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Kg Buah Pala: Can you sell something that you don't own?: How could the Penang state government under the BN sell the Kampong Buah Pala land when “the available evidence seemed to show that the land is still vested in the Federal Lands Commissioner”, wonders a bewildered P Ramakrishnan. (Aliran, 24.07.09) 

George Town Unesco's Heritage Celebration: Have you bought your copy of the George Town heritage passport yet? You should, if you intend to go wandering around the city today as itcelebrates its first anniversary on the UNESCO world heritage list. (Anything Goes, 24.07.09)

Preserving an engineering classic: Sometime in April, the Public Works Department (JKR) caused a stir when it embarked on a project to replace Penang Hill’s iconic funicular railway with a modern line at a cost of RM40 million. All the carriages and stations were to be dismantled, and the rails along the 2km incline changed.  The hill slope was to be cut and the tracks realigned. New air-conditioned coaches would be bought, and the travel time hastened from 30 minutes to a mere 10. (theSun, 23.07.09)

Tough questions for Pakatan Rakyat: Callous as it sounds, Teoh Beng Hock's death is just what Pakatan Rakyat (PR) needs at the moment to re-galvanise public support at a time when the alliance has been experiencing interparty fighting. Teoh's death at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters on 16 July 2009, after being interrogated in investigations of PR assemblypersons, should be mourned. And critical questions must be asked of the MACC. (The Nut Graph, 21.07.09) [Editor: Please read through for references to Penang]

Historical and cultural view of Georgetown, Penang: Ever since Georgetown listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Melaka as 'the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca', I was not really impressed until i visited few out of many tourist spots in Georgetown. I should thanks to Mr Kenichi Katoh for gave me a chance to know our place better. (Blog Ah Beng, 18.07.09)

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Garbage, Main Cause Of River Pollution In Penang: PENANG, July 25 (Bernama) - Industrial waste is no longer a pollution threat to rivers in the state, but garbage thrown by the public into the rivers that have caused them to be polluted. State Department of Environment (DOE) director Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim said garbage had become the main challenge to efforts to clean up the rivers and to improve the water quality.

All for cleaner rivers: One million Effective Microorganisms (EM) mudballs will be thrown into polluted rivers in Penang on Aug 9 in a move to resuscitate aquatic life. State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Develop-ment Committee chairman Lydia Ong Kok Fooi said the production of the one million mudballs would set a world record. (Star Online, 23.07.09)

Thick haze envelops Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Penangites woke up to a thick cloud of haze hanging over the island with several landmarks disappearing from view till about 11am. Motorists travelling along the Bayan Lepas Expressway yesterday said they could not see the middle span of the Penang Bridge and the buildings on the mainland. (Star Online, 20.07.09)

MSN up a tree: The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is dismayed over the felling of 33 casuarina and coconut trees along the scenic Bayan Lepas Expressway on Penang island near E-Gate and Tesco. Its Penang branch chairman D. Kanda Kumar said MNS had all along suspected that the trees would be chopped down following the approval given to IJM Land Bhd to reclaim the coastal area several years ago. (Star Online, 18.07.09) 

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Hainan Chicken Rice Thai Style: Chicken rice can be found in most hawker stalls and food courts in Penang as the chicken rice is a popular and favorite food for many of us. There is one exceptional stall that sells Hainan Chicken Rice - Thai style located in a corner coffee shop along Penang Road. It is directly opposite KOMTAR Tower and a few shops away from Kek Seng which is famous for its durian ice cream and ice kacang. (what2seeonline, 24.07.09)

The Sire Museum Restaurant at Penang King Street: Lately I feel strange. My heart just signal my brain to write some old school food post. So I go and dig my archive (got more than 400 articles to write) and walla! Slip some where in one of the sub folders which tickle me to write about it. It was THE SIRE MUSEUM RESTAURANT which located in Penang. (foodpoi, 22.07.09)

Sin Kheng Aun Hainanese Restaurant Revisit: Sin Kheng Aun Restaurant situated in Chulia Lane is one of the prominent Hainanese restaurants in Penang. This restaurant is very popular with the locals and tourists for its Hainanese food and also local dishes. Specialist of this restaurant includes the Curry Gulai Tumis, Kerabu Prawns, Hainanese Pork/Chicken Chop and many other selections of dishes. (What2See, 22.07.09)

