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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Kampung Buah Pala holds its breath: There is an old well, said to have been dug some 100 years ago in Penang’s Kampung Buah Pala, a charming settlement of cowherds and planters, which still provides fresh groundwater for many villagers. So remarkable is this well that during the national water crisis of the late 1990s, it became the lifeline for thousands of Penangites who made a bee-line to collect its water when all other supplies failed.  About five years ago, the inhabitants of this settlement – who trace their ancestry to at least five generations – were shocked when told that the land on which the well and the village stood was earmarked for a development project. The venture, which included four blocks of apartments, was called "Oasis". (theSun)

That’s more like it, Guan Eng: Guan Eng warns the Oasis developer not to play hard ball and not to make “”irresponsible and inflammatory threats. Meanwhile, the investigative committee needs to quickly get to the bottom of the circumstances leading to the highly questionable sale and land transfers. (Anil Netto, 02.07.09)

Kampung Buah Pala is Hindraf’s new rallying cry: KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The campaign to save Kampung Buah Pala in Penang from demolition is shaping into a big “do or die” battle for Hindraf, the banned movement whose fortunes have been on the decline in recent months for want of a rallying cause. Saving Kampung Buah Pala is the new call to battle for Hindraf. (Malaysian Insider)

George Town's heritage zone: How much of George Town lies within the boundary of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage zone?  Several days ago, this story broke in the New Straits Times, bringing about some new speculation and worries about our UNESCO listing. Will the new MACC building fall foul of the stringent requirements of the world body that George Town's heritage area should not have new buildings that are taller than five storeys? (Anything Goes, 01.07.09)

High Chaparral: Where is Koh Tsu Koon?: ‘It was during his tenure as CM that the land was sold.  It would be a good idea for Koh and Gerakan to launch a 'Save Kampung Buah Pala Fund' and use proceeds to acquire the land.’ Peter Ooi: I was one of those who strongly advocated that Lim Guan Eng uses his executive power to caveat the land. I thought it was very simple. (Malaysiakini, 01.07.09)

Traditional Chinese surname lanterns in an ancient shop: The Magazine Road is one of the ancient roads in Penang but only four ancient shops are left here as many others have been demolished for development. It was said that there was a development plan for the Magazine Road 20 years ago, but the plan has been shelved and delayed. Thus, shop owners here dare not to maintain or upgrade their shops as they are worried that their shops might be demolished after the maintenance. (Mysinchew, 01.07.09)

High Chaparral: Deputy CM Mansor to meet developers - Deputy Chief Minister Mansor Othman is to meet the Oasis developers tomorrow to discuss the crisis faced by High Chaparral villagers facing eviction, according to a media source. He expressed some optimism that the developers could be persuaded not to file the writ of eviction on the residents just yet. The residents want their village to be preserved as a cultural and heritage area. (Anil Netto, 29.06.09)

PKR councillor’s sacking from MPSP creates a stir: The Penang state exco has removed Johari Kassim as councillor of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) with effect from 26 June. Johari, the PKR whip at the council, had led a boycott of the swearing-in ceremony of new council president Mokhtar Mohd Jait, a former district officer of northern Seberang Perai. Johari claimed that the Council president’s post was reserved for PKR.  (Anil Netto, 29.06.09)

CM: Penang can’t afford to acquire High Chaparral land: Penang Chief Minister Guan Eng makes several points - The crisis was created under the previous BN administration; The Buah Pala villagers should distinguish between their friends and those responsible for their predicament;…(Anil Netto, 30.06.09)

Villagers: “We want our land which is our life”: The Kampung Buah Pala residents have released a statement today, expressing dissatisfaction with Pakatan politicians who had promised to defend their right to the land during the general election campaign last year. The villagers, who had earlier filed a complaint with the MACC over the land deal, are also claiming that not all families and households were offered compensation. (Anil Netto, 30.06.09)

MPPP Chief To Maintain Historical Cemetery: CJs Jimmy Leow and Chan Lilian met up with MPPP President YDP Tan Cheng Chui at the historical Protestant Cemetery in Penang to discuss on ways to maintain this heritage site. Recently, both CJs made a short video indicating the needs to keep this place in good condition to attract tourists and also for the future generation. (bhleow, You Tube, 28.06.09)

Gerakan reins in a firebrand: Gerakan has acted swiftly against its rampaging vice-president Huan Cheng Guan whose actions threaten to undermine the party leadership and its efforts at recovery. Until recently, not many people had heard of Huan Cheng Guan. But the Gerakan vice-president (VP) is now one of the more famous faces in politics. (Star Online, 28.06.09)

