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A MISLEADING headline in the media, it has been explained, was the source of a gush of critical comments on the possible relocation of the 224-year-old Penang Port to a more “suitable” location. The Penang Port Commission (PPC), an agency of the Transport Ministry, said the federal government has no plans to relocate the port. PPC chairperson Tan Cheng Liang clarified that the issue had precipitated following a written question from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce before a dialogue between Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and port users. “The minister never made any statement that the port is going to move.” She attributed the misunderstanding to a misleading headline in the media. Read here
The reactions appeared nonetheless.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya took a stand not to relocate the Penang Port as it is the nerve centre for economic development in the state. The port has also received the full support of the federal government when the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) gave an assurance that the project to deepen the port's Selat Utara waters would be given priority in the 10th Malaysia Plan. “We want the port to remain at the present site because the project to deepen the water would boost its competitiveness and enable bigger vessels to berth at the port and enhance trade.” Read here Other opinions came from the public and journalists. - Marina Emmanuel of Business Times, in her opinion piece “Is relocation of Penang Port the right call?” (10.05.10), wondered if all those involved in the running and using of the port have been consulted and whether all parties think this is a good move. “Is the move to relocate the port simply a knee-jerk reaction to some dissatisfaction by certain quarters over less than satisfactory services experienced at the port, or have some serious discussions, feasibility studies and alternative sites identified before this, before the statement was issued?” Read here for more
- A letter to theSun further questioned if any feasibility study of the relocation had been done. “At this juncture, it’s pertinent to pose these questions to the authorities regarding the port’s proposed relocation plan -- Has a proper and transparent study been undertaken by the federal government for such a move? If there’s one, is there a master plan for its orderly development as was done in the early 1960s?” Read here for more
- Cheah Cheong Tian, founding member of the Penang Freight Forwarders Association in his letter to theSun as well, stated that Penang has successfully grown from strength to strength over the last 224 years because of its port and logistics services and that the state authorities should go all out to also attract ships that do not require deep drafts to the port and to delve deeper into the cruise shipping and leisure craft services. Read here for more
In related news, the Ministry of Transport has identified five key areas to enhance productivity of the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) and compete globally. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said PPSB should not rest on its laurels after being ranked 64th in the international port ranking, but instead improve their services to achieve their target of handling one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) this year. Read here for the five key areas. Other news Shrine to appease lost souls: A newly-made path at the peak of Pearl Hill on Penang island leads to a small clearing and a symbol of peace and good wishes. It is a 5.2m stupa (a mound-like Buddhist structure) built under the green canopy of leaves. Read here Website On traditions Of Penangites: A website that will record and document information on the traditions of Penangites like their folklore, songs and games was launched here Wednesday. The website is being developed by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Wawasan Open Universiti (WOU). Read here Mini-Circuits sees net profit, sales up 20%: Company's revenue in first three quarters alone will be close to that of 2009: Mini-Circuits Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd expects both its revenue and net profit to grow by about 20% compared to 2009. Read here Plenitude to buy land in Penang For property project: Plenitude Bayu Sdn Bhd plans to acquire 27 parcels of freehold land for RM45 million in Penang's North East district to develop another residential project. Read here Bangkok turmoil sends more tourists to Penang: The political turmoil in Thailand has been a blessing in disguise for hotels in Penang which have seen a surge in the number of enquiries and bookings for the next six months from European and even Eastern markets. Read here
For more news on Penang from May 10 to 16, 2010 , please click here
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