenirs. Before you knew it, more shops began popping up.”
What is worse, Tan says, is the fact that most shops sell things that have nothing to do with the identity of the jetties.
“They sell things that are not related to the jetties and you can see more and more businesses catering to tourists and that’s really intrusive.”
He says the lack of control on the number of businesses operating in jetties shows that George Town World Heritage Inc is not managing the jetties well.
He says immediate action is needed before the settlements fully become markets.
“They need to control the commercialisation and gentrification to protect the OUV.”
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Power to limit tourists lies with clan jetty chiefs'
Power to limit tourists lies with clan jetty chiefs'
Tourists buying souvenirs at Chew Jetty, Pengkalan Weld. - NSTP/Danial Saad
George Town World Heritage Inc (GTWHI), which manages the World Heritage Site here, said clan jetties need to decide what they want in terms of allowing tourists to flock to their homes.
GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee says the clan jetty chiefs acted on consensus when they decided to allow residents to set up trinket shops and other businesses to capitalise on the high tourist flow.
She says GTWHI respects their wishes, but if some quarters are not to keen to have too many tourists, they ought to bring it up to their respective clan chiefs.
“GTWHI can’t take over the jetties as it is under the control of the respective clan chiefs.
If they want to limit tourists entering the area, then they have to bring it up to their chiefs.”
Ang says public feedback is welcome as the state government is reviewing its George Town Special Area Plan.
However, as site managers, she says they are obliged to protect the clan jetties, ensure sustainable tourism and ensure the residents’ future generations continue to live there.
“We want their offspring to continue staying there in preserving the intangible culture that is synonymous with George Town.
“So we will do all we can to ensure that the clan jetties continue to be a safe and comfortable place for them to live in.”
Today marks George Town’s 11th anniversary as a World Heritage Site.
Ang adds that the state government has to ensure clean water supply to the homes in the jetties and carry out works to improve the sewerage system.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi says the state government understands that residents need to make a living.
“It is not cheap to maintain their homes, so we understand that they need to make an income to help them sustain their living.
“Their shops are not legal as per the zoning of the jetties, which are essentially residential, but we are looking at changing the zoning to set better rules and regulations on operating businesses, including on the types of businesses allowed.”
Gooi says the state will help residents maintain the jetties’ boardwalk, improve the infrastructure and help maintain the houses of those who cannot afford to.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Tourists buying souvenirs at Chew Jetty, Pengkalan Weld. - NSTP/Danial Saad
George Town World Heritage Inc (GTWHI), which manages the World Heritage Site here, said clan jetties need to decide what they want in terms of allowing tourists to flock to their homes.
GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee says the clan jetty chiefs acted on consensus when they decided to allow residents to set up trinket shops and other businesses to capitalise on the high tourist flow.
She says GTWHI respects their wishes, but if some quarters are not to keen to have too many tourists, they ought to bring it up to their respective clan chiefs.
“GTWHI can’t take over the jetties as it is under the control of the respective clan chiefs.
If they want to limit tourists entering the area, then they have to bring it up to their chiefs.”
Ang says public feedback is welcome as the state government is reviewing its George Town Special Area Plan.
However, as site managers, she says they are obliged to protect the clan jetties, ensure sustainable tourism and ensure the residents’ future generations continue to live there.
“We want their offspring to continue staying there in preserving the intangible culture that is synonymous with George Town.
“So we will do all we can to ensure that the clan jetties continue to be a safe and comfortable place for them to live in.”
Today marks George Town’s 11th anniversary as a World Heritage Site.
Ang adds that the state government has to ensure clean water supply to the homes in the jetties and carry out works to improve the sewerage system.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi says the state government understands that residents need to make a living.
“It is not cheap to maintain their homes, so we understand that they need to make an income to help them sustain their living.
“Their shops are not legal as per the zoning of the jetties, which are essentially residential, but we are looking at changing the zoning to set better rules and regulations on operating businesses, including on the types of businesses allowed.”
Gooi says the state will help residents maintain the jetties’ boardwalk, improve the infrastructure and help maintain the houses of those who cannot afford to.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Friday, 8 February 2019
Kek Lok Si
In celebration of Chinese New Year, thousands of lights from Kek Lok Si will illuminate the landscape of Air Itam on 4th - 19th February 2019.
~Tourism Malaysia~
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