Prawn Paste Chee Cheong Fun at Pushcart Outside Seow Fong Lye Cafe, Macallister Lane, Penang: Visiting Penang is always very treacherous.....for the stomach of course! Often whirlwind trips, all you seem to do on the gem of an island is eat, eat, eat and eat more! Last weekend, we definitely did justice to that, as we basically ate our way around the island - Pulau Tikus, Macallister Lane, Carnarvon Street, Chulia Street, Tanjung Bungah and the list goes on. (masak-masak, 21.07.09)

Snacking around Penang - Apom Balik, Pandan Coconut, Seafood Popiah, Pasembur & Fried Snacks: In Penang, after a hefty meal, you will find room in the tummy for their delectable goodies and refreshing drinks. Usually found at the roadside, you buy them on the go and eat them in the car, like this apom balik stall along Jalan Burma. Run by this friendly fella (seems his brother also runs a similar stall nearby and they have never spoken since due to a family feud), the pancakes here are so incredibly good, one is never enough. (masak-masak, 22.07.09)

Penang New Lane - Pig Intestine Porridge: Previously I had blogged about Ayer Itam's pork intestine porridge. However I haven't really blogged about this stall in New Lane individually. Not many are selling pork intestine porridge and I believe these are the only 2 stalls worth frequenting. (Cokeworld Citizen, 20.07.09)

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MPPP to seek RM557mil: The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will apply for an allocation of RM557mil to implement 55 projects on the island under the 10th Malaysia Plan. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said draft on the proposed development projects and plans would be submitted to the Federal Government in October. (Star Online, 25.07.09)

Food court boost: The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) is considering allowing private operators to take over abandoned food courts belonging to the council in a move to provide illegal petty traders and hawkers a proper place to make a living. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the privatisation move would help rejuvenate abandoned food courts and at the same time resettle illegal roadside hawkers. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

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Penang group secures RM2bil in building material contracts: GEORGE TOWN - Over RM2bil worth of contracts to supply building materials have been secured by about half of the Penang Master Builders and Building Materials Dealers Association’s (PMBBMDA) 117 members so far this year. President Finn Choong said the materials included essential building blocks such as steel, cement and other aggregates for residential projects in Penang. (Star Online, 22.07.09)

New slip road leading to bridge: GEORGE TOWN - A newly-constructed slip road from the North-South Expressway to the Penang Bridge will be opened to traffic starting tomorrow.  Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) said the existing slip road at Km139.2 on the north-bound stretch of the highway would be closed entirely and substituted with the new slip road at Km140.1. (NST Online, 22.07.09)

Expansion Of Menkuang Dam Complete In 2013: PENANG, July 20 (Bernama) - Expansion of the Mengkuang Dam in Seberang Perai which is expected to be completed by 2013 would increase reserve water capacity from 23 million cubic metres to 78 million cubic metres. Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, said with the expansion of the dam, the Sg Dua water treatment plant can meet water demand for all of Penang till 2020.

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Alternative Rapid Penang Routes For Georgetown Celebrations: PENANG, July 23 (Bernama) - In conjunction with the first anniversary celebration of Georgetown as Unesco World Heritage Site this Saturday, 14 Rapid Penang routes will be affected due to several road closures. Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd creative communication assistant manager Yap Lee Ying said the bus company would use alternative routes on that day.

Heritage fest promises a day packed with fun: A street festival will be held on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site listing. The event, organised by the Penang Municipal Council, will be held from 11am to 10.30pm at various locations within the heritage enclave. (Star Online, 24.07.09)

Art festival from Friday: Penang will play host to 70 well-known artists during the Art International-Penang 2009 festival from Friday to Sunday. Committee chairman Koay Teng Hai said international artists from 28 countries such as Russia, Holland, Finland, Germany, Poland, Italy, Greece, Mongolia, Lebanon, United States, United Kingdom, France and Romania will be taking part in the event. (Star Online, 23.07.09)

Dancing the way to Bon-ding: The Esplanade field in Penang was transformed into a carnival ground when a 50,000-strong crowd of revellers converged to celebrate the Bon Odori Festival with their Japanese counterparts on Saturday. It was interesting to see all things Japanese here especially the ladies in their beautiful yukata (summer kimono) and the gentlemen in happi coats (short robes worn with shorts or pants). (Star Online, 21.07.09)

