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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OPINION • BUSINESS & INVESTMENT • ENVIRONMENT • FOOD • GOVERNANCE • HEALTH • HERITAGE & CULTURE • HOUSING & PROPERTY • HUMAN RESOURCES • LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT • MEDIA • PLACES OF INTEREST • PERSONALITY • POLITICS • OTHERS

Penang Candlelight Vigil: This video taken on May 7 shows how Suaram volunteer Ng Eng Kiat was arrested (The Obnoxious 5xmom)

Poor hill resident wants upgrade: WE refer to 'Reconsider Penang Hill railway upgrade' (May 5). The project has been in the pipeline for a long time and is aimed to benefit the public.  The funicular railway is in sore need of an upgrading not only to increase its capacity and reduce waiting times but also to provide a safer and comfortable ride for passengers. (theSun, 08.05.09)

Stop work order imposed, but…: Residents of Tanjung Bunga are claiming that the developer of a controversial project is defying a stop work order to cease land development work on three plots which they say are not supported by a geotechnical report. (Anil Netto, 04.05.09)

Press freedom and right of reply — Lim Guan Eng: MAY 4 — Once again, we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, an annual occasion since it was first designated in 1993 by the United Nations. We really have to celebrate this every day for our own right to freedom of expression. (Malaysian Insider)

Mark cemetery on heritage map: I REFER to World tender to develop Fort Cornwallis (April 29). If Fort Cornwallis is to be developed as an iconic monument to promote George Town’s inner city, which is listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco, there’s another site of great interest in old George Town that should be placed on the heritage map: the Jewish Cemetery on Jalan Zainal Abidin, a small sidestreet off Jalan Burmah. (theSun, 04.05.09)

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State seeks groups’ proposals for trade shows: PENANG is inviting trade associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to submit their proposals for trade shows to be held in Penang. Penang Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the committee hoped to collect the details of the events to be incorporated into a series of trade shows and listed as part of the state’s calendar of events. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Fishermen blame port management for poor catch: GEORGE TOWN - The livelihood of some 300 fishermen based at the Batu Maung fishing port here is under threat due to appalling port management.  Penang Fishermen Association chairman Md Zainol Ajamin said mediocre port facilities and shoddy maintenance services had contributed to a sharp decline in the fishermen's daily catch. (NST Online, 08.05.09)

BOC set to make re-entry into Penang: Bank of China (M) Bhd, whose first branch was set up in Penang in 1939 and later ceased operations, is set to make a re-entry into the state by year-end. Federation of Motor and Credit Company Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor said a delegation from the bank, headed by its chief operating officer Zheng Jingbo, was in Penang on Monday and yesterday. Among the parties they met were representatives from the Penang Chinese Town Hall. (Business Times, 08.05.09)

The RM5.2bil Light project to shine on IJM Land: PETALING JAYA: IJM Land Bhd should see a boost in income with the launch of its flagship project, The Light Waterfront Penang, in the third quarter, analysts said. The project has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM5.2bil. It has been scheduled for launch in the first quarter but was deferred when the property market softened under the pressure of the global recession. (Star Online, 06.05.09)

Drawing from actual experience: There’s nothing like real-world testing when it comes to designing portable communications devices, says Motorola. LOOKING at the myriad of shapes and sizes that consumer electronics devices and handheld equipment come in, you can’t help but wonder how much study goes into the designing of such products. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

Southern Steel sees light at the end of the tunnel: The company hopes to see a modest recovery in the demand for steel products in the second half of this year with the kicking in of stimulus packages both locally and abroad. Southern  Steel Bhd (5665) expects demand for its products to recover in the second half of this year, driven by government measures locally and abroad. (Business Times, 05.05.09)

Consumer electronic stores expanding: Replacement market and new households driving demand for flat-panel TVs and household appliances. While sales of consumer electronic products in the northern region are expected to drop by about 20% this year due to the recession, local consumer electronic companies are planning for expansion. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

PIHH Signs Six Pacts To Develop Halal Industry: KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) - Penang International Halal Hub (PIHH) has entered into six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to develop halal clusters, namely manufacturing, logistics, agro-based industry, finance and hospitality. Under the MOUs with Asian Finance Bank (Qatar) and Unicorn International Islamic Bank (Bahrain), the state agency will serve as a virtual centre to link halal companies and investors to both banks as the reference institutions for advisory and consultancy on Syariah-compliant financing.

