iGeorgeTown NetBuzz offers links to items on society, culture and heritage, about George Town and Penang in particular, and Malaysia in general, that are published on the Internet. It is updated daily. Views and opinion expressed in the links are solely those of the authors and/or their respective organisations and do not necessarily represent those of iGeorgeTown. Please contact them directly to comment or interact.

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TBRA urges Penang govt to act against MPPP failures: Frustrated by the silence and the perceived inaction of the Penang state government, the Tanjung Bunga Residents Association has written a letter to exco members Chow Kon Yeow and Phee Boon Poh, expressing its concerns about property development projects on steep hill slopes. The group is also calling for action to be taken against those in the Penang Municipal Council who were responsible for approving such projects. (anilnetto.com, 27.06.09)

Penang jewels 're-discovered': They have always been there, the heritage houses with their unique architecture. MARINA EMMANUEL rediscovers or, rather, reads about the beauties that are so quintessentially Penang. It's not strictly for the architecture buffs as the title of the book suggests. Heritage Houses of Penang is most certainly a good read and has great pictures that most anyone can enjoy. (NST Online, 26.06.09)

Innocent until proven guilty: While the Penang government is to be commended for its zero tolerance to corruption, the act of awarding and announcing rewards to those who reveal wrongdoings raises several concerns. Why is the state government giving out rewards for those who report crimes, when it is already a legal obligation to do so? A person is committing an offence when not reporting crimes. Does reporting a crime mean that the suspect is guilty of the accusation?  (theSun)

Engage sustainable transport expert - in line with CAT: I was on the road today and, looking at the traffic, I couldn’t help wondering what the Penang government’s plans are to ease congestion in the state. Surely, there is an urgent need to engage a traffic planning expert or consultant to come up with a sustainable plan for traffic management, which would also include pedestrian-friendly streets, cycling, buses, other forms of public transport and ferries. A masterplan should be drawn up to plan the traffic corridors and ensure that future property development projects  fit into this blueprint. (Anil Netto, 25.06.09)

Battle for the crown jewel: Soon after the general elections of November 1999, I happened to be with Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon who had helped thwart an all-out DAP attack, led by opposition supremo Lim Kit Siang himself, on Gerakan-held state seats in Penang.  The chief minister and state Gerakan chief appeared pensive. He spoke about Lim’s challenge and signs of a future DAP strategy for Penang. I prodded him to tell what he thought the DAP was planning. Koh paused a moment, and then prophetically uttered: To bring Lim Guan Eng to Penang. (theSun)

Gerakan’s season of discontent: KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — In his repeated threats to quit Gerakan, Huan Cheng Guan has unintentionally drawn attention to the growing disquiet and restlessness among members eager for reforms and who are feeling frustrated with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN). While many members are feeling disheartened with the party's inability to change since it lost power in Penang last year after holding the government for 39 years, they are not exactly falling behind the vice-president either. (Malaysian Insider)

Get the ferry picture right: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's proposal that the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) take over the operations of the ferry services from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is a puzzling suggestion that raises a number of troubling questions.  First is the interference by the executive in matters within the purview of a local council. MPPP neither reports to nor is a part of the state government. (NST Online, 24.06.09)

Leave Penang ferry service alone: The statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng proposing that MPPP (Penang Island Municipal Council) take over the ferry services from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is puzzling. Why is the executive interfering in matters within the purview of the local council? It must be pointed out that MPPP neither reports to nor is a part of the state government. The MPPP is a local authority with a president and councillors entrusted to formulate policies and arrive at decisions guided by the Local Government Act (LGA), Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) and the Street, Drainage and Building Act and other pertinent laws and regulations. (theSun)

Do not be foolhardy: The statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng proposing Penang Island Municipal Council to take over the operations of the historical Penang ferry services from Penang Port Sdn Bhd is a rather puzzling suggestion that raises a number of troubling questions. First and foremost is the interference by the executive in matters within the purview of the local council. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

Ruling unfair to inner city growth: I read with interest and concern Angie Ng’s article “Redeveloping and conserving Penang’s heritage” (The Star, June 13) and her call for a workable heritage blueprint in order for Penang to regain its glory as the “Pearl of the Orient”. It is long overdue for Penang to come out with holistic and well thought out plans and programmes for the redevelopment and rejuvenation of George Town’s inner city. (Star Online, 22.06.09)

