Buletin Mutiara

48 Pages·2014·20.15 MB·Indonesian

pg
FESTIVAL
10 & 11
OF LIGHTS
ROUND-UP
pg 4-5
吉灵万山换新装！
FREE
buletin
Competency Accountability Transparency
http:www.facebook.com/buletinmutiara
November 1 - 15, 2014
http:www.facebook.com/cmlimguaneng
Local cooks only
We
ruling stands - CimoHmfOa agfWioeno todaf i naPn etwdnh aeaan lnqgso ut a tlhitety o
Story by Caleb Yeoh In Lim’s official statement, he
Pix by Mark James said that hawker licences were
given to lower-income Malay-
THE state government is pleased sians and were supposed to be
that one of the world’s top web owner operated and that the rul-
tourism guides, Trip Advisor, has ing would not ban foreigners
placed Penang as the most af- from owning restaurants nor
fordable Malaysian island in disallow foreign workers from
Southeast Asia. cooking in restaurants.
“The results were taken from “Since Merdeka this year,
the second annual TripIndex Is- foreigners are not given the
land Sun report, which compares privilege nor the right to receive
the cost of a day out and an approved hawker licences. How-
overnight stay for two persons in ever, allowance is given to for-
16 popular island destinations eign workers to assist Malaysian
across Southeast Asia,” said hawkers,” Lim added.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Lim again pointed out that the
a press conference regarding move was not discriminatory as
Penang’s latest ruling to bar foreign workers were still al-
foreigners from being cooks at lowed to assist hawkers and was
hawker stalls. carried out solely to protect the
Lim repeatedly assured the uniqueness of Penang food.
public and media representatives “There is no question of deny- Penang’s iconic Gurney Drive Hawker centre during its peak hours. All hawkers in Penang will be
given a one-year grace period to comply with the new no foreign cooks ruling.
that the move was not discrimi- ing the rights of foreign workers
natory and was done to “preserve to cook. Foreign workers cook
the unique heritage of Penang’s (hawker food) or wash plates after a period of time,” Lim said. the new ruling, asking the public food will of course not be in-
street food”. regardless of whether they know Lim stated that hawkers to allow the state government cluded in this new ruling,”
He added that TripIndex’s how to or not. They do what their would be given a one year grace and Penang Island Municipal Chow said.
rating of Penang being the most employers ask of them. period staring from Jan 1, 2015 Council (MPPP) to “iron out the Chow also asked for coop-
affordable Malaysian island in “The move does not deprive to enable them to adjust to the issues” regarding the ruling. eration from hawkers and the
the region did not include the them of their passion for cooking new ruling. “We are not a police state. public to work out the kinks
value and drawing power of because they are indifferent as Adding on to the new ruling, Definitely we are not going to during the one-year grace peri-
Penang’s world famous street this is not a job of choice, but the state exco for Local Govern- each and every kitchen to check od.
food, and “for this reason, the decision of their employer. Fur- ment, Traffic Management and (if foreigners are cooks or not). “We want to maintain the
state made this tough pro-active thermore, any culinary skills Flood Mitigation, Chow Kon MPPP will come up with a list quality of food and also the im-
decision to only allow Malaysian these foreign workers acquire Yeow, during a site visit to of food defined as ‘Penang age of Penang. Let us work to-
cooks at hawker stalls to ensure would be lost because foreign Chowrasta Market on Oct 27 Food’ in due time. Those food gether even harder to make
an authentic taste”. workers will have to return home clarified some issues regarding items not categorised as Penang Penang shine,” he added.
2
November 1 - 15, 2014
New road named after Ahmad Nor
Story by Danny Ooi to disperse traffic congestion in the
Pix by Shum Jian Wei Jelutong area.
“The new road is a joint project of
CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng on Nov IJM with the previous Barisan Na-
4 officiated the naming of the newly- sional government. The cost of 30%
opened stretch of road at the junction of spent for relocating utility cables and
Jalan Jelutong-Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe surcharge over the cost of the link is
Ling. too high,” he added.
The 612-metre stretch, being a three- Earlier, exco for Local Government,
lane dual carriageway, cost RM24 mil- Traffic Management and Flood Mitiga-
lion to build. tion Chow Kon Yeow, together with
It was sponsored by IJM Corp Bhd Penang Island Municipal Council
and was named Jalan Ahmad Nor. (MPPP) assistant engineering director
Jalan Ahmad Nor which opened at A.Rajendran, and councillors Ong Ah
midnight on Nov1 will serve as a bypass Teong and Muhammad Sabri Md Os-
for George Town-bound road users. man visited Jalan Ahmad Nor after the
Following the opening of Jalan Jelu- stretch was opened on Nov 1.
tong, Jalan Perak and Jalan Panchor will He added that Jalan Jelutong and
be partially turned into one-way streets. Jalan Perak were busy roads and that
The Jalan Ahmad Nor bypass leads Lim (centre) with other guests unveiling the road sign for Jalan Ahmad Nor. the bypass will help disperse the traffic.
to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Ewe. The one-way traffic system in some
The late Ahmad Nor was born in young. Peninsula Malaysia Customs Officers parts of Jalan Jelutong, Jalan Perak and
Alor Star, Kedah in 1943 and was in- He was also Cuepacs president from Union. Jalan Panchor will be implemented on
volved in workers associations since 1983 to 1986 and also past president of Lim said the new road is important a trial basis from Nov 1.