Malaysian halal trade to grow with demand: KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian exports of halal food products is expected to rise this year with the growing demand. "Trade in the halal products is one of the fastest growing in Malaysia. The huge interest in the halal industry shows that there is massive untapped potential in the industry. In Malaysia, the halal products industry is estimated to be worth some US$8 billion (RM28.6 billion)," Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said today. (The Edge Malaysia, 04.05.09)

BJCC to be on par with world standards: GEORGE TOWN (May 05, 2009) - The management and operations of the 25-year-old Bukit Jambul Country Club (BJCC) has been opened for international tender in a state initiative to give the golf course an international image. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, in announcing this at a press conference at the club yesterday, said a consultant appointed to study ways to improve the golf course had recommended that the operations and management of the club be outsourced to improve its image and financial performance. (theSun)

Two MNCs plan business process outsourcing centres: TWO US-based multinational corporations (MNCs) are setting up their business process outsourcing (BPO) and shared services centres in the RM100mil SunTech Tower in Bayan Baru soon. A source told StarBiz that the two companies were hard-disk maker Seagate and National Instruments, which develops and makes software and hardware products that engineers and scientists use for test, control and embedded design applications. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

Air freight in Penang picks up: AIR-FREIGHT forwarding companies in Penang experienced a 10% improvement in business in April versus January this year as the global economy showed signs of recovery, especially in the Asia-Pacific, according to Penang Freight Forwarders Association (PFFA). (Star Online, 04.05.09)

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Centre for eco-education: AN eco-education centre has been proposed to be set up in South Seberang Prai to showcase mangroves trees found in Penang. State Forestry Department director Mohd Puat Dhahalan said the centre, if approved, would be modelled after the Kuala Sepetang Eco-education Centre in Taiping. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Environmentally friendly: AS PILING works for the RM4.5bil second Penang Bridge project starts picking up, steps are being taken to ensure mud-dredging of the seabed in the area do not pollute the environment. State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said mud dredged along the bridge’s alignment between Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai, was carefully disposed about nine nautical miles southwest of Pulau Kendi. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

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Penang Hawker Food - Penang Curry Mee: There are numerous Curry Mee stalls in Penang and each stall has its own kind of soup. Some have their coconut based stock reddish while some comes in a lighter pale color version, at times known as White Curry Mee. There are also different kinds of add-on such as curry chicken, fish balls and fish cakes. (What2See, 06.05.09)

It’s All About Good Food at Funky Monkey: Check out Funky Monkey, the latest joint in Penang with the tagline, it’s all about good food, great value & a great place to gathered around. This outlet serving modern European cuisines is found in 127 Food Court along Burma Road. Do expect some interesting dishes with local flavors at this outlet concocted by the Chef Jeffrey, who learned the skill while working in various prominent hotels in Singapore. (What2see, 04.05.09)

Unique Fried Porridge at Tanjung Tokong, Penang: Have you heard of fried porridge before? Fried the Porridge! How can the porridge be fried? How does it taste & looks like? All the questions popping up in a sudden, after the mentioned of “fried porridge”!  Yea, its kind of weird without any logical sense right? Would you have the guts/urge to try this “weird” thing? Well, i am not kidding, the weird porridge it’s pretty delicious though. What i am going to introduce to you today is truly a good bowl of porridge that specially caters to those who have a fancy for heavy taste food. (Gourmet Garden, 05.05.09)

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Penang CM wants MACC to quiz Koh, Rashid: PENANG, May 9 - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to quiz former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and his former deputy Abdul Rashid Abdullah over the land issue involving Tang Hak Ju. (Malaysian Insider)

Penang aids MACC in land scam inquiry: The Penang state government has agreed to assists the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to unearth wrongdoings in connection with a botched land deal that happened during the previous Barisan Nasional administration. (Malaysiakini, 08.05.09)

Guan Eng focuses on economy, not Perak crisis: KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — While his allies battled the Barisan Nasional in Perak, Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng kept his focus on the economy by agreeing to a cross-promotion deal with a local hospitality group. The deal allows InvestPenang’s investors to use the facilities at the Golden Horse Palace Berhad’s Dignitaries Lounge in the KL International Airport for the next 12 months. (Malaysian Insider)

Council in the black after 8 years: BUKIT MERTAJAM - After accumulating a deficit of RM228.85mil over eight consecutive years from 2000 to 2007, the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) finally recorded a surplus income of RM3.02mil last year. Council president Farizan Darus said the achievement was due to concerted efforts from all quarters, including councillors, to help boost the council revenue. (Star Online, 07.05.09)