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Penang CM spells out his vision for the state: SINGAPORE, July 2 — High-wage jobs and quality investments are needed if Penang is to successfully transform from an electrical and electronics hub into a leading services player, its chief minister told an investor conference. Despite attracting slightly over RM10 billion in investments last year — including notable ones by Honeywell Aerospace and National Instruments — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ranked a decision by the US cardiovascular medical devices maker St Jude Medical to build a US$30 million (RM105 million) facility in the state as one his most satisfying achievements in investment drawing in the year past. (Malaysian Insider)

CM: Intel has no plans to close Penang plants - Intel Malaysia has no plans to close down its factories in Penang. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said his special assistant Jeffrey Chew had contacted some key people in Intel and found out that the report in a Chinese daily was not true. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

Penang electronics firms unable to cope with demand: GEORGE TOWN - Penang’s electronics industry is facing a shortage of production workers after orders started to pick up early last month, according to a job outsourcing company. The problem is compounded by local workers who prefer to enrol instead in the government’s retraining scheme where they are paid more, said Inter Resources Consulting Global Search (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Michael Heah. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

Penang To Set Up Investment Office In Singapore: PENANG, July 1 (Bernama) - With a view to attracting more Singaporean investors to Penang, the state government will soon set up a Penang investment and tourism office in the island republic. This makes Penang the first state in Malaysia to set up an office overseas. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng described the office as a reflection of the growing economic ties between Penang and Singapore.

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USM goes steady on computer-glitch culprits: GEORGE TOWN - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will not rush into taking action against those responsible for the computer glitch that misled thousands of students into believing they had been accepted by the varsity. Vice-chancellor Tan Sri Professor Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said USM had finished investigations into the incident. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

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Ocean Green Restaurant @ Penang: This has been a long time favourite of the family for some time.  Somehow, we always visit this beach side restaurant, off Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, north of Penang Island.  Anyway, we recently went there for lunch and here is the review (obviously it has to be good since we visit it regularly!). (07.09)

Teochew Food @ Yoong Kee Eating Shop, BM: There are many chu char stall in Bukit Mertajam and one such shop that serves simple and robust Teochew food is Yoong Kee Eating Shop. This shop among one of the oldest Teochew restaurant around town is located in Jalan Pasar (Market Street) and has been operating for over 60 years. (What2See, 03.07.09)

Song River | Penang Restaurant: Taro fish meat bihun. I am so attracted by it after I read a post in aftergiovanni. I always keep this in my mind that I MUST try this out. Finally, on one fine Sunday morning I tought of this fishmeat bihun. I can’t exactly remember the location of the place which serve the taro fish meat bihun, the only memory that I have is, it’s located somewhere near Song River or is it Song River? (Allie Food Talk, 01.07.09)

Penang Food - Braised Beef Noodle and Hainanese Satay: There are several variations of beef noodles in Penang with the all time favorite beef ball noodles and the Hakka beef ball noodles. This time around the focus is on the Ngau Larm Mee stall (Chinese style braised beef brisket noodle) at Sai Lai, an old coffee shop at the corner of Chulia Street and Carnarvon Street. This delicious braised beef can be served with variation of noodles: springy thin or the broad wanton noodles or better still with hor fun. Whatever the choice is, it comes with generous portion of flavorful beef pieces. (What2See. 29.06.09)

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Merely rubber stamps?: Municipal council meetings should not be used just to rubberstamp proposals put forward by the various council committees. Seberang Prai councillor Goh Choon Aik said this was because not all councillors sat in the respective committees. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Teng - Failure shows state's weakness: GEORGE TOWN - The state government's failure to gazette Pulau Jerejak as a state park shows that it has no sense of urgency about protecting the environment, Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Teng Chang Yeow said. He said that all land matters between the Urban Development Authority (Uda), Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the shipyard that was involved to facilitate the gazetting of Pulau Jerejak had been resolved before the general election in March last year. He said this was reported to him by the then state forestry director. (NST Online, 03.07.09)

Effort to gazette Jerejak was in place: GEORGE TOWN (June 29, 2009) - Gerakan today insisted that all land matters to have Pulau Jerejak gazetted as a state park had been resolved before the March 8 general election last year, and accused the current state government of dragging its feet in finalising the matter.  Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Teng Chang Yeow, who is the former state executive councillor for tourism and environment, said the state Forestry Department director had reported to him that all land matters between the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and a shipyard on the island to facilitate the gazette had been resolved earlier on.  (theSun)