Residents in tussle with landowner
Lim: 1MDB, keep your word
BAGAN Dalam as- COMMENTING on a news article regarding a
semblymember A. 234-acre plot of land that the 1MDB (1Malaysia
Tanasekharan had Development Bhd) had bought in Air Itam in
rushed from his 2013, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng expressed
constituency on the some of his concerns.
mainland to attend Initially, 1MDB’s plans, according to Lim,
to a group of dem- was to build a total of 9,999 units of low-cost
onstrators who de- housing. He quoted the news article, posted by
manded to see the an English daily on Oct 31, where 1MDB stated:
Chief Minister who “The size of land acquired will allow us to build
is also the MP for close to 10,000 affordable homes and we intend
Bagan at Komtar to use the remaining parcel of land (which would
on Nov 3. The be of a considerable size) for other development
demonstrators purposes from which we would expect to gener-
comprising several ate significant value”.
elderly men and Responding to the article, Lim said during a
women were repre- press conference after attending the Penang
sented by a man Development Corporation’s (PDC) Deepavali
who identified Open House: “First and foremost, 1MDB can
himself as Samuel. only build affordable houses on the plot of land
According to it purchased in Air Itam, Penang. I’m warning
Samuel, the group Samuel (left) handing over the memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office through an 1MDB that we will not allow them to build any-
of 13 villagers of assistant communications officer (right) while Thanasekharan looks on. thing other than affordable homes.”
Kampung Sungai Lim also asserted that 1MDB would also not
Nyior will have no Tanasekharan explained that this is a private dis- be allowed to evict tenants on the land without
place to sleep within a few days because their land- pute between these sub-tenants and their landlord proper compensation.
lord had sold the land. Samuel warned that they may as the landowner had sold the land to a private com- “We will not allow them to throw out the
come to Komtar where the state administration office pany. Samuel said the residents only paid RM20- present tenants, many of whom are from my
is and sleep there and turn Komtar into an old folks RM30 rental for their homes. constituency. First they (1MDB) said they were
home. However, a check by Buletin Mutiara with The landlord offered to pay them RM2,000 as going to build affordable homes, but up till now,
Tanasekharan revealed that the case has been ongo- moving cost but they demanded compensation of nothing has been done after one year. Now they
ing for months. RM20,000 to RM30,000 so that they have the de- say they will be having other projects for land
Tanasekharan told Buletin Mutiara: “We have posit to purchase their own homes. The memoran- area meant for affordable housing. They (1MDB)
offered them PPR (public housing) flats for some dum from the residents was then handed over to the have to keep to what they have said and build
time but our offer was turned down. The rental for Chief Minister’s Office through an assistant com- affordable housing and keep the current resi-
a PPR flat is RM100 per month.” munications officer. dents,” Lim said.
3
November 1 - 15, 2014
Minor scholarships benefit students
Story and pix by federal government.
Chan Lilian “This scholarship reflects
the commitment of the state
A HUGE turnout of secondary government towards the hu-
students at the Penang Pesta man talent and the contribu-
site on Oct 18 marked an- tions of the rakyat as stake-
other programme from the holders of the state. It is im-
state government that benefits portant for the state to con-
the people. tinue encouraging and help
This time, it was the “Mi- the human talent to improve
nor Scholarship” or “Bia- their skills through education
siswa Kecil”, which has seen and training,” Chief Minister
lower secondary school stu- Lim Guan Eng said in his
dents receiving RM600 and speech.
RM840 for upper secondary. “This will also attract those
In 2009, a year after the abroad to return to Penang/
Pakatan Rakyat took over the Malaysia,” he added.
state government, the payout In total, the state govern-
was increased from RM240 to ment approved 2,048 new
RM480 (lower secondary), students to receive the schol-
and RM360 to RM720 (up- arship, totalling RM1.56 mil-
TJ Koid, a Form 4 student from St. Xavier’s Instituion, (second from right) is one of the recipients.
per). lion from 125 schools.
He is going to use the money to buy reference books and other necessities.
To alleviate the burden of The selection is based on
parents from the lower in- the family’s socio-economic
come group, the state again background and also the Programmes Allocations (RM)
revised the amount and in- achievements of the students. from 2008 - 2014
creased it further from RM480 Since Pakatan Rakyat took Senior citizens and their beneficiaries 89,895,100
to RM600 and RM720 to over the state administration Golden students 14,733,300
RM840. in 2008, the state has chan- Single mothers and beneficiaries 3,991,200
Penang gives out the high- nelled RM120.36 million till Golden child 9,027,000
est amount of minor scholar- this year to its people through OKU (welfare) 2,716,100
ships at the same level as the various programmes: Total 120,362,700
Chowrasta to shine again
CHOWRASTA was the most
happening place and an attrac-
tion back in the 1960s and
1970s when the only super-
market was located there with
a hawker centre, bazaar and
wet market.
“Chowrasta was the first
modern market in Malaysia in
the 1960s. Now with the up-
grading works, Chowrasta
will lead again. By middle of
next year, the RM12.1 million
upgrading works consisting of
a five-storey carpark with 123
Yew, Chow and Teh at the roof-top of Chowras-
parking bays, three-storey ta Market carpark which overlooks the scenic
retail floor, lift and other mod- heritage George Town.
ern amenities with green
building features will be com- Although there was a slight completion. The new building is airy, bright and modern which is a far cry from the dark,
pleted,” exco member for delay due to an underground “So far, the badly ventilated and rundown old market.