Treasures of George Town: Tourists, cycling enthusiasts and heritage buffs are invited to take part in Penang Heritage Experience on Wheels as well as the Vintage Bicycle Show and Competition on Sunday. Penang Cycling Lifestyle Association (PCLA) represen-tative Tan Boon Heng said the first event was a 15km cycling trail around George Town while the second one would be held at New World Park. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

Angle for glory at jetties: A fishing competition will be held at Chew Jetty and Tan Jetty in Weld Quay in conjunction with the first anniversary of George Town’s UNESCO heritage listing. Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee said the competition would be held from 10am to noon on August 16. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

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Revival of abandoned project a boon to 1,200 housebuyers: GEORGE TOWN (July 21, 2009) - It's good news for 1,200 housebuyers. The state government has found a "white knight" to revive the Taman Cemerlang housing project which has been abandoned for 12 years.  Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the rescue and rehabilitation would be undertaken by Lembaman Development Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Belleview Group. (theSun)

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Multinational corporations to create 5,000 jobs: GEORGE TOWN: Some 5,000 engineering jobs in hardware and software designing will be created by multinational corporations (MNCs) and local electronic companies in the country by year-end. About 5% of these jobs would be related to hardware design engineering of integrated circuits (ICs), said Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) chief operating officer Ng Wan Peng. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

Intel Collaborate With MDeC On Human Capital Development: PENANG, July 20 (Bernama) - Leading US chipmaker Intel Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) to enhance human capital development in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Intel Malaysia's managing director Atul Bhargava said the purpose of the MoU was to incorporate an industry-academia collaboration and work out a curriculum on engineering for local universities

2,100 find jobs: A total of 2,100 workers who were retrenched in Penang have found jobs over the past 10 months after registering themselves with the Penang Labour Department. Department director Hoe Lean Fatt said they were among those who had registered directly with the department or via the Hu-man Resources Ministry’s website (www.jobsmalaysia.gov.my). (Star Online, 20.07.09)

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Chinese Barber: Nowadays Chinese barbers are rare sight. There are not many left in Georgetown. This is the one my hubby and both of my sons go to for their hair cut.  Both of the barber who they usually call them “uncle” of “ah pak” has been there for more then fifty years. (Zoom2See, 18.07.09)

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Penang Heritage Trail - Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple at Armenian Street: We discovered this temple by chance. As we strolled along Armenian Street, I was attracted by a stone tablet erected outside a traditionally decorated entrance. This is the main entrance leading to Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple which is a community temple devoted to the worship of Twa Peh Kong or sometimes written as 'Tua Pek Kong' (God of Prosperity and Morality). (MyWiseWife, 22.07.09)

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PKR leaders hit out at 'coup leaders': Penang PKR leaders today hit out at certain division leaders for allegedly attempting to stage a leadership coup and create a rift among party members in the state. (Malaysiakini, 22.07.09)

Lim Proposes Tunku Abdul Aziz To Head RCI: PENANG, July 21 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng Tuesday proposed that Senator Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim be made the head of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate Teoh Beng Hock's case. Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the DAP senator was the right man for the job as he was the founder of Transparency International (Malaysia) and had been a special adviser to the secretary-general of the United Nations in 2006.

Capacity crowd at Beng Hock forum in Penang: A capacity crowd packed the hall at the Teoh Beng Hock memorial forum at the Caring Society Complex in Penang tonight. Hundreds who couldn’t squeeze into the hall, sat in the foyer downstairs while many others spilled onto the corridors outside.(Anil Netto, 22.07.09)

Special assistants club submit memo to MACC: GEORGE TOWN (July 20, 2009) : A group of special assistants to the Penang state executive councillors submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), calling on for a royal inquiry to be set up to investigate into the death of Teoh Beng Hock, the political aide to Selangor executive councillor Ean-Yong Hian Wah. (theSun)

State PAC questions Gerakan Youth's motive for report against Guan Eng: GEORGE TOWN (July 21, 2009) - Penang Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo today questioned the state Gerakan Youth's motive for lodging a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. "We are willing to probe the graft allegations. Why is Gerakan Youth unwilling to submit the documents and cooperate with us on the matter? (theSun)

Penang political aides want better protection: Special assistants to Penang government political leaders said today that they will only be available to attend any queries for graft investigations in their work premises and not anywhere else. (Malaysiakini, 20.07.09)

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MIC Willing To Cooperate With Penang Government To Resolve Kg Buah Pala Issue: BUTTERWORTH, July 26 (Bernama) - MIC is willing to cooperate with the Penang government to resolve the Kampung Buah Pala issue for the sake of the Indian community. MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu said he would meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng soon to discuss the matter.