Rep gets the job done: BAGAN Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan used his constituency allocation to resurface an accident-prone stretch in front of the Persatuan Penganut Dewa Chong Than Yan Soi at Jalan Acham in Butterworth. Tanasekharan said the Seberang Prai Municipal Council and the Public Works Department (JKR) had turned down his request to repair the pothole-ridden stretch as it was not within their jurisdiction. (Star Online, 07.05.09)

MPSP told to buck up: THE Penang Government has given Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Farizan Darus a week to investigate its councillors’ complaints of poor coordination among council departments. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state was dissatisfied with the situation which had caused the council’s enforcement to be highly ineffective. (Star Online, 07.05.09)

Dr Teng: No need for me to attend land deal inquiry: GEORGE TOWN (May 6, 2009): The complete picture of the controversial Tang Hak Ju land case can be obtained from the previous state governments reply to Tang’s affidavit in 2005, so there is no need for former state executive councillor  Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan to attend the inquiry into the RM40 million land deal. Teng, who said this in a letter addressed to Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, urged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to publicise the previous state governments  reply and other relevant documents in regards to the case. (theSun)

Tsu Koon won’t attend inquiry on land case: GEORGE TOWN (May 5, 2009) - Former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has turned down a request from the state government to attend an inquiry into a land deal under the previous administration that may cost Penang some RM40 million. Koh, now a minister in the Prime Ministers Department charged with unity and performance management, sent a fax to the office of Deputy Chief Minister Prof Dr P. Ramasamy yesterday declining to take part.

Update Former officials not shedding light on land case, says Lim: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is annoyed that he is not getting the right responses from officials of the previous administration with regard to a land issue that has resulted in the state government being ordered to pay a total of RM40 million in compensation. The state government was recently ordered to pay a deposit of RM14.7 million to the court pending appeal on the RM29 million award and accrued interests. The government appealed to the court to postpone the payment but was advised to deposit the money or face being held in contempt. (The Edge Malaysia, 05.05.09)

Land scam case: Penang to deposit RM14.7mil: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Government will deposit RM14.7mil with the High Court in relation to legal proceedings over a 2001 alleged land scam to avoid contempt of court. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state legal adviser had advised it to deposit the amount in compliance with a Feb 19 High Court order. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

Pakatan JKKK upset: SEVERAL state-appointed Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) members in Batu Kawan are upset with the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) for not granting them licences to run night markets in their neighbourhood. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

MPSP: No business licence for foreign workers - IT is illegal for foreign workers to run their own businesses, including operating sundry shops and food stalls in the country, Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Farizan Darus said. He stressed that the council did not issue hawking or petty trading licences to foreigners for them to conduct businesses locally. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

Ismail Mohd Taib Named New JKSB Managing Director: PENANG, May 3 (Bernama) - Bridge Division Director of the Public Works Department Prof Ir Dr Ismail Mohd Taib has been appointed the new Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) managing director. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said Ismail succeeded Tan Sri Zaini Omar who had resigned.

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Stubbing out smokers: DESPITE having two designated smoking rooms in a ferry, commuters are still openly defying the law. There are no-smoking signs placed in the ferries and those wishing to smoke had to do so in the designated rooms. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

HEALTHCARE: Medical tourism a distraction - THE Consumers Association of Penang and other groups have protested against the Health Ministry's move to allow healthcare services to be promoted to boost the tourism industry. At the recent Health Systems in Transition workshop, health experts warned that the quality of healthcare would suffer if medical tourism is allowed to sap medical staff in public hospitals. (NST Online, 07.05.09)

Penang Airport to have new thermal scanner: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang International Airport will deploy another thermal scanner next week to facilitate the screening of passengers for the A (H1N1) influenza virus.  Penang Health Department director Dr Teh Leh Choo said the scanner, which was ordered by the Health Ministry, was expected to be placed at the airport by the end of next week. It currently has one thermal scanner. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

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Heritage Trust slams plan to replace funicular trains: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) has hit out at the state government for the RM40mil plan to replace the Penang Hill funicular railway. President Dr Choong Sim Poey said the destruction of one of Penang’s most famous heritage landmarks and tourist attractions was not only unnecessary but irresponsible. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Forgotten legacy of the Sikhs: ABOUT three weeks ago, hundreds of Penangites and tourists attended a celebration within the historic premises of Fort Cornwallis, the oldest existing man-made site in Penang, to commemorate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.  Lost to most people, however, was one particular cultural significance of the site. It was here, soon after the British built the fort in 1786, that the country’s first gurdwara or Sikh temple was housed, for Sikh paramilitary personnel stationed in Penang. (Star Online, 07.05.09)