Local Government, Traffic cable that had to be relocated, most difficult
Management and Flood Miti- the consultant hopes to meet part of the up- and seafood stall owners. Ong said.
gation Chow Kon Yeow said the delivery date or they shall grading works have been Then the rest of the stalls out- Chow was accompanied by
during his site visit on Oct 28. have to pay an LAD (liqui- completed. In Phase 1, 40 stall side will be relocated so that Komtar assemblymember Teh
According to project con- dated ascertain damages) owners will be moved into the the other part of the building Lai Heng and Penang Island
sultant Ong Jin Cheng, the penalty amounting to market building by mid-No- including toilets and sewage Municipal Council building
project is 53% completed. RM7,500 per day for late vember. These consist of meat system can be constructed,” director Yew Tung Seang.
4
November 1 - 15, 2014
Light shines bright
LEVEL UP HANGOUT
in the storm REDBOX Studio organises Level Up on a monthly basis.
Level Up is a free, casual networking and learning session held
on the third Thursday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. Lim-
ited to the first 20 people who register. No walk-ins please. For
venue details, go to http://redboxstudio.com/level-up/.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMUNITY AIDS Service Penang is providing free HIV
counselling and testing at 2077, Mk 10, Jalan Pow Nee, off
Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam. Testing is available during office
hours (Monday -Friday). Call 04-5399510/5398510 for an ap-
pointment.
MANDARIN COURSE
HAN Chiang College Centre for Languages and Training will
organise the Elementary Communicative
Mandarin programme from Oct 11 for eight consecutive Satur-
days from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The course will cover listening,
speaking and writing/grammar skills. For details, call HCCLT
at 04-2831088 ext 146 or email to [email protected]
FREE WEBSITE EDUCATION
GET your website questions answered when you attend Redbox
Studio’s free Tech Tuesday sessions every Tuesday at Complex
USM. Book your session at www.redboxstudio.com/tech-
tuesday or call Krista (016-451 9193).
Karpal is gone but never forgotten and like Ramkarpal says ‘his spirit lives on.’
COOKING WORKSHOP
Story by Chan Lilian home with hampers and children received ang A COOKING workshop featuring Penang’s signature dishes
Pix by Shum Jian Wei pow. Though sadly missed, the late Karpal will be held at Lone Pine Hotel, Batu Ferringhi, on Nov 12 from
Singh, who is Ramkarpal’s father, is remembered 10am to 4pm. It is part of Tourism Malaysia’s Citra Rasa food
HEAVY rain and strong winds failed to dampen with fondness by his family members and the promotions. Details, e-mail [email protected] or where-
the Festival of Lights joy of over 1,000 people people. [email protected] or call Ema Malina or Rachel Yeoh at 04-
who turned up at Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal At the function attended by Deputy Chief 2261255.
Singh’s Open House on Nov 1. Minister I Datuk Mohd. Rashid Hasnon, assem-
Everyone had a great time feasting on the blymembers Wong Hon Wai, RSN Rayer and YOGA CLASSES
delicious spread while the less fortunate went Yeoh Soon Hin, Rayer remarked how Ramkar- HINDU Mahajana Sangam is organising yoga classes every
pal’s tiger stripes batik shirt reminded Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Hindu Mahajana Sangam,
him of Karpal and it was as if Karpal Gandhiji Ashram, at 674, Jalan Kebun Bunga. Call Raju at 016-
is with them. “Karpal is always with 4351211 for details.
us. His spirit lives on in everyone
present here tonight,” Ramkarpal said. WCC SERVICES
He also commented on the ongoing THE Womens Centre for Change located at 241, Jalan Burmah
case involving Datuk Seri Anwar Ibra- (next tp PTPL College) provides free and confidential services
him and mentioned that his late father through its hotline, e-mail, face-to-face counselling and shelter
had fought the case for seven years, for women in crisis. Details, e-mail [email protected] or
from the High Court to Appeal Court call 04-2280342.
and now it’s in the Federal Court.
“We are fighting the entire govern- PENANG BRIDGE MARATHON
ment machinery. It is important for us THE APBIM 2014 will be held on Nov 16 on the Sultan Abdul
to fight for justice as Karpal had fought Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Second Penang Bridge). A total
for seven years. During those years, of 65,000 runners are expected to join the event for the Full
Karpal had stuck through thick and Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km Run and 7km Fun Run. For
thin and we worked as a team,” Ram- details, contact the APBIM committee at 04-6505136/2619012,
karpal said. Karpal’s widow, Gurmit or visit www.penangmarathon.gov.my, www.facebook.com/
Kaur, was asked by Ramkarpal to de- penangbridgemarathon and their hotline at 6016 – 4110000.
liver a short speech and she recol-
lected how Karpal and she used to LAUNDRY SERVICE
celebrate Deepavali with the people NEED help with your laundry? Then come on to Kedai OKU
and this is the first year without her Dobi Pulau Pinang, Opposite Pacific Bakery, Unit 2B-104, Phase
husband. 2, Ground Floor No 8, Konkos Satu, Komtar, Managed by
She thanked all the people and single mothers and the disabled, their speciality services include
shared how she can feel Karpal’s pres- dry cleaning suits, sweaters and gowns, air washing tudung and
ence everywhere. dresses and disinfect children’s toys. Details, call 014-7555955.
