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The tragedy of Kampung Buah Pala: Just a few days before bulldozers showed up at Kampung Buah Pala last month, in what turned out to be a failed attempt to demolish the village, an emotional resident showed me an old crinkled photograph of her great grandmother, who had lived in the settlement about a hundred years back. Little would the guileless young woman with a haunting expression in the picture have known that her descendants would one day have to fight a pitched battle to defend that very ancestral land that she had toiled on. (theSun, 03.09.09)

Too little too late in Kampung Buah Pala: GEORGE TOWN, Sept 1 — Public sentiment has clearly turned against the residents of Kampung Buah Pala and they know it. Any sympathy for the community, which trace their roots back to the colonial Brown Estate over 150 years back, was lost after news spread that they had rejected an offer for double stories houses from developer, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd. (Malaysian Insider)

More on the Penang Hill Railway: After I highlighted Ric Francis’ and Dr Choong Sim Poey’s letters to the press on the Penang Hill Railway issue, a reader, Garth Johnson, sent in this comment. (Anil Netto, 01.09.09)

Penang State Government Would Seek Information Of The Shocking Failure Rate of 76% Where RM 5.8 Billion Out Of RM 7.6 Billion Worth Of Projects Allocated For Penang Under The 9th Malaysian Plan(9MP) Could Not Be Completed On Time: Penang state government welcomes the triple assurances given by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop that twenty-two delayed projects in Penang under the Ninth Malaysia Plan costing RM 300 million will be completed as scheduled by the end of 2010, that the Federal Government would help to promote Penang as a tourism destination and also offer just treatment to all states for development projects under the 10MP (2011-2015). Penang pledges full co-operation with the Federal government to ensure speedy and timely completion of these delayed projects. (limguaneng.com, 30.08.09)

The girl behind the icon: If there is one world champion who is admired by every Malaysian, it has to be Nicol David. SPORTS can reveal much about one’s character. The way a person deals with triumph and failure and how she strategises or plays the game reflects her approach to life. Datuk Nicol Ann David is the undisputed world champion of squash. But what endears her to Malaysians at home and abroad are her humility, sportsmanship and conduct. (Star Online, 30.08.09)

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Dell expects growth in IT spending: GEORGE TOWN - Dell Inc expects to see positive growth in information technology (IT) spending in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific next year. Small and medium business president Steve Felice said spending on IT was down in the region due to the global economic crisis. (Star Online, 05.09.09)

Penang gets RM1.3b investments in 1H: GEORGE TOWN: Investment inflows into Penang were severely affected by the global economic slowdown, with the total for the first six months of 2009 at RM1.3 billion, a mere 10% of the RM10.3 billion achieved in 2008. InvestPenang Bhd executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the reduction in investments must be viewed in the context of international and national foreign direct investments. (The Edge Malaysia, 01.09.09)

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Illegal Felling Of Trees Detected In Mengkuang Dam Area: PENANG, Sept 2 (Bernama) - The Penang government has detected illegal felling of rubber and agarwood trees in an area earmarked for the Mengkuang Dam expansion project in Seberang Perai Tengah. Chief Minister Lim Guang Eng said the rubber and agarwood trees in an area covering about two hectares at the proposed project site had been felled and brought out of the area.

Penang probes illegal logging at Mengkuang Dam: GEORGE TOWN - The state government is investigating the illegal logging of rubber trees at some 2ha of land at the Mengkuang Dam in Seberang Prai which had gone undetected for at least two weeks. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said it came to a halt when State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh received a tip-off on Aug 25. (Star Online, 02.09.09)

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Penang Char Kway Teow: The first of the must eat stops after touching down in Penang is to try a popular Penang speciality, the famous Penang Char Kway Teow and we headed towards Lorong Selamat where one such stall serves very delectable one and it is very much near the vicinity of our hotel. (Jencooks, 06.09.09)

Malaysian hot favourites: Celebrating 1Malaysia is easy with food – here are three that have crossed the boundaries of race and culture. The Chinese dish that has made the greatest headway in terms of crossing cultural boundaries is probably fried kway teow, a dish of stir-fried flat rice noodles. Travelling from north to south in peninsular Malaysia, you will find slight differences in the style the kway teow is fried by the haw­kers. (Star Online, 06.09.09)