Guan Eng takes a bold, high-stakes gamble: Guan Eng’s announcement that he would direct the Penang Munical Council to immediately revoke the development order issued to Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd is a bold and decisive move. He is finally using the powers of his office to act decisively in the interests of the villagers of Kg Buah Pala. (Anil Netto.com, 26.07.09)

Kg Buah Pala: Two-step Approach – A video by Chan Lilian on the CM’s statement on the revocation of a development order.

Penang CM only acted in '11th hour', say disappointed villagers: GEORGE TOWN: The residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala have taken Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to task for acting too slowly to resolve the problems over their land.  Residents association assistant secretary, C. Tharmaraj, said the villagers are disappointed Lim waited “till the 11th hour” to use his executive powers to revoke the development order issued to Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd. (NST Online, 25.07.09)

Lim orders revocation of development order: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has directed the immediate revocation of a development order issued to Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd allowing for the construction of an apartment project in Kampung Buah Pala. Lim said yesterday he would use his authority as the Chief Minister to direct the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) immediately revoke the order. “This means that even though they (Nusmetro) can come on Aug 3 and demolish the houses, they cannot build them,” he said after meeting with representatives of the 24 families from the village, popularly known as the High Chaparral at his office in Komtar Friday. (Star Online, 25.07.09)

Breakthrough in Kg Buah Pala negotiations: It appears that some sort of agreement has been struck between the Penang state government and Kg Buah Pala committee members. The residents and the state government will stand together with the residents on the deadline for vacant possession, according to a source. (anilnetto.com, 25.07.09)

Clock ticks on talks as eviction deadline looms: Penang state government reps and Kg Buah Pala villagers are resuming closed-door negotiations at 9.00pm today. They are racing against time to find a resolution to the crisis as a 2 August eviction deadline looms. (Anil Netto, 24.07.09)

Man punches politician's aide: GEORGE TOWN: A man, believed to be an aide to a high-ranking politician here, was punched by an unidentified man at Komtar yesterday.  The incident took place as MIC Youth chief T. Mohan was speaking to reporters after handing over a memorandum on the Kampung Lorong Buah Pala issue to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng through the latter's political secretary Ng Wei Aik. (NST Online, 24.07.09)

Residents lose in court again: GEORGE TOWN - The hopes of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala residents to remain in their village were dashed again yesterday after the High Court ruled against them. High Court judge Datuk John Louis O'Hara dismissed with costs the residents' appeal against the Deputy Registrar's decision to dismiss their application to set aside the writ of possession and bailiff's notice. (NST Online, 24.07.09)

MIC Offering RM3.2 Million To Get Back Kampung Buah Pala Land: PENANG, July 23 (Bernama) - The MIC is willing to offer RM3.2 million if the Penang government can get back the land in Kampung Buah Pala, Bukit Gelugor from the developer. MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said the move was to enable the residents to continue living in the village. He was speaking to reporters after handing a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng through the latter's political secretary Ng Wei Eik at the Tun Abdul Razak Complex (Komtar), here, Thursday.

Kampung Buah Pala's Residents Have Right To Legal Representation: KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) - The Bar Council urged the Penang state government to accede to the Kampung Buah Pala residents' request for their legal advisors to accompany them during all discussions over the village land issue. Its secretary, George Varughese said as a government that claimed to be democratic and transparent, and to represent the interests of its people, the Penang state government must do no less.

Penang Wanita Gerakan Wants Action On Fishermen's Woes: PENANG, July 23 (Bernama) - Penang Wanita Gerakan has proposed the setting up of a task force to look into complaints by Nibong Tebal fishermen that their catch has dwindled due to pollution allegedly caused by work on the second Penang bridge. Its chief, Ng Siew Lai, said the task force could ascertain whether the pollution was caused by the bridge project or if it was due to other reasons.