Rather harsh of Penang to sack Johari, says PAS leader: GEORGE TOWN: PKR’s Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) whip Johari Kassim could have been let off with a warning or a suspension instead of being sacked, said a state PAS leader. Penang PAS deputy commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa was commenting on the state government taking action on Johari for allegedly leading several other councillors in a boycott of the swearing-in ceremony of MPSP president Mokhtar Mohd Jait recently. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Penang will not reinstate Johari despite pleas: BUKIT MERTAJAM - The state government has no intention of reinstating Johari Kassim as Seberang Prai municipal councillor although the PKR has asked that he be given a second chance. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the appointment of councillors was the prerogative of the state government. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Give Johari a second chance, urge Penang PKR leaders: BUTTERWORTH - Penang PKR will hold further talks with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on the sacking of Johari Kassim from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP). State PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said the party’s national leadership wrote to Lim a few weeks ago giving its views why Johari should not be sacked. (Star Online, 30.06.09)

PKR man to defy sacking from council: GEORGE TOWN - The DAP-led state government's sacking of Parti Keadilan Rakyat councillor Johari Kassim from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council has set the stage for a showdown between the two parties in Penang. Johari, with the backing of the state PKR leadership, has vowed to defy the termination order and attend a scheduled council meeting today as he had not been officially notified. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

Assemblyman ready to explain temple issue: GEORGE TOWN (June 29, 2009) : Sungai Puyu state assemblyman and state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh has accepted Penang state deputy MCA chairman Eng Hiap Boon’s challenge to give an explanation on the demolition of a Tua Pek Kong temple in his constituency. "He only needs to name the time and date and I will meet him at the site of the temple to explain to him the real events behind this issue," Phee said. Eng had a few days ago accused the state government of not keeping its promise of protecting all places of worship by tearing down the 18-year-old Kim San Tua Pek Kong Temple in Seberang Perai recently. (theSun)

Penang exco sacks Johari from Seberang Prai Council: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state executive council has revoked the councillorship of Johari Kassim, the controversial PKR Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) whip who led a boycott of the swearing-in ceremony of council president Mokhtar Mohd Jait. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state exco had unanimously agreed upon rescinding Johari’s position during their weekly meeting last Friday. (Star Online, 29.06.09)

Glitch in gazetting Jerejak: GEORGE TOWN (June 28) - Plans to gazette Pulau Jerejak as a permanent forest reserve have been delayed as several plots of land there were previously given away on leasehold basis to private hands.  State Environment, Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said yesterday the state was pushing to have the island, a former penal colony, gazetted as soon as possible.  "I have submitted a report on the matter to the state executive council," he said. "I will push for it to be gazetted as fast as possible." (theSun)

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Keep database of participants, Penang urges event organisers: GEORGE TOWN - The state government is appealing to all organisers of international events and seminars to keep a detailed database of participants in view of the rising cases of influenza A (H1N1). State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said it was important that the organisers keep such a database so they would be able to assist the Health Ministry should there be a flu case among the participants. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

State rep under home quarantine: GEORGE TOWN (June 28) - A state assemblyman was placed under home quarantine today after he became suspected of being infected with the A(H1N1) virus. Pulau Tikus DAP assemblyman Koay Teng Hai was required to stay in his house by the health authorities after he developed flu-like symptoms following a recent visit to China.  State environment, health, welfare and caring society committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said Koay had returned from China on June 13 and developed the symptoms on Friday. (theSun)

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BWM to manage Suffolk House: GEORGE TOWN - Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) has been awarded the tender to manage Suffolk House, an early 19th century mansion that served as home to the state’s early governors. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said BWM, a national heritage non-governmental organisation, was among three bidders for the open tender which closed on Jan 16. “BWM will take over the property for five years starting Aug 1,” Lim told reporters after the lease was signed at Suffolk House on Jalan Air Itam near here Saturday. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

Group out to preserve medical hall: The Save Yin Oi Tong Cultural Living Heritage Community has launched a signature campaign to pressure the Pe-nang Government and the Cheah Kongsi to preserve the 214-year-old traditional Chinese medical hall in George Town. Its coordinator Joann Khaw said they wanted to collect as many signatures as possible by Monday for presentation to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Boost to heritage activists: The four hotels which will be built in the heritage zone in Penang have agreed to scale down their developments to comply with the requirements set by George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this in his letter to Giovanni Boccardi, the World Heritage Centre Chief of Unit (Asia and Pacific Section). (Star Online, 02.07.09)

Heritage walk for history lovers: Locals and tourists will learn more about George Town’s historical sites during the Heritage Walk to be held in conjunction with the city’s first anniversary listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The free walk, lasting for two and a half hours, will be held from 9am on three consecutive Saturdays starting on July 11. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

Shorter hotels keep Penang on Unesco list: KUALA LUMPUR - The United Nations cultural agency will keep the capital of Malaysia's resort island of Penang on its list of World Heritage Sites after government officials agreed not to allow high-rise hotels. Malaysian officials voiced fears last year that George Town would lose its status as a World Heritage Site because of plans to develop four hotels that would violate Unesco restrictions on the height of new buildings within the city's core. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Malacca and George Town stay on Heritage list: GEORGE TOWN (June 29, 2009) - Unesco will not de-list or downgrade the status of Malacca and George Town from its World Heritage List, ending a protracted controversy over four high-rise buildings approved by the Penang government in George Town’s heritage zone. A source told theSun today the world body made the decision not to place the two cities, which are jointly listed, into its List of World Heritage in Danger, during a review on Sunday in Seville, Spain. (theSun)