“Papa, we miss you,” she ended.
Gleeful children with their Deepavali ang pow.
5
November 1 - 15, 2014
Deepavali at Shan Home
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix courtesy of Senior Citizens Association
SOME 22 children from Shan Home in Mount Es-
krine in Tanjung Bungah were given a ‘Deepavali
Treat’ by the Senior Citizens Association (SCA)
recently.
The children each received a red packet of RM20, a
goody bag with towels, pencils and candies.
They were also treated to a dinner of fried mee.
The function organised at the home were at-
tended by the association’s president Cheah Chooi
Aik, its past president Lawrence Cheah and vice
president 1 A.A. Rajah. Also present were Shan
Home’s executive administrator Dr S. Poornachan-
dran. and Penang Island Municipal’s councillor
Mohd Hariszuan Jaharudin.
Rajah said SCA donated RM500 for the home
during the dinner function, adding that members
have collected RM1,620 for the association’s fund.
Cheah (right) with Rajah (second from right) celebrating with children at the Deepavali do.
Festival of lights at Batu Uban Deepa Oli gets overwhelming response
THE Batu Uban Deep- THE Deepa Oli 2014 Deepava-
avali open house saw li Carnival held on Oct 17 and
state leaders joining the 18 saw a tremendous response
people at the Silver Jubi- despite the heavy rains that fell.
lee Hall in Sungai Dua Chief Minister Lim Guan
on Oct 23 for a feast of Eng, who was at the carnival
murukku, tosai, ladoo, launch in Little India, an-
kurma, nasi minyak and nounced an allocation of
other delicious dishes. RM30,000 in support of the
Hosted by Dr. T. Jaya- festivity joy.
balan, the Batu Uban “Our government practises
assemblymember, Mem- pro growth, pro jobs and pro
bers of Parliament and poor policy,” Lim said, adding
assemblymembers came that the government will not
from far and near. neglect anyone and thus will
Some of those spotted add a sum of money to ensure
at the lunch were Depu- Sithmayee and her granddaughter enjoying every family in Penang earns
ty Chief Minister I Da- themselves at Dr. Jayabalan’s open house. RM790 monthly.
tuk Mohd. Rashid Has- “With a clean administration,
non, Permatang Pauh MP Datuk tional songs, Indian dances and the people will gain ultimately,”
Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Nibong Tebal good food, the lower income group said Lim who proudly an- Lim (centre) and his two deputies honoured at the
MP Datuk Mansor Othman, as- were also given a food hamper each, nounced a RM11.3 billion joint event launch.
semblymembers Datuk Law Choo with more than 50 given out. venture project with Temasik on
Kiang (Bukit Tambun), Datuk One of the recipients, T. Sith- the mainland that would generate jobs. “The board supports Indian students
Abdul Malik Kassim (Batu mayee, 70, was there with her But he lamented the fact that the who get a place in private institutions and
Maung), Ong Chin Wen (Bukit daughter and granddaughter and state’s contribution of land worth RM2 in future we will emphasise on skills
Tengah) and others. were happily tucking into the food million for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan training,” added Ramasamy, who also
The event saw people of various while enjoying themselves to the Tamil Ladang Valdor was not made expressed his gratitude for the Indian
races and religions and leaders from entertainment provided. known and not even Deputy Chief Min- crematorium in Batu Kawan.
both sides of the political divide. “I am happy to be given a ham- ister II Prof P.Ramasamy was invited to At the carnival, Lim and VIPs present
Telok Bahang assemblymember per. I have also received the yearly the ground breaking ceremony. lit the “kuttu vilakku” and enjoyed vari-
Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain RM100 senior citizens programme Telecommunications provider Maxis ous performances from Penangite danc-
Shah from Umno also dropped by aid,” Sithmayee told Buletin Muti- Berhad organized the Deepavali event ers of Kalaikaali Nadanalaya.
to greet Dr. Jayabalan. ara. for the second time. Also present were Deputy Chief Min-
“He is my good friend,” Dr. She is also aware that her grand- Meanwhile, Ramasamy, who is head ister 1 Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, HEB
Jayabalan explained. daughter, aged 6, will get RM100 of the Hindu Endowment Board (HEB), deputy president A. Tanasekharan, exco
Meanwhile, the guests at the open next year when she starts Year 1 in said Selangor may likely follow Penang members Chow Kon Yeow and Datuk
house were not only feted to tradi- school. in having a board like HEB. Abdul Malik Abul Kassim.
6
November 1 - 15, 2014
Largest science cafe coming up
Story by Caleb Yeoh tween the state government, academia and
Pix by Mark James other captains of the manufacturing in-
dustry to rekindle an interest in science
THE state government, through the Pen- and technology amongst the young and
ang Science Cluster, will be constructing create a channel to inspire the young
the largest science cafe for all minds people of Penang for science, technology,
young and old at the iconic Wisma Yeap engineering and mathematics to establish
Chor Ee. Penang as a centre of excellence. The sci-
The announcement was made during ence cafe is one of the innovations the
a press conference in Komtar where the Penang Science Cluster has done to reach
Penang Science Cluster signed a lease its goal,” Lim said.
from the Penang Development Corpora- “The science cafe will serve as a focal
tion (PDC), allowing them to build the point for PSC to deliver learning pro-
science cafe in the entire ground floor of grammes (science, mathematics, technol-
the heritage building. ogy and engineering) to young Malay-
Witnessing the signing ceremony was sians,” he added.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who said PSC is sub-leasing the 12, 921 sq ft of
this move was in line with the state’s space in Wisma Yeap Chor Ee from PDC
vision to develop and enhance the field for a time span of 15 years.
of science and technology as outlined in The rental of the ground floor for the
the Penang Paradigm. first 10 years will be waived with rental
“The Penang Science Cluster was es- only starting at RM1 per sq ft from after Lim testing out some of the electronic educational toys for children, which
tablished in 2009 as a joint initiative be- the 10th year. will be made available at the upcoming science cafe.
