~Photo courtesy of New Straits Times~
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Friday, 25 October 2013
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~
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~
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~
Monday, 7 October 2013
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~
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~
Sunday, 15 September 2013
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~
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~
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
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~
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~
Saturday, 7 September 2013
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~
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~
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