In defence of previous state govt: Penang must continue to improve its infrastructure, communication network and other facilities to meet the increasing demands of investors. State Gerakan assistant secretary Goh Kheng Sneah said foreign investors would not invest a huge sum of money in the state if Penang failed to meet their requirements. (Star Online, 22.06.09)

Penang not left behind: GEORGE TOWN (June 21, 2009) - Penang is not left behind in the country's development but is part of the nations mainstream development, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. All the states in Malaysia, including Penang, have progressed significantly in the past few decades after  Independence. The previous state government and the federal government have contributed a lot for the state,he said. (theSun)

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Suiwah to open concept store in Penang: Suiwah Corporation Berhad will open its latest lifestyle concept store cum supermarket at the Penang Times Square in Penang in October. The store, called Sunshine City, is the latest addition to the Suiwah Corporation chain of retail stores and will also be the anchor tenant of Penang Times Square phase one. (Business Times, 26.06.09)

Asas Dunia lines up new projects: Penang-based property developer Asas Dunia Bhd (ADB) (5975) is looking at implementing eight new projects in mainland Penang over the next four years. Its managing director Datuk Jerry Chan Fook Sing said 1,177 units of dwellings ranging from affordable housing to high-end homes will be scattered on different sites totalling 48ha. (Business Times, 25.06.09)

Honda Confident Of Achieving 35,000 Units Sales Target: BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 22 (Bernama) - Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of achieving its sales target of 35,000 units of vehicles for this year despite the gloomy economic outlook. Its managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said as of May this year, the company had sold 17,313 units of vehicles. "In the beginning of 2009, the market shrunk 12 percent in four months from January to April. In spite of this, Honda gained the number one position in the non-national passenger car market segment in that period," he said at media conference after the opening of JM Motor Venture Sdn Bhd, Honda's 58th showroom, here Monday.

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28 Tamil schools get RM1.5m aid: The special committee on Tamil schools in Penang has given out RM1.5mil aid from the state government to 28 Tamil schools in April. Deputy Chief Minister (II) Dr P. Ramasamy said yesterday the money was presented to the schools during a ceremony in Komtar. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Closing Date For IPTA Cash Aid Extended: PENANG, June 24 (Bernama) - The Penang government has extended the closing date for the application of RM500 cash aid for the public institution of higher education (IPTA) registration fee from June 30 to July 19. This will enable students to have more time to submit their applications, said Political Secretary to the Penang Chief Minister Ng Wei Aik in a statement Wednesday.

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Penang bans polystrene at state functions to cut dengue spread: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has banned the use of polystyrene cups and plates at all state organised functions with immediate effect as part of measures to contain the outbreak of dengue here. In Penang, one of the top breeding grounds for the carrier of dengue- the aedes mosquitos, are discarded plastic bags and polystyrene dining ware, said state Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Want a plastic bag? Pay 20sen: GEORGE TOWN (Jun 22, 2009) - Come July 6, patrons of supermarkets and hypermarkets in Penang will have to pay 20 sen for each plastic bag that they obtain from the respective outlets where they shop. The new initiative was recently agreed upon and supported by over 250 supermarkets, hypermarkets, shops and pharmacies in the state, as part of the state governments No Plastic Bag Day campaign. (theSun)

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Apong Guan | Penang Hawker Food: Apong Guan is well known for his tasty and fluffy pancakes. Patience is a must  if you want to get your hands on this pancake. During my first visit which my initial intention was to try out the famous wan tan mee and apong Guan, I failed to try out the pancake due to long waiting time (45 mins). But I vowed to try the apong out as the fragrant emitted was so alluring! (Allie Food Talk, 26.06.09)

Joo Hooi at Komtar - Penang Hawker Food Series: This is the 3rd installment of my Penang Hawker Food series. And in this article, we move on to a small little hidden coffee shop (although the sign says ‘cafe) along Penang Road … right next to the tallest building on the island of Penang, the Komtar. There’s quite a few popular food eateries around this area but the locals will know Joo Hooi Cafe. (3 meals, 24.06.09)