19-year-old is top barista State denies stake in Wet World Wild
ISSUES regarding the recent
closing of Penang’s and
Asia’s first open-sea water
park, Wet World Wild
(opened in December 2013),
had drawn some queries
about the state government’s
involvement in the project.
In a news article on Oct
29, Penang Gerakan Youth
head Hng Chee Wey de-
manded to know “where the
remaining RM2.7 million
allotted for the Wet World
Wild (WWW) Adventure
Park had gone to”, pointing
out that the total cost for
opening the park was RM3 Wong addressing the Wet World Wild
Goh (centre, front row), Tan (right) and Christian (left) in a group photograph with
million and that from his issue during a press conference on
the event’s judges.
Nov 4 at PDC’s Deepavali Open House.
sources, the theme park
IT was a great outing for a 19-year-old When met by Buletin Mutiara after equipment only cost RM280
barista from Johor when he took the receiving her prize, Goh was over- 000. sion with allegations made by
title at the 1st Asia’s Latte Art Champi- come with emotion and was lost for In the said article, Hng directed Penang Gerakan chairman Teng
onship 2014 held at the Subterranean words to describe her feelings about his questions at the state govern- Chang Yeow when he said that
Penang International Convention and her achievement. ment, implying that it (the state PGT (Penang Global Tourism) was
Exhibition (SPICE) Centre recently. “I will be keeping the award money government) was either a investor directly involved in the theme
Goh Jia Vern, who works at Just for my savings,” she said. or a shareholder in Wet World park.
Want Coffee, beat 26 other hopefuls The 1st Asia Latte Art Competition Wild. “Wet World Wild is carried out
from other countries like Spain, Thai- 2014 was held in conjunction with the Clarifying this issue, Wong Hon by a private company. The state
land, Philippines and Iran for the Asian Food Festival from Oct 22 to Wai, Chief Minister Lim Guan government is not a shareholder
prestigious championship title. 26. Eng’s political secretary and Air nor are we investors in this pro-
She took home a trophy and Judges for the championship were Itam assemblymember, reiterated ject,” said Wong.
RM5,000 cash prize. Ross Bright (Master Roaster at Spinel- that the state government did not WWW was closed down just 10
The first runner-up, Tan Yee Von, li Coffee), Luca Bezzera (owner of invest nor does it have any shares months after opening its doors due
25, from Kuala Lumpur, won RM3,000 Bezzera coffee machines) and Bernard in Wet World Wild Adventure Park to strong winds and waves that
and third placed Christian Alvarez, 36, Reincastle (chief judge of Barista in Batu Ferringhi. damaged the park equipment early
from Philippines won RM1,500. Competition Culinaire 2013). Wong also expressed his confu- last month.
7
November 1 - 15, 2014
Remembering the fallen Russians
Story by Chan Lilian Zhemchug. ucts from Malaysia.
Pix by Mark James Local fishermen rushed to the There are about 3,500 Rus-
scene with their small boats and sians living in Malaysia.
OCTOBER 28, 1914 was the rescued some of the sailors. Also, recognising the contri-
day when 88 Russians sailors Recalling that incident, Am- butions and fruitful relationships
perished and many others were bassador of the Russian Federa- between Malaysia and Russia,
wounded while protecting Pen- tion to Malaysia Lyudmila G. Vorobyeva conferred upon the
ang Harbour in the Battle of Vorobyeva said: “Even before Honorary Consul of the Russian
Penang. our two countries had official Federation, Teoh Seng Lee, the
Twelve of them were laid to relations, there was a piece of Russian Presidential Order of
rest here in Penang, 10 at the evidence in history about peo- Friendship.
Western Road Cemetery and ple-to-people relationship when Russia is now one of the ideal
two at Pulau Jerjak. fishermen helped the sailors. For places to send young Malaysian
The Embassy of the Russian that, we are forever grateful to students to study medicine thanks
Federation in Malaysia organised Malaysians.” to Teoh who started by sending
the 100th Year Commemoration Prayers were offered by an four students in 1997 and well
Vorobyeva conferring the Russian Presidential Order of Friend-
of the Battle of Penang on Oct 28 Orthodox priest while Roman- ship upon Teoh for his contributions. over seven thousand today.
where Chief Minister Lim Guan Catholic priest Fr Michael Chief Minister Lim Guan
Eng graced the occasion. Cheah and others guests joined countries, i.e. Malaysia and Rus- development and banking. Eng was proud that the spirit of
In 1914, during the first World in the event. sia, who were so far apart and Russia is currently Malaysia’s people-to-people relationship
War, Russia was part of the Allies One of the guests, a political yet filled with compassion and 26th trading partner with turno- between Malaysians and Rus-
with Great Britain and France. columnist from Russia, Dmitri sympathy helped each other. ver of US$2.7 billion in 2013. sians has lived on for a century
Around 4.30 am on Oct 28, Kosyrev, delivered a short Russia and Malaysia plan to Russia imports electric and and hopes that this spirit will
1914, the German ship SMS speech, pointing out how human expand their bilateral relation- electronic equipment, mechani- usher peace for centuries to
Emden fired at Russian ship needs rise above war where two ship in transportation, facility cal equipment and rubber prod- come.