Heritage art competition to mark anniversary of Unesco listing: Students from institutions of higher learning as well as from schools have been urged to take part in an art competition which is aimed at promoting and preserving the integrity of Penang’s rich heritage through young eyes. The competition on July 5 is organised by Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) and the Penang Teachers’ Art Circle with support from the Penang Municipal Council. (Star Online, 29.06.09)

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MTUC: Affordable housing needed on island: The Penang MTUC wants the state government to come out with a comprehensive plan for affordable housing for blue-collar workers on Penang island due to the escalating costs of highrise units. Its secretary K. Veeriah said many workers were forced to relocate to Seberang Prai as well as Kulim and Sungai Petani as they could not afford to buy homes on the island. (Star Online, 29.06.09)

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Three states in high gear to move up the value chain: KUALA LUMPUR - Three state governments agree there is a need to move up the value chain with respect to their manufactured goods, to further develop their workforce and arrest the brain drain, while promoting sustainable living measures. This consensus was reached during a roundtable discussion between Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman at the Invest Malaysia 2009 conference. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

Electronics group sees decline in workforce: GEORGE TOWN - The Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) expects the workforce employed by its 17 members to drop to 53,376 this year from 56,213 in 2008. “This reduction is due to the termination of contractual workers and the voluntary separation schemes implemented since last October,” chairman Datuk S.H. Wong said in an interview. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

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Penang Govt Awaits Consultant's Report On Sinkholes In Gurney Park: PENANG, July 4 (Bernama) - The Penang government is waiting for the consultant's report on the cracks and sinkholes that occurred at the entrance to the Gurney Park Condominium's three-storey car park at Persiaran Gurney here, on Thursday night. Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman, Chow Kon Yeow said the report was expected to be ready and submitted to the Penang Municipal Council tomorrow and further action would be taken based on the report.

Stop-work order on Gurney Paragon project: GEORGE TOWN (July 3,  2009) - Work on a high-rise condominium project at Kelawei Road was ordered stopped today after a road adjacent to the multi-storey carpark of the neighbouring Gurney Park Condominiuim sank on Thursday night, and progressively worsened. At about 2.30am this morning, a nine-metre stretch of the road sunk a further 1.5 metres, with long cracks radiating from the sunken area. Part of the wall dividing the high-end condominium and the Gurney Paragon project -- made up of two 43-storey condominium buildings --  was damaged too. (theSun)

Condo road caves in: GEORGE TOWN - A stretch of road near a condominium here sank 1.2m, resulting in an adjacent development project being ordered to stop work. Penang Municipal Council president Tan Cheng Chui said the council has ordered Hunza Pro- perties Bhd to halt all construction works for a 43-storey condominium in Kelawei Road here. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

Seeking fresh start: Levels 59 and 60 of Komtar in Penang, a popular place for tourists to have a bird’s eye view of George Town and its surroundings, will be closed for at least six months pending the search for a new tenant and renovation works. The Penang Development Corporation which took vacant possession of the two levels from Komtar Tower Sdn Bhd on June 15, will call for a tender for new tenants in a fortnight, said Komtar Revitalisation Committee chairman Ng Wei Aik. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

TNB delays plan to build Prai plant: In view of lower-than-expected power demand, Tenaga can wait until 2014 and 2015 to build the 220-megawatts Prai plant, says its MD   Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) (5347)is deferring a plan to build a 220-megawatts (MW) power plant in Prai, Penang, due to lower-than-expected electricity demand. "We had planned for the plant in Prai to meet projected demand for electricity in the north, but now we find that demand is slower. (Business Times, 02.07.09)

Confusion in PR over second Penang bridge: KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — There seems to be some confusion within Pakatan Rakyat (PR) over the construction of the second Penang bridge; PKR objects to the idea, but the DAP Penang government is fine with it. The confusion seem to point at the lack of communication between members of the opposition coalition, a problem that has plagued them from the start. (Malaysian Insider)

Anwar: Build second Penang bridge on shorter route: KUALA LUMPUR (June 30, 2009) - Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to reconsider building the second Penang Bridge as an alternative route and help the government save RM4 billion. After his urgent motion to debate the issue was rejected in chamber, Anwar said he did not reject the rationale of having a second bridge but he was wondering why the bridge would cost so much. (theSun)