Top 12 Must Eat Penang Food: Since Heritage of Malaysia Trust select Top 100 traditional foods as part of Malaysia heritage, Tourism Development And Culture Penang also decided to select the Top 12 Must Eat Penang Food from 100 type of Penang foods.  These foods may be exceed more than 50 years history in Malaysia and best to represent ourlife cultural. (Georgetown Penang Heritage Site, 25.06.09)

Beef Kuay Teow Soup: Loon picked me up this morning for the Weld Quay food court. Our purpose? Beef Kuay Teow soup at the food court. This one is supposed to be very famous, so much so they dare to charge RM 8 per bowl. Loon said, at that price, they won't be sold out, so it is no problem getting some. The problem is the food court gets very crowded around 1 PM, when most office workers around the area gets out for lunch. (Penang Bound, 24.06.09)

Malaysian Kueh - Penang Nyonya Kuih: Nyonya Kuih can be found in most of the wet market around Georgetown. They come in many different texture, shapes and multi colored. They are mostly steamed with some deep fried and baked. I got to enjoy some freshly made kuih at Kuih Nyonya Moh Teng Pheow located in Jalan Mesjid, Off Chulia Street. The owner, Mr Mook and his family has been making the Nyonya Kuihs and supplying them to kuih peddlers for many years in Penang but nowadays they just cater to the hotels and directly walk-in customers. (What2see, 22.06.09)

Penang Hawker Food (Penang Street Food): Penang food, especially its legendary hawker food–also known as street food–is world famous and phenomenal one has to try it out to justify it. In my honest opinion, Penang offers the best street food, thanks to its people and state authorities who fiercely embrace, cultivate, and take great pride in Penang’s unique street food culture and living traditions. Born and raised in Penang, I might be bias, but great press such as Time Asia’s Best of Asia for “Best Street Food,” The New York Times’s “44 Places to Go in 2009,” plus throngs of tourists and foodies alike who come to Penang in search of great street food don’t lie. The recent UNESCO world heritage listing is just an icing on the cake for Penang tourism. (Rasa Malaysia, 22.06.09)

A Taste of Penang: There is no doubt that the best place to eat in Malaysia is Penang. The Red Dragon Night Market in Georgetown is one of the most culturally diverse food markets you will find in all of South East Asia and everyone from every background will be there with you. The market has about 25 different food options that include Chinese, Japanese, Malay, and Indian. (Western too but I refuse to count the McWaffle place in my holy sanctuary of cuisine) (Brock Seabrook, 22.06.09)

Kampung Baru Poh Poh Seafood: We have been venturing into Bukit Mertajam lately to find some food gems within the small yet bustling town that offers plenty of food varieties that can meet almost everyone’s appetite. There are many more that we have not covered along the mainland area but we are getting there…Poh Poh Seafood is another chu char place that gives good food at affordable price. Poh Poh Seafood is located at Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam and quite close to Restoran Yu Lin that offers comfortable chinese food environment and also Medan Selera Taman Sentosa which sells the gado-gado.  (Penang Tua Pui, 21.06.09)

Famous Nyonya and Local Cuisine at Hot Wok, Burmah Road: The name HOT WOK Restaurant is already well known to Penangites. Hot Wok has been operating in and around Tanjung Tokong district as early as 1994. After more than a decade’s experience in rescuing Nyonya cuisine, Hot Wok decided to relocate to two adjoining double-storey pre-war houses along Jalan Burma, Penang. The concept of Hot Wok is to provide diners with an ambience which is rich with Nyonya Heritage and culture. It is very easy to locate Hot Wok, just drive along Jalan Burma (one way), watch out for you right just after Nagor Place. You won’t miss that as it is at the middle of a row of shop houses. (Steven Goh, 22.06.09)

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Penang works on bringing back local govt elections: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Government will table a resolution in the August sitting of the state assembly urging the Federal Govern-ment to bring back local government elections. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state had asked the Bar Council for a legal opinion on the move and expected a report this week. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Guan Eng: Penang allocated only 0,4% of budget: GEORGE TOWN (June 23, 2009) - Penang has been allocated a miniscule 0.4% of the federal government’s critical budget for development and management under the second stimulus package, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today. Saying the paltry allocation was an indication that the state was being marginalised, he urged Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackob to examine and address the matter.  Lim said unjustified sum did not reflect the state’s contribution to the national economy, pointing out that some 30% of the country’s total exports come from Penang. (theSun)