New coat of paint for flats Applications for Chinese,
mission school funds
A FRESH coat of paint has sure the smooth upkeep of
given the Block 9 flats in the block,” he added. THE state government’s annual al-
Jalan Tengah, Bayan Baru, The painting of the location 2015 for Chinese and Mis-
a refreshing new look. 12-storey block began on sion schools is now open for online
Block 9 management April 7 and was completed application.
corporation chairman Naz- on July 1. Applicants need only log on to the
mi Shaari said the resi- Built in 1985, Block 9 state government online system (E-
dents were the second to consists of 12 storeys and Sumbangan Sekolah Pulau Pinang)
agree to the facelift after 119 units. at http://esspp.penang.gov.my to
Block 7 became the first to Present at the new paint apply.
be re-painted from Aug 15 work completion ceremo- The deadline for all applications
and completed on Sept 20. ny were exco for Town & is Nov 21.
“We are thankful to Pen- Country Planning and Application approvals will be
ang Development Corpora- Housing Jagdeep Singh based on prioritising fund applica-
tion (PDC) and the state Deo, Deputy Chief Minis- Rashid (sixth from left) handing over the certificate of tions meant for repair work, upgrad-
completion of work to Nazmi (fourth from left). Looking on
government for funding ter 1 Datuk Mohd Rashid ing facilities, security measures and
are Rosli (second from left), Malik (third from left). Jagdeep
80% and 10% respectively Hasnon, Batu Maung as- green initiatives.
(fifth from left) and some of the residents.
of the cost of the facelift. semblymember Datuk Ab- Once the applications have been
The remaining 10% was dul Malik Abul Kassim applied for funds for main- medium cost housing pro- sent in, a site inspection will be con-
paid using the funds ac- and PDC general manager tenance works under the jects to alleviate their bur- ducted by state assembly-members
cumulated from the month- Datuk Rosli Jaafar. Federal Tabung Penye- den,” he added. and Members of Parliament and rec-
ly maintenance fees,” Naz- Jagdeep said since 2008, lenggaran 1 Malaysia Meanwhile, Rashid ommend the schools visited to the
mi said. the state government has (TP1M). hoped residents from the Penang Chinese and Mission Schools
The cost of repainting assisted 16 low and low “However, we are aware remaining blocks will join Affairs Coordinating Committee.
amounted to RM139,800, medium cost housing pro- of the difficulties faced by in the scheme soon to have The committee will then decide on
with PDC paying jects with various mainte- the residents of such low their flats re-painted. the amount of funds to be allocated,
RM118,400 and the state nance projects totalling and medium cost housing “Each household will after final approval by Chief Minister
government and the man- more than RM2.6 million. and being a people-centric only need to pay around Lim Guan Eng.
agement corporation each He added that the Hous- government, we are the RM200 to top up the 10% For enquiries, contact Sim Phoi
paying RM13, 980 respec- ing Assistance Programme only state in the country needed,” he said. Yong, Special Officer to Chief Min-
tively. of Penang, Yes! (HAPPY!) that has set up this HAP- The Jalan Tengah PDC ister of Penang cum secretary of
“I hope the residents of set up by the state govern- PY! Fund which will pay flats, built about 30 years Penang Chinese and Mission Schools
Block 9 will be prompt in ment is to assist residents the said balance of 10% ago, comprise 14 five- Affairs Coordinating Committee at
paying up the monthly of low and medium cost and 30% on behalf of the storey blocks and three 017-5910366 or 04-6505558 or email
maintenance fees to en- housing projects that have residents of these low and 12-storey blocks. to [email protected].
8
November 1 - 15, 2014
Be ready for business slowdown,
developers told
Story by Chan Lilian Rehda’s 40th anniversary dinner
Pix by Alissala Thian on Oct 17.
“GST, fuel and energy ‘ra-
USING the bibical example of tionalisation’, higher prices of
seven years of plenty and seven materials, together with higher
years of drought, the Penang cost of living, land costs soaring
Real Estate & Housing Develop- and higher charges and compli-
ers’ Association Malaysia (Reh- ance costs all added to the cost.
da) chairman Datuk Jerry Chan In the past, developers passed
talked about the impending slow- on the costs to buyers but it is
ing down of business in the not so easy today. Now develop-
property sector and how those in ers get the bullets for ‘raising
the property market should be prices’,” he added.
bracing for the tough times State exco member for Hous-
ahead. ing, Town & Country Planning
The highlight of the celebration was the cake-cutting ceremony to mark Rehhda’s 40th anniversary.