Penang George Town Tho Yuen Restaurant - Authentic Dim Sum and Hand Made Egg Tart: As I walked into this restaurant, my sense was transported back to the good old time in 70s. I believe Tho Yuen has stood faithfully for at least more than two decades, judging from the facade and its interior. Tho Yuen is the second shop from the cross junction of Campbell Street and Cintra Street. (My WIse Wife, 05.09.09)

Over the misty bridge to the new lane: We din know it then , as we referred to it as the near Macalister Road beside Sunway Hotel place . It was usually our first stop when we crossed the Bridge. These stalls only come out in full force in the evening tho. The usual crowded place with the hawkers busy cutting , slicing , & mixing their precious cargoes. There is always the heightened excitement of seeing so much food in such a small area! (backStreetGluttons, 04.09.09)

Senior Citizens Association, Penang - A Secluded Dining Experinece: If I were  to tell you to dine at old folks’ home, you would probably think that I am nuts. This was the first feeling when my friend asked me the same thing. But I was told that the dishes were quite nice. It was kinda cruel for a normal and healthy person to be served by senior citizens. The concept should be the other way round. (Steven Goh, 30.08.09)

Stinky Tofu at Tang Steamboat & BBQ Restaurant, Penang: It was an amazing steamboat dinner we had on the weekend with some friends at Tang Steamboat & BBQ Restaurant in Rangoon Road, Penang. It is a different kind of steamboat whether when it comes to choices of food and soup. (what2seeonline.com, 31.08.09)

Welcome table: Malaysian cuisine is like our people: an incredible mix of ingredients and tastes that work beautifully, observes food blogger Robyn Eckhardt. (Star Online, 31.08.09)

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50 Bazaar Traders In Penang Road Allowed To Continue: PENANG, Sept 6 (Bernama) - The state government today agreed to allow 50 Ramadan Bazaar traders in Penang Road, in the centre of Georgetown, here to continue doing their business in the area. Deputy Chief Minister 1 Mansor Othman said the traders were allowed to do business during the month of Ramadan this year and next year.

Nor Mohamed Says Willing To Meet Lim To Explain 9MP Projects: BUTTERWORTH, Sept 5 (Bernama) - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said on Saturday he was willing to meet Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng next week to explain the situation on Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) projects for the state. He said he did not have problems meeting Lim who wanted to be updated on the projects.

Traders Urge MPPP To Approve Ramadhan Bazaar Permits: PENANG, Sept 5 (Bernama) - Fifty traders at the Penang Road Ramadan bazaar on Saturday urged the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to approve their application to operate Ramadan stalls along the road.

Penang: What happened to our 9MP projects?: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang government wants to know what has happened to the state’s development projects approved under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) as only RM1.8bil of them would have been completed by Dec 31, 2010. (Star Online, 04.09.09)

Release promised funds, Lim urges federal govt: GEORGE TOWN (Sept 3, 2009) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is urging the federal government to release the RM25 million allocation promised to the state so that it can prepare an Integrated Conservation Management Plan (ICMP) for the city. Lim said the Information, Communications and Culture ministry had allocated the sum for heritage conservation in Penang due George Town being listed as a Unesco's World Heritage Site but to date, the state has yet to receive anything. (theSun)

CM: Be the state’s eyes and ears: Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) members in Penang should play their role as “eyes and ears” for the state government, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said the JKKK had an important role to play by providing the right information to the local people on projects carried out by the state government. (Star Online, 01.09.09)

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Feeding the hungry ghosts: Where the menu is concerned, anything goes as long as it is edible. Lots of roast chicken, duck, goose or pork, accompanied by doughy, steamed red Mi Ku and fluffy Uwa Ko Kueh and biscuits thrown in for dessert – that, apparently, is what Chinese ghosts like to eat. To be precise, ghosts of the Buddhist, Teochew or Confucian persuasion anyway. (Star Online, 06.09.09)

Hungry Ghost Around Penang Island (Burnerbyte, 05.09.09)