MPSP to clean monsoon drain: The Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) will set aside RM800,000 to clean up a 5km monsoon drain which cuts through Bagan Jermal, Bagan Dalam and Sungai Puyu constituencies. The amount is needed to overcome flash floods in several areas along the stretch of the drain. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Two vacated shoplots crumble: The Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) has asked the owner of seven pre-war double-storey shophouses in Butterworth to appoint a consultant to check on the structure of the buildings following the partial collapse of two unoccupied shophouses. The nine are among 13 in an L-shaped row of shophouses fronting Jalan Bagan Luar and Jalan Telaga Air. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

Penang mulls independent panel to select councillors: GEORGE TOWN (June 23, 2009) - In a radical move, the Penang government may set up an independent panel of citizens to select its municipal councillors while waiting for legal hurdles against local government elections to be cleared.  The setting up of the body, dubbed the independent panel for the selection of councillors (IPSC), is the one of the chief recommendations issued by the state-appointed local government working group (LGWG). (theSun)

Vacant land turned into dumping site: A vacant plot of land at the crossroad junction of Lebuh Macallum and Lebuh McNair has been turned into a dumping site for building contractors over the past three weeks, upsetting nearby shop owners. DAP Action Team chief Tham Weng Fatt who visited the area yesterday said that he complained to the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) two weeks ago about the matter, claiming nothing had been done to date. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

Councils under fire over telco issue: The rationalisation process for telecommunication transmission towers in Penang is moving slowly and Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi claims it is due to the “sluggishness” of both the local councils in the state. Ooi, who heads the state- appointed special taskforce to handle telecommunications infrastructure issues, said the taskforce and the five main telecommunication operators had a dialogue session recently to thrash out some of the issues. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

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All new projects in heritage zone to be scaled down: GEORGE TOWN (June 26, 2009) - The controversy over the World Heritage Site status of Malacca and George Town by Unesco -- after four high-rise building projects were planned in George Town’s conservation zone -- is likely to end with all developers required by the state government to scale down or amend their plans in compliance with the world body’s recommendations. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reported the Penang government’s decision in a letter submitted to the Unesco's World Heritage Committee (WHC) on June 4. (theSun)

Heritage listing no use to traders: GEORGE TOWN - Traditional tombstone engraver Koay Choon Heng, who has been in the business for the last 30 years, was elated when George Town was listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.  The 44-year-old had high hopes that the listing would help rekindle interest in his trade, which is fast being replaced by modern types of engraving methods. However, a year after the listing, Koay's hope of such a thing happening has been dashed. (NST Online, 26.06.09)

Trust calls for policies to protect old buildings: GEORGE TOWN - The absence of local government policies that could help ensure pre-war buildings in Penang are properly maintained is the main cause of the sorry state of such structures.  Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Dr Choong Sim Poey said owners of such buildings were not obligated to take care and maintain their properties. (NST Online, 24.06.09)

New Book! Heritage Houses of Penang: Penang famed as the Pearl of the Orient, has been the meeting place of cultural currents from India and China, as well as insular and mainland Southeast Asia. As a key commercial port of the British East India Company from 1786, it was drawn into the international trading route. Ship captains and seafaring merchants chose to retreat to this strategically situated island, while miners and planters who made their fortunes in neighbouring lands built their incredible homes here. (Green Selipar, 18.06.09)

Top floor of two pre-war buidings collapse: SEBERANG PRAI (June 22, 2009) - The top floor of two unoccupied double storey pre-war shop houses in Jalan Telaga Air, Butterworth collapsed about 3.45pm today.  The collapse was believed to be due to the poor structure of the buildings which were built in 1940s. No one was injured in the incident. (theSun)

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Lim Denies DAP Membership For Aid: PENANG, June 25 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has denied allegations that elderly folk in the state were asked to fill aid forms with the condition that they were DAP members. Lim, who is also the party's secretary-general, said his party had never laid down that condition and the forms also did not require the elderly to state their party affiliation to get aid.