“I am really beginning to Jagdeep Singh Deo, who repre- Seen her (from left) are Chan, Jagdeep, Jagdeep’s wife Belindar, Seberang Perai Municipal Council
wonder what’s going to be the sented the Chief Minister, said: chief Datuk Maimunah Shariff and organising chairman of the dinner, David Fong, blowing the candles.
scenario for us in the property “The Penang state is all ears all
sector! The good and great years the time. My door is open. With (CSR) programmes for the less The state is not the only source and homes for the people by giving
are most certainly over and the the impending GST, prices will fortunate in society. the federal government too has a them a key to their own homes.”
overall market has slowed down definitely be a concern. It is out “I am happy to note that Rehda role to play,” he said. The opening song at the din-
tremendously. Just when we of our control but we will look believes in touching hearts. I think “Where the federal govern- ner, “Stand by me”, aptly ex-
thought it can’t get any worse, into the high charges.” it is the fundamental right that ment has failed, the state will pressed the needs of both the
it has become a never-ending Jagdeep noted that Rehda has people ought to have a roof over work harder to help people own state and the developers to stand
journey of more charges, com- not only been focussed on busi- their heads. The state will take homes. I think you developers together to ensure that house
pliance, requirements, condi- ness but had carried out several proactive measures to engage with too can touch more lives when prices remain affordable and
tions to fulfil,” Chan said during corporate social responsibility developers to achieve this aim. we can provide affordable reachable to the people.
Lift woes end for Lembah Sungai residents
Developer reminded to clean up
RESIDENTS of
Taman Lembah EXCO member for Housing and Town & Coun-
Sungai are re- try Planning Jagdeep Singh Deo asserted that
lieved that their the state government is actively helping the
four-year wait federal government through its agency JKP Sdn
has finally ended Bhd in its housing projects.
after the state The low-cost, medium-cost and affordable
government housing in Jelutong by the federal government
helped to bear built by JKP consists of 192 units of low-cost
the cost of two units at RM42,000, 192 units of medium-cost
lift upgrading units at RM72,500 and 382 units of affordable
projects. homes costing RM280,000 to RM300,000.
Jagdeep (centre) and the exco members poses with the residents of Taman Lembah
“We under- However, recently, a resident had lodged a
Sungai.
stood their need complaint to the Chief Minister, which was for-
thus we will help several ongoing maintenance projects include the warded to Jagdeep, regarding the dumping of
out with RM237,600 which is 80% of the total RM1 million Taman Tun Sardon Flats repainting cut trees at the site which causes a health hazard
cost,” said Jagdeep Singh Deo, exco for Housing works, Taman Pinang roof repair, Taman Bestari and also becomes a place for mosquitoes breed-
and Town, Country Planning during his visit to Flats water tank repair and Rifle Range Flats re- ing.
the lift upgrading site recently. painting works. “We want to cooperate with JKP in making it
“Do we not deserve housing assistance?” asked Komtar assemblymember Teh Lai Heng added a reality for people to own homes. These housing
Jagdeep as the federal government only approved the installation works will start end of this month projects were approved in 2009 and the state has
14 out of 119 of the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund and the whole project expected to be ready by assisted JKP to settle the issues arising, includ-
(TP1M) projects in Penang after more than three January. ing the squatter relocation. However, we want
years of waiting. “The management approached the TP1M since JKP to clean up the area now to avoid any in-
Yet Penang is one of the highest tax paying last year but to no avail,” Teh said, adding that convenience to the public. I will be writing to
states in the country. the repairs and upgrading works were indeed JKP on this,” Jagdeep told members of the press
Under the state housing assistance HAPPY!, urgent. in Komtar recently.
9
November 1 - 15, 2014
Lion Dash for charity
Honouring Penang’s
best sportsmen
RISING swimmer Alwyn
Tan Yean Yang bagged the
Most Promising Sports-
man Award in the recent
Penang State Sports Award
2013 event with the Most
Promising Sportswoman
Award going to Vanessa G.
Raj of squash.
“I adore Michael Phelps
and I am pushing myself
hard to train more than
three hours a day to hope-
fully emulate him,” said
Alwyn during his training
session at the Penang
Zairil (fourth from left) with the organising committee and residents from ASC. Swimming Club on Nov 2.
Alwyn, quite a shy per-
Story by Chan Lilian which is the first ever obstacle race son, studied at the Dalat
Pix by Law Suun Ting and the second series in the Newton International School in
Challenge Penang. Tanjung Bungah and began
FITNESS buffs should mark their Proceeds from the races will ben- training for the sport when
calendar for some exciting events efit Asia Community Service (ASC), he was 10 years old. Alwyn proud to hold the his hard earn trophies.
next year. a charity organisation with a vision to Meanwhile, at the award
“Unlike the regular run, now one empower people with special needs gala on Oct 8, Datuk Lee Chong Wei only international standard athletes
can get out of their comfort zone and towards an inclusive and meaningful was named Best Sportsman and but also the best coaches and admin-
throw themselves into a new and chal- role in society. bagged the Governor Tun Abdul Rah- istrators.
lenging adventure,” said organising For details, visit http://mytriathlon- man Abbas Prime Award for the Karate-do took three top awards
chairperson of Lion Dash, Karen Geh. shop.com/ or call KC Tan at 012- fourth time. with Lim Chee Jin taking the Sports
At a press conference recently, 4228666. At the event, exco for Youth and Leader Award, Lim Lee Lee the
which was attended by Bukit Bend- The Lion Dash Penang will take Sports, Women, Family and Com- Coach of the Year award and the Best
era MP Zairil Khir Johari, My Thri- place on Jan 18, 2015 while Newton munity Development Chong Eng said Men and Women’s Team Award going
althon Shop announced that they will Challenge Penang will take place on the state will continue to produce not to karate exponents.
be organising “Lion Dash Penang” Feb 8.