Tender deadline extended: THE Penang Government has extended the deadline for the open tender for the management of Fort Cornwallis until July 1. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the measure was to “cast a wider web” for tender applicants. “We have received several proposals from local parties so far. There have also been inquiries from international companies. (Star Online, 06.05.09)

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Penang sees drop in retail occupancy: Tenants hold bargaining power for rental rates. The occupancy rate of retail space in Penang has dropped to 67%, compared with about 70% a year ago, while the occupancy rate of office space has remained at 75.5%, more or less the same as in 2008. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

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Penang offering RM10,000 for creative staff (Update): GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Government has launched an award to spur civil servants to generate creative and innovative ideas in an effort to improve the delivery system. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Creativity and Innovation Award was opened to lower and middle category civil servants. (Star Online, 06.05.09)

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French connection: Catch some of the award-winning films at the French Film Festival at GSC cinemas this month. French film lovers, mark your calendars for a rendezvous at the cinemas this month. The annual French Art Festival kicks off with its film festival, which will feature six films, all French box office hits and award-winning movies. The films will be screened in the Klang Valley before moving on to Penang. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

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Guan Eng: Mutual respect in press freedom: GEORGE TOWN - Just as journalists have the freedom of expression and the right to report, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said those being reported about too should have the freedom of expression and the right to reply. In conjunction with World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3, Lim said the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. (The Edge Malaysia, 04.05.09)

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Flora lover: A lifetime dedicated to studying plants has not gone unnoticed for this botanist, who recently received a prestigious award for his work. If you ask Dr Francis S.P. Ng the name of any trees in this country, chances are he will be able to answer you. And he might even tell you where the herbarium specimens are kept. (Star Online, 05.05.09)

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Penang - the Best and Worst of Malaysia: Already, Asia is testing me in ways I never imagined. It makes me angry at the human race in general. I am frustrated at Asia's way of life. I am afraid that Asia will continue down its environmentally destructive path. I am sad for the children. I am disappointed in how ungrateful i was living in Australia and complaining about living conditions. I then come across Imperfect Penang, with all of its environmental destruction and overpopulation and I see straight through it. Penang is indeed imperfect but it also is an island full of people who seem to care less about needing to build a brighter future, but rather live in the moment. As a result, there is a happiness that exists. (Kate onthebike, 07.05.09)

Through stairways and slopes - Kek Lok Si Temple, Part 1: “Rain rain go away, come again another day.” This ditty seemed to echo in my mind as I stepped out from the house and into the car. Although cloudy skies bring dramatic effects to an image, many photographers would agree that the rain could also be one of the photographers’ biggest adversaries. Nevertheless, I had packed my backpack and was ready to take my chances, hoping that the sun would make its presence later. (Traval Malaysia Guide, 05.05.09)

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Penanti Voters Can Check Polling Details: PENANG, May 8 (Bernama) - Penanti registered voters can check polling details for the state by-election slated for May 31 starting Friday. Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Ngah Senik said voters could check the polling centres, streams and serial numbers via its website, SMS or by calling the Penang EC office.

Umno Youth Ready To Face Penanti By-election: KUALA TERENGGANU, May 9 (Bernama) - Umno Youth is ready to face the Penanti state by-election in Penang although the Barisan Nasional (BN) has yet to decide whether to contest the seat. Its chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the Penang Umno Youth had been asked to make early preparation for the election, to be held on May 31.

Two lists of candidates even before BN decision: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Two lists of candidates have been sent to the Umno leadership for the Penanti by-election although Barisan Nasional has yet to even decide if it will contest in the May 31 polls. State Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman said the lists were sent this week by the state Umno liaison committee and the Permatang Pauh Umno division. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Mansor keen to mend ties with Penang PAS: BUTTERWORTH - PKR candidate Mansor Othman is keen on closing ranks with Penang PAS leaders now that it has been confirmed that the state PAS will not be contesting in the Penanti by-election. The 59-year old deputy state PKR chairman said he hoped to get the support of PAS leaders and members at grassroots level during the campaign and clinch the state seat for Pakatan Rakyat. (Star Online, 07.05.09)

A six-cornered fight appears likely: GEORGE TOWN - It could be a crowded contest for the Penanti state seat, even if Barisan Nasional decides to skip the by-election on May 31. To date, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, an independent, Parti Rakyat Malaysia and Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia have declared their intention to contest. The contest could even become a six-cornered fight if Pas dissidents put up their own candidate and BN gives the nod for Umno to contest. (NST Online, 07.05.09)