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Huan and Teng locked in battle for Penang Gerakan: KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 – Suspended Gerakan vice president Huan Cheng Guan believes he can swing supporters in Penang on to his side against Penang chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan in a bid to overturn his three-year ban. He spent this week organising a dinner in his stronghold of Seberang Prai where 1,200 supporters turned up last night and several division leaders condemned the suspension. (Malaysian Insider)

DAP MP accuses PKR councillor of abuse of power: GEORGE TOWN (July 3, 2009) - Penang Chief Minister's Chief of Staff Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun has called for a domestic inquiry to be carried out on a Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) councillor for alleged abuse of power over a stop-work order issued against a condominium developer in Batu Lanchang. Ooi said the PKR councillor, which he declined to name, had tried to push MPPP officers to retable the One-Stop Centre (OSC) papers for the stop-work order to be withdrawn against the developer, and to enable the latter to continue construction work, on June 26 and 29. (theSun)

PKR tells DAP to go their own way: KUALA LUMPUR - Senior members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat went on the attack against DAP yesterday, worsening a breach among the Pakatan Rakyat allies. The PKR member of parliament for Kulim Bandar Baru in Kedah, Zulkifli Noordin, said it was meaningless for DAP to remain in Pakatan if it could not tolerate its two partners in the alliance... In George Town, state PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim accused Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of failing to practise the principles of justice and compassion in the running dispute over the sacking of PKR Seberang Prai municipal councillor Johari Kassim. (NST Online, 03.07.09)

Penang CM to meet PKR elected reps over contentious issues: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today he would meet all Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) elected representatives in the state to discuss and resolve contentious issues between the party and the DAP-led state government. "I want to have a meeting with all the PKR elected representatives in Penang to streamline what they have agreed to (at the meetings of the state executive council) and what is reflected in their statements outside," he said after opening the meeting of the Penang International Halal Hub task force, here. (NST Online, 04.07.09)

Pakatan calls emergency meeting to salvage united front: KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is learning the hard way that mere speeches do not a successful coalition make. It was riding high on the crest of Tuesday night’s rally where leaders of all three parties were cheered on as they thumped their chests in asserting their commitment to the fledgling alliance despite the recent unity government “crisis”. (Malaysian Insider)

Huan: I won’t appeal against suspension: GEORGE TOWN - Suspended Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan will not appeal to the party’s central working committee (CWC) against his three-year suspension. “I will not get a fair deal. The CWC imposed the punishment on me without even asking for my side of the story,” said Huan yesterday. (Star Online, 29.06.09)

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Call to preserve High Chaparral as 'heritage site': GEORGE TOWN - Penang's High Chaparral or Kampung Lorong Buah Pala should be treated with the same standard as the heritage status of George Town's inner city which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Dr Choong Sim Poey said. He said although Unesco would only judge George Town's status based on how the core and buffer zones were managed, the state government should show a genuine commitment in supporting historic and traditional communities outside the zones for the sake of maintaining a good image. He added that many other countries in the world were trying to "recreate" traditional villages to encourage and boost tourism. (NST Online, 03.07.09)

Kampung Buah Pala Land Too Costly For Penang Govt To Acquire: Lim - PENANG, July 4 (Bernama) - The Penang government said today it will be too costly for it to acquire the land in Kampung Buah Pala from a cooperative and a developer to enable the 23 squatter families facing eviction to continue to live there. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he sympathised with the villagers but the cost of the land was high as it was freehold and had been approved for development.

Headed for a split: Riding to power on the momentum created by the Hindu Rights Action Force, the DAP has suddenly found itself on the receiving end of the group’s wrath. A point often comes in any political marriage between disparate groups when the initial euphoria of association changes to despair, squabbles and a final parting of ways. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Kit Siang slams Hindraf for blaming Penang govt: KUALA LUMPUR: The DAP has told off Hindraf for accusing the Penang government of not doing anything to help the Indians in Kampung Buah Pala. Its national adviser Lim Kit Siang said the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) should place the blame for the controversy on those responsible and not make false accusations. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Residents threaten to sabotage heritage status if state fails to stop demolition: GEORGE TOWN - Angry residents of Kampung Buah Pala have threatened to send a letter to Unesco to revoke George Town’s World Heritage Site status should the state fail to stop their village from being demolished. Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association chairman M. Sugumaran also warned that villagers would bring their cows to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s office if he refuses to meet them to discuss their plight. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Penang Govt Warns Developer For Threatening Residents: PENANG, July 2 (Bernama) - The Penang government Thursday warned the developer of the proposed housing project in Kampung Buah Pala, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd, for threatening the residents. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the developer's threat to send bulldozers to the village by Aug 2 to forcibly evict the residents and demolish their houses was an irresponsible and inflammatory act.

