THE STATE GOVERNMENT released its first “report card” on work and initiatives carried out under the Pakatan rule, which showcases among others, the state-wide WiFi initiative, the establishment of the Penang Science Council, the Senior Citizens’ Appreciation Programme and the holding of open tenders for all government contracts. Read here

In line with its plan to create a “better” Penang, last week also saw many other initiatives taken by the state.

• Clean and Green Penang Initiative: This is a collaboration between the state and the Penang Island and Seberang Perai municipal councils with various other quarters such as environment non-governmental organisations, residents associations, the private sector and government agencies. This is an effort to upgrade Penang into a world-class town favoured by investors and tourists. Read here, here and here
• Balik Pulau as an educational hub: The state has identified a 200-acre site in Balik Pulau, where higher learning institutions will be invited to set up their campus. Read here. Among others, the Penang government plans to get the famous Egyptian university Al-Azhar to set up an off-shore campus in the area. Read here
• Day-care for children of workers: The idea of setting up day care was also mulled by the state. It is currently holding discussions with developers to turn unoccupied units, especially those at low-cost housing schemes, into day-care centres for children whose parents are away at work. State Welfare, Health, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said developers were receptive to the idea. Read here
• Preventing old houses from being dismantled, moved: Penang will also introduce a new law to prevent old houses in the state from being dismantled and moved to other locations. “We do not want to lose such structures because they are beautiful and should be preserved,” said CM Lim. Read here

Other initiatives include the recent unveiling of Speaker's Square, an area where the public could air its views freely (read here) and pressing on for local government elections (read here).

Other news

• Penang's capital is eighth most liveable city in Asia, on par with KL and Bangkok: The state capital has moved up a notch to become the eighth most liveable city in Asia in an international survey involving 254 cities. The survey, which was carried out by ECA International, now puts George Town on par with Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Read here
• Extend heritage conservation beyond inner city: The public has been reminded to not only conserve the heritage in the core and buffer zones but also the untapped heritage in other parts of Penang. Read here
• Impose levy on cruise ship tourists visiting heritage site: The Penang Government should consider imposing a levy on tourists arriving on cruise ships to visit the heritage site in George Town, said Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter president Marco Battistotti. Read here
• Penang govt irons out issues with Malay Chamber of Commerce: The state government’s meeting with the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce to thrash out several problems – including claims that the rights of Malay traders were being sidelined – has been successful. Read here
• Western Digital to set up US$1.2bil facility in Penang: Western Digital Corp will be setting up its US$1.2bil research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facility in Penang. Read here

For more news on Penang from May 17 to 23, 2010 , please click here

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