10 detained in march to hand Kg Buah Pala memo to CM: GEORGE TOWN: Police detained 10 people, including MIC Youth coordinator T. Mohan, when about 50 people were about to march towards Komtar to hand over a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s office on the Kampung Buah Pala issue. (Star Online, 24.07.09)

Kg Buah Pala folk plan 100m protest walk: GEORGE TOWN - A group of Kampung Buah Pala residents and representatives from some non-governmental groups are expected to stage a 100m walk today to protest the development of their settlement. Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association assistant secretary C. Tharmaraj said the walk from the Lord Sivan Hindu Temple in Jalan Datuk Keramat to the Komtar building housing the Chief Minister’s office would start at 10.30am. (Star Online, 23.07.09)

Understanding Reached With Kg Buah Pala Villagers, Says Lim: PENANG, July 22 (Bernama) - The Penang government and residents of Kampung Buah Pala have reached an understanding over the eviction notice given to them, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said a follow up meeting would be held with 24 families from the village on Friday.

MIC Youth chief Mohan arrested: MIC Youth chief T Mohan was arrested in Penang this morning after coming to the aide of a Kampung Buah Pala resident who was distributing 'Save Kg Buah Pala' t-shirts at a temple in Jalan Dato Keramat. Mohan was to meet with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at 11am today to handover a memorandum asking the state government to sell the last remaining Indian traditional village to MIC so that it can be returned to the residents. (Malaysiakini, 23.07.09)

Temple needs state to help in relocation: A century-old Taoist temple in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, is under threat of being demolished and its committee is seeking for assistance to relocate it. MCA Bukit Bendera division chief Tang Heap Seng told newsmen that temple committee chairman Tan Kok Beng approached the party for assistance as he was worried about the temple’s future. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

MIC's memo on Kampung Buah Pala: GEORGE TOWN - The MIC will be submitting a memorandum to the cabinet detailing the chronology of events and issues which have transpired at Kampung Lorong Buah Pala, said its Youth chief T. Mohan.  Mohan said all areas would be covered in the memorandum. (NST Online, 21.07.09)

Rep: I stand by what I said to Buah Pala folk: GEORGE TOWN - Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer is standing by the statements he made at the Ponggal celebration at Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in January which residents had taken as promises to save the village from demolition.  Rayer explained that the statements, which were recorded on video, were said in the context of their win at the Penang High Court last year to save their homes. (NST Online, 20.07.09)

High Chaparral residents want lawyer at meeting: GEORGE TOWN - With two weeks to go and one last chance to meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and save their homes, the residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala are still insisting on the presence of their lawyer in any negotiation with the state government.  The village residents association secretary, J. Stephen, said the residents welcomed the meeting set for this Wednesday night at Lim's Komtar office. (NST Online, 20.07.09)

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RM1.40 minimum bus fare beginning Aug 1: GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd will introduce a new fare structure from Aug 1, in line with the government's announcement to improve the delivery system of public transportation services.  Its chief executive officer, Azhar Ahmad, said the company would also be adding 200 disabled-friendly buses to its fleet by year-end to further strengthen its operations, especially in terms of bus frequency. (NST Online, 22.07.09)

Batavia Air plans Jakarta-Penang direct flights: Jakarta-based airline, Batavia Air, plans to introduce direct flights between the Indonesian capital and Penang this September. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said details have yet to be finalised and the company was still in talks with Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) (5014). (Business Times, 22.07.09)

Rapid Penang To Introduce New Fare Structure From Aug 1: PENANG, July 21 (Bernama) - Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd will introduce a new fare structure from Aug 1 in line with the government's announcement to improve the delivery system of public transportation services. Its chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the company would also be adding 200 disabled-friendly buses to its existing fleet by year end to further strengthen its operations in the interest of the public, especially in terms of bus frequency.