Lion Dance on Stilt: Starting from July, the Penang State Government have started a series of programs which will be held once a week on every Saturday at Esplanade, Penang. 5th of Sept, which is the past Saturday, a Chinese cultural presentation was presented at the Esplanade - Lion Dance. Lion dance? Sounds boring, well, this is no normal Lion Dance, but it's the Lion Dance performed on stilts, which is harder and kinda dangerous. (Samuel's Blog, 05.09.09)

Chinese Opera Show: Chinese opera which is the combination of drama and musical theater is a great art and it has never been easy to master all the skills. It is one of the heritage tradition for the Chinese in Penang. We can see the opera show everywhere in town especially during the "Ghost Festival" season. (Zoom2see, 04.09.09)

Living Culture, Penang, Malaysia: Penang Island, the Pearl of the Orient…A must see for anyone visiting Asia. Experience the culture and colorful festivals of the Malays, Chinese and Indians. Let your taste buds go wild with the delicious food, from hawker stalls to five star resorts…It’s all here! (GlobalVideoProTV, 30.08.09)

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Rehda Penang seeks aid for first-time house buyers: A RM10,000 grant for first-time buyers of affordable homes is being proposed by Penang property players to the government for consideration in Budget 2010. Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association, Penang Chapter (Rehda Penang) chairman Datuk Jerry Chan said the grant can be considered for properties which fall below a certain price range. (Business Times, 03.09.09)

Green project on Hunza's drawing board: Property developer Hunza Properties Bhd (5018) will embark on a green concept residential development project in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. Its executive chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong said the project is a joint venture with another company and is currently in the planning stages. (Business Times, 02.09.09)

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The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Georgetown Penang: During my Penang trip, I took the the opportunity to visit one of the heritage site listed in UNESCO, unlike last time we always go to beach when visited Penang. This time,we choose this Blue mansion to have a visit, this mansion won "2000 UNESCO "Most Excellent" Heritage Conservation Award..You really shouldn't miss this...visit the best ancient Chinese architecture in Penang which about 200 years old...(Nasi Lemak Lover, 04.09.09)

The Old Water Village: At one glance, I thought it was just another old residential area in Georgetown, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Penang, Malaysia. Little did I knew that the moment I stepped on the wooden platform, I was already over the water. The Chew Jetty is the largest among the other seven waterfront settlements housing different clans in Georgetown built in the mid-19th century. The name of the jetty – “Chew”, is the surname of the clan living in the water village with wooden houses perched above the sea by stilts, a homeland for generations of the Chews whose forefathers came from Fujian Province in China and were mostly fishermen. (Traveller Folio, 03.09.09)

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Talk, not threaten, Mustapa tells Penang Umno assemblymen: JELI, Sept 6 — Internal problems involving Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen are best resolved through discussions and not by issuing threats, said Umno Supreme Councillor Datuk Mustapa Mohamed. (Malaysian Insider)

No apology to Penang Chief Minister: MCA loyalist: BUTTERWORTH: There is not even a ghost of a chance that an MCA Youth chief would apologise to the Penang chief minister for confronting him during a recent Hungy Ghost Festival dinner. Bagan division chief David Chua insists he will not apologise to Lim Guan Eng over the confrontation at the latter's VIP table during the dinner in Taman Dedap here on August 30. (NST Online, 05.09.09)

Update Lim defends calling MCA names: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng maintains that he stated the obvious when he called the MCA a "money collecting agency" or "mau cari angpow" during a recent gathering at a temple in Butterworth which incurred the wrath of several MCA division leaders who were at the function. The temple committee has lodged a police report against the leaders who were said to have behaved in a rowdy manner and violent behaviour. (The Edge Malaysia, 02.08.09)

Guan Eng under fire over alleged inflammatory remarks: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Gerakan Youth has slammed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for his remarks on the current MCA crisis, saying that he was adding “fire” to a volatile political situation. Its vice-chairman, Tan Kah Leong, said it was unbecoming of Lim to talk bad about another party’s affairs at a public function. (Star Online, 02.09.09)