Penang Gerakan Youth Urges Huan To Settle Problems Within Party: PENANG, June 24 (Bernama) - Penang Gerakan Youth today urged party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan to go through the proper party channel to air his grievances over his suspension from the party. Its chief, Oh Tong Keong, said Huan should refrain from publicly blaming party leaders or mobilising his supporters to express his unhappiness.

Three-year suspension too harsh, says Gerakan Youth chief: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Gerakan Youth wants the party’s central working committee to reduce the suspension period of party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan from three years to six months. Its head Oh Tong Keong said the decision was made by the state Youth working committee in a meeting on Tuesday night. (Star Online, 25.06.09)

Huan tells Sim to mind his own business: GEORGE TOWN - Suspended Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan has hit back at state Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth vice-chairman Sim Tze Tzin, describing the latter as a political novice.  Huan said the Pantai Jerejak assemblyman should concentrate on his work as an assemblyman instead of meddling in other things. (NST Online, 23.06.09)

Defiant Gerakan man may join another BN party, not the Opposition: GEORGE TOWN - A defiant Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan has decided to ignore a three-year suspension handed down by the party’s central working committee (CWC), claiming the decision was invalid. He also dismissed the possibility of him joining the Opposition, although he did not rule out interest in another Barisan Nasional party. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

Gerakan VP: Party out to finish me: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan is crying foul over his three-year suspension for openly attacking the party and its leadership. Huan said he was not given a chance to defend himself as he was not asked to attend the party’s central working committee (CWC) meeting on Friday night. (Star Online, 21.06.09)

Gerakan grassroots upset over suspension: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan divisions in Seberang Prai will be holding meetings soon to discuss their next course of action following the three-year suspension slapped on party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan. The party’s Kepala Batas division head Jeffrey Beh said the grassroots were upset over the suspension. (Star Online, 22.06.09)

Tsu Koon dodges as Huan piles on the pressure: KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Gerakan president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon seems adamant about not commenting on the suspension of vice president Huan Cheng Guan even after ratcheting up pressure against the party’s top leadership over the weekend. (Malaysian Insider)

Huan: Its a conspiracy against me: GEORGE TOWN (June 21, 2009) - Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan, who was suspended by the party’s central working committee (CWC) on Saturday, yesterday denounced the decision as a conspiracy against him. He slammed the party leaders for scheming and taking action against its own members when  they can’t even defend the party from attacks by the Opposition or outsiders. (theSun)

Huan not welcome to join PKR, says youth: GEORGE TOWN (June 21, 2009) - The Penang PKR Youth Wing has expressed opposition to Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan, who has been suspended from his party for three years, from joining PKR.  In a statement today, Penang PKR youth vice-chairman and Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin said PKR members had observed a trend among Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to often utilise PKR as a "jumping platform" to further negotiate with their respective parties. (theSun)

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Villagers turn to state for help: GEORGE TOWN - Villagers at Kampung Lorong Buah Pala here, who could be evicted anytime soon after losing their case at the Federal Court, have now turned to the state government for help. The villagers are clamouring for the state government to make good its promise as a "people's government" to save the sole Indian village here, which has been dubbed Penang's High Chaparral. (NST Online, 26.06.09)

18 inmates from rehab centre charged with mischief: BUTTERWORTH (June 26, 2009) - Eighteen inmates of the Tasek Gelugor drug rehabilitation centre who escaped during a riot last Sunday were today charged in the Sessions Court here with taking part in an unlawful assembly and causing destruction to buildings there. (theSun)

End of High Chaparral saga: PUTRAJAYA - A two-year legal battle for 45 families to preserve Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Penang came to an end yesterday. The families have been told to vacate their homes, dubbed Penang's High Chaparral, and hand over the property to its rightful owner who had obtained approval to redevelop the area. The Federal Court also dismissed the families' application for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision. (NST Online, 25.06.09)

Getting poor on their own feet: The Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) is mapping out strategies to make the hardcore poor more self- reliant instead of being dependent on the Government for assistance. Perda general-manager Azmi Lateh said Perda had set aside RM700,000 this year for the purpose. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Five More Rehab Centre Inmates Nabbed: BUTTERWORTH, June 21 (Bernama) - Five more inmates, who escaped from a drug rehabilitation centre in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor during a riot on Friday, were detained today. They were picked up in Kubang Semang and Padang Serai between 8am and 8pm, said Seberang Perai Utara police chief ACP Zulkifli Ilias.