Residents Protest Against Eviction Notice: PENANG, July 2 (Bernama) - An effort to serve eviction notices to residents of Kampung Buah Pala, Gelugor, as directed by the High Court in Penang, turned ugly when residents refused to allow four court officials, the developer, and land owner to enter the area. About 100 residents gathered near the entrance of the village dubbed "High Chaparral" in Bukit Gelugor to wait for the court bailiffs who arrived at about 11.35am with representatives from the developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd and Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang.

High Chaparral: Hindraf leader asks PM to intervene: KUALA LUMPUR - A leader of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to intervene and resolve the Kampung Buah Pala issue in Penang. In a letter dated June 30, K. Vasantha Kumar said Najib’s intervention was “necessary” to prevent the demolition of the village and to provide hope to the 45 families living there. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Uthayakumar wants Unesco to revoke heritage status over Kampung Buah Pala: KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 – P. Uthayakumar will call on the United Nations to revoke George Town’s listing as a World Heritage site if the Penang government sits back and allow the demolition of Kampung Buah Pala. The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader, today told The Malaysian Insider he was preparing to write to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and is undertaking the necessary research to make his case. (Malaysian Insider)

Tense moment at High Chaparral: GEORGE TOWN - It was a tense moment at Kampung Buah Pala Thursday when three court bailiffs came to serve eviction notices, but police managed to control the highly-flammable situation. Still, angry residents have threatened to send a letter to the United Nations for George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site status to be revoked should the state government fail to help them with their land problems. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

It is land not racial issue, Hindraf told: GEORGE TOWN (July 1, 2009): Hindraf has been urged not to turn the planned demolition of Kampung Buah Pala into a racial issue when it is mainly a land issue. "It is wrong for Hindraf to turn this controversy into a racial issue," said Sri Delima assemblyman R. S. N. Rayer.  He expressed disappointment with Hindraf for accusing Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and DAP of being "racist" for not doing more to help the residents. (theSun)

Developer: High Chaparral folk must move out by Aug 2: GEORGE TOWN - The developer of the controversial Kampung Buah Pala site will not hold any more compensation negotiations with the 300 villagers. They will have to move out by Aug 2 when the one-month grace period given by the developer, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd, expires and there will be “no more extensions”. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

Ganapathi today came to Lim’s defence: KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Now it is Hindraf's turn to deal with disagreements from within its ranks. Senior leader V.S. Ganapathi Rao came out unexpectedly to defend Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over the Kampung Buah Pala demolition issue. One of the symbolic "Hindraf Five" detained under the Internal Security Act after a mass rally in 2007, he questioned Hindraf's aggressive stance against the DAP secretary-general over what some claim to be the last Indian heritage village on the island. (Malaysian Insider)

Kampung Buah Pala Residents Want Penang CM To Resign: PENANG, July 1 (Bernama) - The Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association in Bukit Gelugor Wednesday urged Lim Guan Eng to step down as Penang Chief Minister for having failed to serve and help the people in the state. Its spokesperson, C. Tharmaraj said the association also felt that Lim who is also DAP secretary-general was not able to discharge his duties and keep his promise.

Developer says Lim's probe claim 'all politics': GEORGE TOWN - The developers of "The Oasis" project at the Kampung Lorong Buah Pala site have welcomed a proposed investigation by the state government into the so-called land scam.  Nusmetro Venture Sdn Bhd executive director Thomas Chan described the investigation as "nothing but political talk by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng". He said Nusmetro had nothing to hide as everything was done in a transparent and open manner. (NST Online, 01.07.09)

Penang police attribute successes to intelligence sharing: Penang police have chalked up numerous successes by sharing intelligence and information with their northern counterparts, said state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob. “One example was the five suspected Vietnamese robbers who were gunned down after a car chase on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway recently. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Waytha slams ‘racist’ Guan Eng: KLANG - The chairman of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) P. Waythamoorthy has accused Penang’s DAP-led government of not doing enough for the state’s Indians. He said the Pakatan Rakyat coalition has failed to live-up to the expectations of the state’s Indian electorate by not solving the problems faced by the Kampung Buah Pala residents. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

Deputy CMs Meet Buah Pala Villagers, Demos In Pj And Ipoh: PENANG, June 30 (Bernama) -- Both the Penang deputy chief ministers went to the ground Tuesday to meet with Kampung Buah Pala squatter villagers facing eviction on Thursday by a developer as demonstrations on the matter took place here, in Petaling Jaya and Ipoh. Mansor Othman and P. Ramasamy told the residents of the village, dubbed Penang's High Chapparal, that the developer had agreed to give the villagers one month to move out and that the state government would find a solution by then.