Gerakan Youth speaks up for MCA: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been warned not to add fuel to the fire in relation to the current MCA crisis. Penang Gerakan Youth in a statement came to the MCA's rescue when it slammed Lim for his remarks on the current MCA crisis, saying Lim was adding “fuel” to a volatile political situation. Youth vice-chairman Tan Kah Leong said, instead of asking the people to unite and cooling emotions, Lim chose to speak ill of another party’s affairs at a public function. (The Edge Malaysia, 02.09.09)

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Kampung Buah Pala: Read records of the first demolition day here (Star Online, 03.09.09) and here (Anil Netto, 03.09.09)

Cops arrest villagers as Buah Pala demolition goes on: GEORGE TOWN, Sept 3 —At least 14 villagers, including lawyer Darshan Singh, were detained by police in what has become the all too familiar scene at Kampung Buah Pala of residents facing off with demolition teams. Those detained were hauled away after attempting to stop the police escorting a demolition team to tear down a house in the village. (Malaysian Insider)

Now 250-year-old Malay settlement wants to stop demolition in Tanjung Tokong: GEORGE TOWN (Sept 2, 2009) - Even as it reels from the Kampung Buah Pala crisis, the state government now faces increasing demands to save a 250-year old Malay settlement in Tanjung Tokong here from being demolished. The residents association of Kampung Tanjung Tokong has appealed for help after a recent document by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) categorised the 300-odd families there as squatters. (theSun)

Sugumaran: Anwar to turn village into heritage site: GEORGE TOWN - The long stand-off between Kampung Buah Pala residents with the developer took a twist when they claimed that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had promised to turn the village into an Indian heritage centre. “Anwar came during campaigning in last year’s election to make such a promise. This is why we are up in arms about not moving,” said the village’s residents association chairman M. Sugumaran. (Star Online, 03.09.09)

Tanjong Tokong residents want heritage protection: PENANG, Sept 2 – Learning from the drawn-out battle over Kampung Buah Pala, the residents of Tanjong Tokong now want the government to expedite the process of gazetting their village as a heritage zone to safeguard the ownership of their land. Village chief Mohd Salleh Yahya said the more than 200-year-old traditional village within an urban setting should be protected. (Malaysian Insider)

Move to preserve 'High Chaparral': GEORGE TOWN (Sept 6, 2009) - In an attempt to preserve their heritage village, the embattled residents of Kampung Buah Pala are seeking funds to buy a piece of land that they have identified for the community to move to. Village residents' association chairman M. Sugumaran said 13 households, who have not yet signed agreements for ex-gratia compensation of a double-storey terrace house each, are looking into developing a "kampung tersusun" (organised village) on the new land. It is understood that the current owner of the new land is agreeable to sell it to the villagers at an undisclosed price. (theSun)

Kg Buah Pala: No deal struck yet: Contrary to reports that a deal has been struck with all the villagers, half the remaining households have not yet accepted the developer’s vaguely worded compensation offer. (Anil Netto, 04.09.09)

22 Kampung Buah Pala residents accept offer to shift: PENANG - The Kampung Buah Pala saga looks headed for an amicable settlement as 22 house owners agreed to accept an offer from the developer, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd. Nusmetro Director Thomas Chan said a meeting was held with Kampung Buah Pala residents yesterday and that they had agreed to accept an offer made by them (developer). (NST Online, 04.09.09)

State Govt distances itself from Kg Buah Pala: GEORGE TOWN (Sept 3, 2009) - The Penang government has distanced itself from the demolition of several houses in Kampung Buah Pala today.  Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state had nothing to do with the demolition and was not involved in forcing the villagers to move out from the land. (theSun)

Kg Buah Pala villagers locked out of State Govt office: GEORGE TOWN (Sept 1, 2009) : About a dozen villagers from Kampung Buah Pala, including children and women, found themselves shut out as they tried to enter the main administration lobby of the Penang state government in Komtar here today.  The villagers, who are appealing against the impending demolition of their houses, saw security officials closing the main door to block them as they were about to enter for a day-long sit-in hunger strike. (theSun)