High Chaparral folk stage candlelight vigil in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Facing possible eviction from their homes, some 300 villagers of Kampung Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor — more famously known as Penang’s High Chaparral — staged a candlelight vigil on Friday night. The villagers, some of whom are cattle farmers, lit some 5,000 white candles and placed them on both sides of the road around the village. (Star Online, 21.06.09)

High Chaparral villagers hold candlelight vigil: Some 200 villagers and their supporters gathered tonight in Kampong Buah Pala in Gelugor, Penang, for a candlelight vigil and dinner in a show of solidarity against impending eviction. Candles twinkled on either side of the roads in and leading to the village. A group of plainclothes police kept an eye but did not intervene. (19.06.09)

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Water taxis an alternative for Penangites: PUTRAJAYA - Penangites will soon enjoy water taxis as an alternative mode of public transport to the ferry services in the island, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said. He said a proposal had been made by Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang to use water taxis as a means to ease traffic congestion on the island. (Star Online, 26.06.09)

Penang Port Commission submits 3 proposals: The Ministry of Transport received three proposals from the Penang Port Commission (PPC) yesterday, one of which includes details of a turnaround plan for Penang Port. PPC has also given a proposal to have water taxies in Penang to complement current ferry operations and for the ferry operations to be handed over to the regulator to operate. (Business Times, 26.06.09)

PPC head: We ran the ferry service before: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang yesterday denied that her proposal for the PPC to take over the loss-making ferry services was mere political talk.  She said she knew what she was talking about when she revealed PPC's interest in operating the ferry services. "I know what I am doing as PPC had operated the services prior to its privatisation in 1994. (NST Online, 24.06.09)

Penang Gov't Upset Over PPC Comment: PENANG, June 23 (Bernama) - The Penang Government is upset with Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang for making a false statement that the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) intended to give up the management of the ferry operations. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that of late, Tan had been saying that PPSB wanted to give up the ferry operations.

Rail strike halts services to Bangkok: BUTTERWORTH - The transboundary train services from Butterworth in Penang to Bangkok and vice-versa have been temporarily disrupted following a strike by Thai railway workers. KTMB Butterworth station master Ahmad Yusof Salim said the daily International Express which usually departed from Butterworth at 2.20pm, had been suspended indefinitely since Monday. (Star Online, 24.06.09)

Smoothing out the ride: The Penang Government is trying to work out the best way for Rapid Penang to secure suitable locations in the state for its depots or bus terminals. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Rapid Penang had submitted proposals to lease land at about six to seven locations for its depots, including in Bukit Jam-bul, Sungai Nibong, Farlim, Batu Ferringhi and Weld Quay. (Star Online, 23.06.09)

PPSB clears the air over ferry issue: BUTTERWORTH (June 22, 2009) - The spat between the state government and Penang Port Commission (PPC) on a proposal to take over operations of Penang's cross-channel ferry service took a new twist when Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) stepped in to clear the air. PPSB managing director and chief operating officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar who took PPC and the state government to task for not understanding the real issue before issuing statements on the matter, said PPSB was appointed by the federal government to run the port and ferry services and that PPC was just a body that regulates port operations. (theSun)

Penang Port returns fire at shipping lines: Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is throwing the ball back into the court of international shipping lines who have slammed the terminal operator for not penalising shippers that overload their cargo containers on a vessel. PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said it was based on the appeals made by shipping lines to allow overloaded vessels into the port that resulted in no enforcement made to date. (Business Times, 22.06.09)

New twist to Penang ferry issue: BUTTERWORTH, June 22 — The spat between the state government and Penang Port Commission (PPC) on a proposal to take over operations of Penang's cross-channel ferry service took a new twist when Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) stepped in to clear the air. PPSB managing director and chief operating officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar, who took PPC and the state government to task for not understanding the real issue before issuing statements on the matter, said PPSB was appointed by the federal government to run the port and ferry services and that PPC was just a body that regulates port operations. (Malaysian Insider)