10
November 1 - 15, 2014
Market upgrade Maintaining fairness
at PPR units
on schedule
A TOTAL of RM14.16 million in rent is currently
owed to the state government.
This cumulative amount in rent and maintenance
fees is owed by residents in the People’s Housing
Project (PPR) here in Penang, as of July 2014.
However, this isn’t your every day case of ten-
ants being unable to pay rent, but rather, choosing
to spend their money on the slightly finer things
in life.
“Certain residents here (PPR) drive luxury cars
and have installed satellite television service at their
low-cost flats, which are meant for the hardcore
poor,” said state exco for Town & Country Planning
and Housing Jagdeep Singh Deo.
In short, some tenants are no longer eligible to rent
PPR units in Penang.
“And on the other end, we have tenants who do
not drive a Mercedes, don’t own 50-inch screen TVs
nor do they have Astro subscription. There is a long
waiting list of people who are in the hard-core poor
category with a household income of less than RM
1,500 and are waiting to rent one of the PPR units,”
Jagdeep said.
Clarifying the whole satellite television issue,
Jagdeep said that it was stated in the tenancy agree-
ments that for PPR units, tenants were not allowed
to install these services.
A shot of the newly-renovated interior of Tanjung Bungah Market. However, due to “current” times, the state govern-
ment will be relaxing this rule, by allowing them to
Story by Caleb Yeoh ing, the old floor tiles replaced and revamping each have such services as long as the tenants apply for
Pix by Law Suun Ting and every hawker unit which now comes with its approval.
own electric and water meter. “Only those who do not owe rent will be allowed
FOR more than 20 years, the Tanjung Bungah Mar- State exco for Local Government, Traffic Man- to install these services,” Jagdeep said as he clarified
ket had not been upgraded. agement and Flood Mitigation Chow Kon Yeow that this measure would help the state collect rent
With no new coat of paint, the market and said he was pleased with the progress made so far, from its tenants.
hawker area certainly did not reflect the cheerful adding that they were ahead of schedule. He added that notices will be issued to current
smiles and personalities of the traders who set up Chow was seen together with Tanjung Bungah tenants who have moved up the income ladder to be
shop there. assemblymember Teh Yee Cheu on a site visit at the given time to move out, letting the state government
However, in January this year, the market, via an market on Oct 29, getting first-hand feedback from rent out the units to those who are currently eligible.
initiative by the state government and Penang Island hawkers and patrons alike. Jagdeep added that the rent and maintenance debts
Municipal Council (MPPP) underwent a thorough Chow added that along with the Tanjung Bungah came from 8,093 out of 14,027 units on both the
facelift and as of this month, all works are 97% market, a few other hawker centres and markets are island and the mainland and that the state will be
completed. also in the process of being upgraded. conducting checks to vet the tenants who are no
The project, worth up to RM1.82 million, saw a They include both the Padang Brown and Chow- longer eligible.
new coat of paint for the whole complex, new wir- rasta market areas.
BAHAGIAN PERUMAHAN, PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI PULAU PINANG.
SENARAI LOT-LOT BUMIPUTERA UNTUK DIJUAL
HARGA BAKI UNIT
BIL NAMA PEMAJU LOKASI NAMA PROJEK JENIS PEMAJUAN HARGA SEUNIT POTSOELNEGPAANS 5% BUMKIUPOUTTAERA PERPHEUGBAUWNAGIAN
1. Welcome Properties Sdn. Bhd. Di Atas Lot 6104 (Lot Lama 1870) & Taman Bayu Kedai / Pejabat RM551,000.00 - RM523,450.00 - 4 Ms. Ooi Ah Chin
No.6, Lorong Bayu Aman 4 6106 – 6136 (Lot Lama 3354) Aman RM1,250,000.00 RM1,187,500.00
Taman Bayu Aman, Teluk Air Tawar Mukim 7, Teluk Air Tawar
13050 Butterworth Seberang Perai Utara
No. Tel : [phone] Pulau Pinang
No. Fax : [phone]
2. MTT Properties & Dev. Sdn Bhd Di Atas Lot 732-790, Mukim 4 Botanica .CT Rumah Teres RM650,000.00 RM617,500.00 10 Michelle Goh
Suite 7A, 7th Floor, Wisma MTT Jalan Rusa / Jalan Sungai Air Putih 2 Tingkat
26 Pengkalan Weld Daerah Barat Daya
10300 Pulau Pinang Pulau Pinang Rumah Teres RM750,000.00 RM712,500.00 8
No. Tel : [phone] Tingkat
No. Fax : [phone]
3. Manda'rina Sdn Bhd Di Atas Lot 592, Mukim 14 Sanctuary Villa Rumah Berkembar RM770,400.00 - RM731,880.00 - 22 Lee Phaik See
Lot 1768 Jalan Impian Indah 3 Seberang Perai Tengah 2 Tingkat (Jenis A) RM1,101,600.00 RM1,046,520.00
Alma Pulau Pinang
14000 Bukit Mertajam Rumah Berkembar RM750,000.00 - RM712,500.00 - 18
No. Tel : [phone] Tingkat (Jenis B) RM969,600.00 RM921,120.00
No. Fax : [phone]
Banglo 2 RM873,600.00 - RM829,920.00 - 1
Tingkat RM939,600.00 RM892,620.00