Penang's deputy CMs meet squatters facing eviction: Both the Penang deputy chief ministers went to the ground today to meet with Kampung Buah Pala squatter villagers facing eviction on Thursday by a developer as demonstrations on the matter took place here, in Petaling Jaya and Ipoh. Mansor Othman and P. Ramasamy told the residents of the village, dubbed Penang's High Chapparal, that the developer had agreed to give the villagers one month to move out and that the state government would find a solution by then. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

Double blow for settlement's villagers as Lim reneges: Those who used to follow The High Chaparral, a popular Western-themed television series of the late 1960s, would surely remember the popular Manolito Montoya.  Manolito was one of the main characters in the series and he was known for his stubbornness, trickery and an overwhelming charm. Then there was Buck -- the younger brother of the High Chaparral ranch boss, "Big" John Cannon. Buck could out-drink, outshoot, and outfight any cowboy or Red Indian. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

NGO reps in a tirade over no-show by CM: GEORGE TOWN - A group of about 50 people yesterday vented their frustration with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for not having the courage to receive their memorandum on the Kampung Lorong Buah Pala issue.  Lim, who was in his office on the 28th floor of Komtar, chairing the Land Committee meeting, did not meet the group, which was on the fifth floor of the same building. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

Hindraf’s anti-DAP protest fizzles out: PETALING JAYA, June 30 – A planned protest by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) at DAP’s headquarters here fizzled out after 10 minutes when police moved in to disperse the protestors. The 15 Hindraf members who had gathered to demonstrate against the imminent demolition of the Kampung Buah Pala settlement in Penang were outnumbered by both journalists and police personnel. (Malaysian Insider)

Mexican standoff at High Chaparral, developers give a month: GEORGE TOWN: The impending demolition of Kampung Buah Pala, popularly known as Penang’s High Chaparral and regarded by some as a cultural icon, continued to fuel emotions, but while activists staged protests, cooler heads prevailed elsewhere. The developers of a proposed apartment project at the village has agreed to defer demolition work for one month to allow the state government and residents to resolve the situation, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said. (Star Online, 30.06.09)

Koh To Consult Penang Gerakan On Kampung Buah Pala Controversy: KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon will consult Gerakan members in Penang before making any comments on the Kampung Buah Pala issue. His aide told Bernama this after reporters tried to get Koh's comment on the Kampung Buah Pala issue which was brought up by DAP advisor and Ipoh Timur Member of Parliament Lim Kit Siang at a news conference here Wednesday.

State govt passing the buck, claim residents: GEORGE TOWN - The residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala, who are in danger of becoming homeless on Thursday, have now trained their guns on the state government for giving them false hope. The residents' association assistant secretary, C. Tharmaraj, said the state government was now in denial and passing the buck to others instead of trying to save their homes from being demolished. "They (the state government) are now asking us to move. Who does the state government represent? The developers or the people?" he asked yesterday. (NST Online, 30.06.09)

Hindraf turns against DAP, plans to burn Guan Eng’s effigy: KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 - The Hindu Rights Action Force’s (Hindraf) is organising a nationwide protest in a final bid to force the DAP-led Penang government to save what they claim is the last Indian cultural heritage village on the island. On Wednesday, the outlawed organisation, which was credited with delivering the bulk of Indian votes to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in last year’s general elections, will mobilise its members to gather outside Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s office at Komtar. (Malaysian Insider)

Guan Eng: State on overdrive to save village: GEORGE TOWN (June 29, 2009) - The Penang government is working overtime for a settlement between the developer of a land housing the century-old Kampung Buah Pala and the villagers there, even as Hindraf announces plans to burn Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s effigy at Komtar on Wednesday. Lim said today his two deputies, Mansor Othman and Prof Dr P Ramasamy, were aggressively pursuing the matter and urged villagers to entrust them to proceed legally. "You need to distinguish between who your friend is and who your enemy is," he said, stressing that the state had been working hard to ensure the villagers’ welfare. (theSun)

Villagers Want Penang Government To Fulfill Promise: PENANG June 29 (Bernama) - Residents of Kampung Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor who were asked to vacate their premises to make way for development, want the DAP-led state government to look into their plight. Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association assistant secretary T. Tharmaraj said that recently, Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy and Seri Delima State Assemblyman R. S. N. had promised that their homes would not be demolished.