Kg Buah Pala residents seek police protection as deadline passes: Cops get letter from villagers - GEORGE TOWN - While a few villagers stood guard at Kampung Buah Pala, their leader delivered a letter to the police, as another group tried to stage a hunger strike at Komtar. These events unfolded on an otherwise quiet day at the village as the deadline for demolition – the third since last month – passed by without any untoward incident yesterday. (Star Online, 02.09.09)

Three Kg Buah Pala villagers released on bail: PENANG - The detention of three Kampung Buah Pala residents last Saturday was to complete investigations into four police reports made relating to criminal threats. Northeast police district chief ACP Azam Abdul Hamid said the three were detained not out of any pressure from any quarters. "They were all freed on bail after their statements were taken. That was a normal investigation procedure according to the law," he said at a news conference here today. (The Edge Malaysia, 31.08.09)

A Merdeka message from Kampung Buah Pala: AUG 31 — Among the many headaches that Penang’s former Barisan Nasional administration left for its Pakatan Rakyat replacement, Kampung Buah Pala must command a particularly high painkiller budget. As time passes, the hubbub surrounding this small community has twisted and turned so many times that anyone who has paid attention to the issue probably feels like they accidentally wandered into a game of blindman’s buff. (Malaysian Insider)

Kg Buah Pala folk all packed up but no plans to move out: GEORGE TOWN - At least three villagers have moved out from their houses in Kampung Buah Pala here while several others have started packing up their belongings in anticipation of the demolition of the 24 houses there. But those who have packed their belongings have no plans to move out even though the deadline for demolition expired yesterday. (Star Online, 01.09.09)

Kg Buah Pala: Its D-day and villagers plan hunger strike: GEORGE TOWN - The deadline for Kampung Buah Pala folks to move out is here and residents plan to handover a memorandum to the police at 10am before going on a hunger strike today. All is quiet at the village with a few residents keeping vigil at the entrance. (Star Online, 01.09.09)

Buah Pala folks turn to court again, to buy time: GELUGOR, Aug 31 — Residents of Kampung Buah Pala are again turning  to the courts to prevent the impending demolition of their homes. Residents Association secretary Joseph Steven Draviam said lawyers representing them will file an injunction at the Penang High Court tomorrow. “We are all hoping the court will grant us an urgent order on the basis of human rights.” (Malaysian Insider)

Penang CM says he was not behind arrests in Kg Buah Pala: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says the state government had nothing to do with the recent arrest of three Kampung Buah Pala residents committee members. Lim said he did not control the police, and thus had no knowledge of why they were detained. “Since the residents have sought the help of Umno, they should ask Umno for an explanation. The state government has no idea about any action taken by the police (against them),” he said after visiting a Merdeka baby at KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital in Bandar Perda here Monday. (Star Online, 31.08.09)

Buah Pala women block police van ferrying leaders: A tense midnight drama took place at the Jelutong police station in Georgetown, Penang, when some 30 Kampung Buah Pala residents formed a human barricade and forcefully stopped a police van from ferrying their three detained leaders to the lock-up. (Hindraf Makkal Shakti/Malaysiakini)

Guan Eng only gave partial truth about Kg Buah Pala, says Koh: GEORGE TOWN - Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon hit out at his successor Lim Guan Eng for not telling the whole truth about the Kampung Buah Pala land issue. “He has told only the partial truth, and is good in twisting facts about the issue. He said he had the chronology of the minutes during the state executive council meeting related to the issue by the previous government, but he has only revealed partial information.” (Star Online, 30.08.09)

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Guan Eng dares Tsu Koon to a telecast debate: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has challenged Gerakan president Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to a face-to-face debate on issues concerning the state. Lim said Koh, the former chief minister, needed not send another party leader or member to represent him in the debate. (NST Online, 31.08.09)

Little Penang, Big Dinner: It was a foot-stomping night with Akasha, the KL-based fusion band who had come to perform at the fund-raising dinner for the Little Penang Street Market. The Grand Ballroom of the G Hotel in Gurney Drive was packed, although there were one or two empty tables which had apparently been bought up but no one had deigned to grace them that evening. The "reserved" signs made me think of hungry ghosts ... !! (helenong.com, 30.08.09)

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