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Week 42: Penang, Malaysia - Our first full week here in Penang has been a little overcast and a tad rainy so we haven’t been getting in a lot of beach time. We have, however, been doing a fair bit of eating! Penang is famous for it’s “hawker food” (street food), and there’s no shortage of hawker centers all over Penang. They’re sort of like giant outdoor food courts with stalls around the outside and plastic tables and chairs in the middle. There’s one not far from us and we’ve been working our way through the almost endless amount of options. (Have Internet Will Travel, 23.06.09)

The Colours of Malaysia: When say we truly a colourful country, it really shows in literally sense. In the Flower Festival 2009 held in Botanical Gardens, Penang in June, the richness of colour one can find during the festival was enchanting. (Zoom2see, 22.06.09)

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Man pays the price of a car for PJF 1: GEORGE TOWN - Times are hard, but some car owners are still willing to pay huge sums for sought-after registration numbers. One owner paid RM42,000 after successfully bidding for PJF 1 recently, state Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Hassan Yaccob said. That amount is apparently enough to buy a Perodua Viva. Other prized numbers were PJF 3 and PJF 2 where bidders paid RM23,200 and RM18,000 respectively. (Star Online, 27.06.09)

CAP all steamed up over sex products ads: GEORGE TOWN - Advertisements promoting herbal products that supposedly enhance men’s sexual prowess is causing discomfort among parents. Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is calling for a ban on streamers that can be seen over lamp posts, traffic lights and other places around the state. (Star Online, 27.06.09)

Papaya prices going up in Penang: A shortage of papayas in Penang has led to higher prices with a fruitseller saying he is selling them at 80 sen per slice instead of the usual 50 sen. Street vendor S. Ravi, 47, told Malaysia Nanban that he had not opened his stall for the past week due to the shortage. Ravi, who operates in Market Street (Little India area), said most fruit vendors were now focusing on durians which were in season. (Star Online, 27.06.09)

Subramaniam To Meet People In Penang On Sunday: KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) - Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam has ordered all departments and agencies under his ministry to frequently hold Meet-the-Customer Day to expedite solving of problems faced by the people. He said this way would also help lessen their burden.

MACC tower brings worries: GEORGE TOWN - Another high-rise building is set to dominate the skyline at Millionaire's Row in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah here soon.  It is not going to be some posh condominium this time but a government housing project on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) land, next to the Mayfair condominiums. The new waterfront development, located just behind MACC state headquarters, is a 21-storey Class E living quarters for the commission's officers and support staff. (NST Online, 24.06.09)

Syariah Court Chief Judge Awarded For Exposing Corruption: PENANG, June 24 (Bernama) - Penang Syariah court chief judge, Yusof Musa who exposed corrupt practices by a Penang Syariah court staff involving RM500,000, received the Penang Integrity award. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Yusof stumbled upon the corruption practice involving the refund of surety bonds, when he started going through the files after being appointed to the position in February.

Penang may reward those who are filial: GEORGE TOWN - The state government is looking at the possibility of rewarding Penangites who take care of their aged parents. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said if the state’s financial situation is sound, deserving Penangites would be given RM1,000 under the Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme if they were named as beneficiaries upon the death of their parents. (Star Online, 22.06.09)

Picking up Watercolour again: I did some shopping on art materials recently and I got myself some books on drawing and watercolour painting, a watercolour pocket set, a water mixable oil colours set and a Moleskine pocket watercolour notebook. The desire within me has clearly told myself to pick up watercolour painting again after abandoning the skill for more than 15 to 20 over years. (Designer in Pajamas, 23.06.09)

Sweeper finds live bullets on Penang Bridge: A sweeper found a small bag containing five live bullets on the 1.6KM Penang Bridge this morning.  Seberang Perai Tengah deputy police chief Supt Mohan Singh said the sweeper found the bullets at 7.30am and quickly informed the police. "The small bag contained five live .38mm bullets and six copper shells," he told reporters here today. (NST Online, 22.06.09)

Drawings of Georgetown, Penang: Beautiful architecture of the old buildings had led me to compile them in this 2-page piece of drawings when I walked around the heritage site of the city of Georgetown, Penang during the period of 4 days. They were sketched out with pencil on site. Composed one by one as and when I spotted the right kind of building structure and sight each time during my walkabout. They were later redrawn in waterproof black ink with a fountain pen. (Designer in Pajamas, 22.06.09)

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