Rayer: I've always stood by them: GEORGE TOWN - Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer said he had always fought for villagers of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala and stood by their cause.  Rayer, who was urged to resign from his state seat by the villagers during a demonstration on Saturday, said such a call should not have been made. (NST Online, 29.06.09)

Prove them wrong, MP tells state govt: GEORGE TOWN - Prove there was no hanky-panky in the land transaction involving Kampung Lorong Buah Pala, state Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth chief Yusmadi Yusoff tells the Penang state government.  Yusmadi, who is also Balik Pulau member of parliament, said the state government was obliged to clear up land impropriety allegations by the villagers, as these could involve state government agencies such as the Land Office and the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP). (NST Online, 29.06.09) 

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Free towing service at Penang Bridge: BUTTERWORTH - Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) is now offering free towing services for motorcycles which break down or experience a flat tyre on the bridge. Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the move was aimed at preventing unscrupulous mechanics from imposing exorbitant charges to fix flat tyres on the bridge. “Some mechanics have been charging between RM25 and RM30 to replace the inner tube of motorcycle tyres when the cost is only about RM10 to RM12 at workshops. (Star Online, 04.07.09)

Only one proposal to takeover ferry services: GEORGE TOWN (July 2, 2009) - The Transport Ministry has received only one detailed proposal from the Penang Port Commission (PPC) to take over the ferry services in Penang and is open to proposals from other parties.  Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the ministry is considering the proposal before making a final decision. (theSun)

Rapid development: A proposal submitted by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB) and Rapid Pe-nang to the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to build a bus sub-depot next to the KGN flats in Weld Quay is expected to be approved within a month, state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said. He said the sub-depot on the 0.7ha plot owned by SPNB would be able to accommodate about 20 buses. (Star Online, 02.07.09)

PBSB Provides Free Lorry Transport For Motorcyclists: PENANG, June 29 (Bernama) - Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) will beginning Wednesday provide free lorry transport services to help motorcyclists who experience mechanical breakdown or tyre punctures on the Penang Bridge. The company's deputy manager, Abdul Rahman Hassan, said the motorcycle transport service to the nearest workshop would begin at 7am till 8pm daily.

Penang Port to act against those who overload containers: Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of Penang Port, has agreed to take action against shippers who overload their cargo containers at the port, after international container shipping lines slammed its lackadaisical responses to their complaints in handling the matter. It is understood that the agreement was reached at a meeting between PPSB and the International Ship Owners' Association of Malaysia (ISOA), Penang Chapter on June 17 2009. (Business Times, 28.06.09)

Setting a new course for Penang Port: Penang Port Commission (PPC) is drafting the terms and references for a new 20-year blueprint, which is set to chart the development of the Penang Port and its related services from 2010. PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the current 20-year masterplan will end next year and the new plan will take into cognisance many factors, which include the emergence of new economies like India and China. (Business Times, 27.06.09)

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Being tourists at Fort Cornwallis, Penang: Last weekend I played tour guide to Mellissa on her first tour of Penang in over 10 years, one of the first tourist friendly spots we went was the good old Fort Cornwallis, a place I haven’t been since high school and had virtually no recollection. (KY Speaks, 03.07.09)

The World’s 12 Most Spectacular Houses of Worship: Eva Holland rounds up holy buildings that offer a powerful religious or historical significance, attracting travelers and spiritual seekers worldwide. There are all kinds of reasons why travelers seek out temples, mosques, synagogues and churches on the road.  These holy buildings literally house tradition and history, offer insight into local cultures, and do so while putting irreplaceable works of art and architecture on display — often for free. And of course, they’re also popular destinations for spiritually-minded visitors, too. (Brave New Traveller, 29.06.09)

Faces of Penang 1: I am going to start off the Faces of Penang photo series with this batch which was shot on an over 30-year old Kodak slide film which was then cross processed with C-41 chemical. Surprisingly the results turned out beyond my expectation. I thought I was going to lose them from this roll of Kodak Ektachrome 160 Tungsten when I finished shooting I realised the ASA dial on my Olympus XA was mistakenly set to ISO200, which normally in such case of shooting on any old film I would step down the ASA one or two stops to get more exposure. But in this case it did ot ruin the whole roll, which is really good news! So here they are some of the shots of the people in Penang which I picked from the same roll of film. (Liyin the Designer in Pajamas, 26.06.09)

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Three-year campaign takes off: Penang will be holding an extended Visit Penang Year from 2010 to 2012. The campaign is believed to be the first large-scale organised tourism event using the state’s Unesco World Heritage Site status as its thrust. State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the state would focus on creating tourism packages to lure tourists from Europe, the Middle East and Asia over the three years. (Star Online, 30.06.09)

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Penang CM moves out of official residence: GEORGE TOWN - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng moved out of his official residence Seri Teratai on Friday due to termite infestation and to allow treatment and repair works to start. He and his family moved to a rented house here and appealed to the media not to publish where he is staying to fulfil the house owner’s request for privacy. (Star Online, 03.07.09)

Firm action on libido banners: The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) has taken down over 100 illegal streamers promoting products that supposedly enhanced men’s sexual prowess. MPPP councillor Lim Siew Khim said the council was made aware of the banners after reading about a complaint from the Consumers’ Association of Penang in the newspapers. (Star Online, 01.07.09)

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