PAS will not contest in Penanti by-election: TASEK GELUGOR - PAS has decided not to field a candidate in the Penanti by-election in Penang. The party came to a consensus on the matter on Monday night after PAS senior leaders met with its state representatives in a closed-door meeting at its state headquarters in Padang Menora. . (Star Online, 06.05.09)

New chief thinks Pas should contest: GEORGE TOWN - A day after assuming the role of state Pas Youth chief, Yusni Mat Tiah has echoed the view of his predecessor that the party should contest the Penanti by-election.  Yusni said although the state Pas Youth had been asked to respect Pakatan Rakyat's choice of candidate, there was no stopping the party from demanding that a Pas candidate be fielded.  (NST Online, 05.05.09)

Penanti decision has to wait, says Muhyiddin: KUALA LUMPUR - Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Umno has not made any decision yet whether to contest the Penanti state by-election in Penang on May 31. Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, said the Umno political bureau which met in Putrajaya today did not discuss the issue. "We discussed many things but not that issue. We have not decided anything," Muhyiddin, who is the education minister, told reporters after visiting the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. (The Edge Malaysia, 04.05.09)

PAS disallows contest against partner in Pakatan Rakyat: BUTTERWORTH, May 5 — PAS will maintain its stand of not contesting in the Penanti by-election against a counterpart in the opposition pact in the spirit of camaraderie. Its director of elections, Datuk Mustafa Ali, said PAS would therefore not field its candidate for the state seat even on an independent ticket as it respected that spirit and wanted to protect the image of the party. (Malaysian Insider)

Mohd Hafiz steps down as Penang PAS Youth head: GEORGE TOWN - Penang PAS Youth head Mohd Hafiz Mohd Nordin, who was among the most vocal state leaders that wanted the party to contest in the Penanti state by-election, has stepped down as the wing’s head. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

Penanti: PM may announce decision tonight - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is expected to announce if Barisan Nasional will contest in the Penanti by-election at a function in Sabah tonight. (Malaysiakini, 04.05.09)

Nik Aziz tells PAS members to leave Penanti to PKR: KOTA BARU, May 4 – PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has told party members not to create problems by demanding to field its candidate for the Penanti state seat by-election on May 31. He said PAS must keep to the agreement made with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), one of its partners in the Pakatan Rakyat pact. (Malaysian Insider)

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Bayan Lepas Airport Upgrading Ready In Two Years: PENANG, May 6 (Bernama) - The RM250 million project to upgrade the Bayan Lepas International Airport (BLIA) will begin at the year end and is expected to be completed in two years. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the project, to be carried out in stages, included expanding and upgrading the airport's passenger terminal, building a multi-storey car park and improving the security aspects.

Ring the bell: PENANG can soon boast having a disabled-friendly bus system as Rapid Penang’s new fleet of 200 buses will be just that – disabled-friendly! There are currently two prototypes plying the streets for the past month, and more are arriving in stages from Sweden. (Star Online, 06.05.09)

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Fee rise worry for BJCC members: A POSSIBLE hike in membership fees is foremost in the minds of Bukit Jambul Country Club (BJCC) members as a change in management is set for August. They generally have few complaints about the 18-hole golf course and hope the new management will continue the good work while maintaining the current membership fees. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Women of drive: SITI Hajar Saad will be spending Mother’s Day on a bus this year as she will be busy ferrying passengers around. The 40-year-old mother of three is one of Rapid Penang’s four female bus captains, all of whom will be on duty on Mother’s Day this Sunday. (Star Online, 08.05.09)

Temples all set for Wesak Day celebrations: PREPARATIONS are in full swing at Buddhist temples and associations in Penang for Wesak Day on May 9. At the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) on Burmah Road, decorative bulbs have been put up at the main float which will bear a Buddha statue for the Wesak Day procession. (Star Online, 06.05.09)

No need to rush, senior citizens in Penang told: GEORGE TOWN (May 4, 2009) - The state government has urged senior citizens not to rush to register for its new Senior Citizens Appreciation programme following a deluge of public interest in the matter. Penang state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said there was ample time for anyone above the age of 60 to register from now till March 8, 2010. (theSun)

Flood woes to end soon: THE flood mitigation project for the western side of Penang island from Teluk Bahang to Teluk Kumbar is expected to be implemented by next year. Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya said the report on the project by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department was expected to be completed by end of the year. (Star Online, 04.05.09)

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