No Touch ’n Go discount: BUTTERWORTH: Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd has withdrawn the 20% discount on toll rates for motorists buying Touch ’n Go cards for use on Penang Bridge since April 1. Its deputy general manager, Abd Rahman Hassan, said those who had bought the cards before April 1 and topped it up at designated places would still receive the discount. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

Penang welcomes Tiger Airways: The inaugural flight of Tiger Airways which arrived at 11.40am this morning is another milestone for Penang as the state welcome the new international airline to the Penang International Airport. With Tiger Airways flying two flights a day, Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng is hopeful that more tourists from Singapore and elsewhere will visit Penang for its culinary and heritage attractions. (Malaysiakini, 20.07.09)

Prasarana may take over Penang ferry services: Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd is likely to become the new operator of the Penang ferry services. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said Prasarana has been given the mandate by the Finance Ministry to carry out a study on the viability of taking over the loss-making services from terminal operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB). (Business Times, 20.07.09)

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Bon Odori 2009 Penang: You know I only go to bon odori for one reason, to indulge myself and hopefully for a brief while, to induced my mind to temporary escape the fact that the body that it is housed in is not trapped in Malaysia; and if that fails there's always the wonderful joy of taking photos of cute girls in Kimono regardless whether they are real Japanese or local girls. (Dreaming Artemis, 20.07.09)

Bon Odori Penang: It was Saturday nite and one of VisitPenang biggest event. Yes, Bon Odori happened on Saturday 18 July and we were there to witness this colorful event. I also had a chance to try out the slow sync flash. Bon Odori Festival is a Japanese Buddhist custom to observ &  honour the spirits of ancestors, who return once a year to visit their families. Traditional dance (Bon Odori) is performed to entertain the spirits of the ancestors. (Painting with light, 19.07.09)

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Penang targets domestic and regional markets to lift tourism: GEORGE TOWN - Penang’s tourism industry is eyeing the domestic and regional markets during this economically challenging period. The regional focus was because this part of the world was experiencing faster economic recovery than Europe and the United States, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta, Penang Chapter) chairman T.H. Lim. (Star Online, 22.07.09)

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For the love of Saint Anne: Ornamental offerings dropped into the collection boxes in the St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam have been put on exhibition in a new museum in the church premises. The offerings, some made from gold, silver and copper, were collected from parishioners and pilgrims over the last 20 years, especially during the annual St Anne’s Novena and Feast. (Star Online, 25.07.09)

PDC calls for open tender to operate Komtar tower block: GEORGE TOWN (July 23, 2009): The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is calling for open tender from local and international companies to operate at Level 59 and 60 of the Komtar tower block. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is also PDC chairman, said the open tender is part of the state's efforts to revitalise Komtar. (theSun)

Chingay exponents to pitch for honours: Chingay lovers will get to watch Penang’s top five teams battle it out in the inaugural All-Star National Chingay Championship this Sunday. A team each from Perak and Kedah will also take part. Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said each team would have eight minutes to display their skills at the event to be held at the Esplanade from 8.30am to 11am. (Star Online, 23.07.09)

Penang Government Reminded Not To Take Away Agriculture Land: KEPALA BATAS, July 22 (Bernama) - State Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim on Wednesday reminded the Penang government not be too overzealous in converting agricultural land for development as it can affect the livelihood of rural farmers. Azhar is concerned that the move to expand areas for development, especially in the agricultural zones, would set back efforts to develop the agriculture industry as a source of income for the people, particularly during an economic recession.

Agro sector needs brilliant ideas: PENANG’S agriculture sector is capable of emerging as the state’s third biggest economic earner if its agro-based products have added value, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said. He said presently, the agriculture sector, which contributed 1.6% towards the state’s economy, was in the fourth position after manufacturing (56%), services (40%) and construction (1.8%). (Star Online, 22.07.09)

Gerakan Wants Penang Bridge Discount Card Revived: BUTTERWORTH, July 20 (Bernama) - The Penang Gerakan Youth has urged the state government and the Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) to revive the use of the Touch 'n Go discount card at the Penang Bridge toll plaza. Its vice-chief, H'ng Khoon Leng, said the termination of the discount card with a rebate of 20 per cent of the normal charge of RM7, effective April 1, had burdened the users who had bought the card in advance.

Fantastic kites take flight: Colourful kites of various shapes and sizes filled the sky over the Esplanade field in Penang during a kite flying demonstration recently. The sight captivated both the old and young who admired the beautiful kites, especially an octopus-shaped inflatable kite that was as big as a bus. (Star Online, 21.07.09)

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