Strings of lanterns

Strings of lanterns



More than 10,000 lanterns cover the Kek Lok Si Temple on Jalan Air Itam, Penang. Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and the most famous temple in Penang since it was established in 1893.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

“It’s all good” at Line Clear Nasi Kandar

“It’s all good” at Line Clear Nasi Kandar

Business is as usual for the famous Penang Line Clear Nasi Kandar restaurant, despite rumours that local authorities would 'clear' them out today.

Checks by New Straits Times at the famous eatery at an alley off Jalan Penang showed all was well, with few tables filled with patrons as early as 7am.

However, operators of the eatery were seen anxiously walking back and forth at the entrance, in anticipation of a possible appearance of local council enforcement workers.

When contacted, Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) licencing department director Asman Sirun said the clear-out was "on hold pending discussion with legal advisers".

The eatery, a staple for tourists and locals alike, had been mired in an apparent ownership tussle, which led the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) with no choice but to intervene.

Yesterday, the eatery obtained a stay of execution to prevent MPPP from a possible tear down of its premises.

The popular Nasi Kandar outlet was recently in the spotlight yet again, when the council's enforcement team cleared out the tables and chairs, loaded them onto a lorry and took them away in the wee hours of Monday last week.

The outlet, which has been in existence since 1949, is operated on a rotational basis among four cousins -Abdul Hamid, T. Abdul Latiff Sahubarali China Mohd Hanibal, and Pathumah Iskandar.


Shamsudin Seeni Pakir, 58, of Line Clear Nasi Kandar restaurant serves a customer.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Female backpacker injured in attempted snatch theft

Female backpacker injured in attempted snatch theft

A 57-year-old female foreign backpacker sustained hand injuries from a knife cut in an attempted snatch theft late yesterday.

The tourist was walking in Jalan Chulia when a lone motorist rode up to her and whipped up the knife to cut the strap of her handbag.

The motorist however ended up cutting the victim’s finger.

Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mior Farid Alatrash Wahid confirmed the 11.30pm incident.

He said no arrest had been made in connection with the incident.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Penang “Kancil car park” opens

Penang “Kancil car park” opens

The Penang Hill multi-storey car park, is finally open to the public after a long delay and its share of controversy.

The RM11.49 million facility, which was opened by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, has a total of 305 parking lots available for vehicles while 182 lots are reserved for motorcycles.

Among the features of the car park is the commercial area on the ground floor, including 11 stalls, a food court and an alfresco dining area.

The car park is also built with disabled-friendly ramps with direct access to a passenger lift.

The parking rate for vehicles has been set at RM2 for the first hour and RM1 for each subsequent hour. Motorcyclists get to park for free.

The facility was earlier dubbed the "Kancil car park", due to its poor design, which included steep ramps and parking bays said to be only suitable for Perodua Kancil cars.

Following an outcry, the state government demolished the building and rebuilt the car park.



The Penang Hill car park is finally opened to public.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Airport

Happy new year 2015

Buses have fewer than 5 passengers per trip

Buses have fewer than 5 passengers per trip

PENANG’S latest attraction, the Hop-on Hop-off bus service, has started losing its appeal.

A Streets check showed that the bus which tours the island had fewer than five passengers per trip.

This was in stark contrast to when the service was introduced two weeks ago, when the public packed the buses every day to take advantage of the free rides during its week-long trial run.

The launch on Nov 16 took place with much fanfare at Gurney Drive with government officials attending the event.

Tickets are priced at RM19 for adults and RM12 for children, while foreigners pay RM45 for adults and RM24 for children.

Goay Geik Sim, 74, said Penangites were not ready to fork out RM19 for a 24-hour ride.

“The fare is too costly. I hope the operator will consider making it more affordable for everyone,” she said.

Another commuter, Mohd Rizuan Amiruddin, 24, said he was not willing to pay RM19 for a bus ride.

“I have been taking Rapid Penang buses and each trip can cost up to RM4. There is no reason for me to pay almost five times the amount for a scenic ride on the double-decker bus.

“I suggest the company revise the fare to that of a stage bus,” he said.

The spokesman for the Kuala Lumpur-based operator, Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, was unable to say what the contingency plan was.

He refused to comment if the current fare structure was too exorbitant.

Elang Wah had expected about 300 passengers per day.

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus offers passengers a panoramic, rooftop view and visits 33 tourist spots in George Town, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.

Passengers may choose to stay for a full tour or hop on and hop off at any of the stops.

The bus can seat 60 passengers and is equipped with disabled-friendly features.

An average of six buses are deployed daily.

The company has invested RM11 million in its maiden foray into Penang.


The public taking advantage of the free ride during its week-long trial run.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~