Latest news with #BuletinMutiara
The Star
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Penang to hear from vape industry before deciding on ban, says CM
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will hear from representatives of the vape industry before deciding on any potential ban, says Chow Kon Yeow. Acknowledging public health concerns and the irresponsible use of vape products, the Chief Minister said any policy decisions should take into account a wider range of implications. "There are states that have already banned vape, some for a long time. "But the real question is, what impact has that had? We are still observing. "Even if something is banned, it does not guarantee that the problem goes away. "In many cases, these activities just go underground and continue to operate," Chow told reporters after officiating the Penang Career Discovery Day at St Giles Wembley Hotel here on Thursday (June 5). According to state publisher Buletin Mutiara, Chow revealed that the state government had recently received a letter from vape industry operators outlining their concerns. "They argued that banning vape would not stop its use but simply push it underground. "That is why I have asked the state executive councillor responsible to follow up on the matter. "Penang will continue to monitor the situation carefully and give space for the industry to explain their side," Chow was quoted as saying.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Fort Cornwallis western moat restoration ready in July
The new Astaka replaces the former food court, offering improved facilities while respecting Fort Cornwallis' historical features. TWO major projects in George Town – the reinstatement of the moat at Fort Cornwallis and redevelopment of Astaka Kota Selera food court nearby – are close to completion. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said work on the western moat was ongoing, with completion expected by July. He said the southern moat at Fort Cornwallis was restored in July 2024. 'The restored moat uses traditional building methods and materials. 'Built on-site within a modular grid, it is designed for long-term stability,' Chow said during a site visit. 'The completed southern and western moats now form a 4,000sq m water basin, 0.9m deep, and can hold about 3,600 cubic metres of water. (From left) Chow, Wong, H'ng, Hamdan and representatives of various agencies checking on the progress of the restoration work at Fort Cornwallis. — Photos courtesy of Buletin Mutiara 'Its ecological concept incorporates a mechanical sand filter within the moat basin and a vegetated bio-retention swale between the moat edge and outer glacis wall. 'The entire project cost RM23.4mil, of which the Penang government funded RM15.3mil, with additional support from Think City and Hasanah Foundation,' he said. Also present were state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai, Lim Siew Khim, Jason H'ng Mooi Lye, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed and Chief Minister Incorporated general manager Datin S. Bharathi. State publisher Buletin Mutiara quoted Chow as saying that the project also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sponge city model, ecological biodiversity, climate adaptation environmental awareness, and community engagement. On the Astaka Kota Selera redevelopment costing RM4mil, Chow said it would be launched on June 2. He said the project was closely linked to the western moat's reinstatement as the previous food court was constructed directly over part of the moat's original alignment. 'To allow for archaeological excavations and the moat's reconstruction, the food court was relocated slightly westward. 'During this transitional phase, vendors were temporarily accommodated at a nearby playground area to ensure minimal disruption to their operations,' he said. He added that the new Astaka had replaced the former food court. Improved facilities had been thoughtfully designed into the premises while respecting the historical context of Fort Cornwallis, said Chow. 'It accommodates 26 hawker stalls arranged along the perimeter of a spacious central court, providing clear visibility across stalls and seating areas. 'The space can seat up to 224 patrons and includes dedicated amenities such as a surau, public toilets, and facilities for people with disabilities including ramps and barrier-free access. 'The upgraded Astaka Kota Selera stands apart from typical food court developments, setting a benchmark for the sensitive insertion of new architecture within a historical urban fabric,' added Chow.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Over RM30mil spent on flood mitigation projects in Datok Keramat
Japdeep says the projects have minimised floods in his constituency.— Buletin Mutiara More than RM30mil has been invested in infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in the Datok Keramat state constituency, says its assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo. He said RM30,426,533 had been allocated for the initiatives since he was first elected as the representative in 2008. These covered several key projects, such as the installation of a screw pump and its supporting structure at the Parit Monsun outlet in Jalan Ismail Che Matt (RM541,000) and a flood mitigation project in Jalan P. Ramlee (RM414,000). Jagdeep said other completed upgrades were drainage system improvements along Jalan Ismail Che Matt (RM756,440), Jalan Maklom, which also involved building a pump house (RM290,874), Jalan Utama and Jalan Datuk Keramat (RM408,490). 'All these initiatives have successfully minimised and reduced the impact of flooding in the constituency,' he said during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Balai Rakyat Jalan Patani in George Town. Jagdeep, who is also Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, said the state government planned to instal sheltered walkways along Jalan Utama and Jalan Datuk Keramat this year, at a cost of RM300,000. Some of the guests attending the Raya open house. — Buletin Mutiara The project is currently under evaluation. State publisher Buletin Mutiara also quoted him as saying that the public toilet facilities at City Stadium would be upgraded at a cost of RM250,000. In his speech, Jagdeep took a moment to pay tribute to former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away recently. 'He was a visionary leader whose legacy of integrity, compassion and dedication to Malaysia will always be remembered. 'He guided the nation through a transformative era, promoting judicial reform and transparency in governance. 'Let us honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values he championed,' said Jagdeep.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Proposal to get open house concept recognised by Unesco
Children performing on stage during the open house. THE vibrant tradition of open houses by Malaysia's diverse communities deserves recognition as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year among others, he said, were celebrated in the spirit of harmony, togetherness and mutual respect in Malaysia. 'The tradition of hosting open houses for different festivals has been practised for nearly 50 years. This is something truly special about Malaysia, one of our greatest strengths. 'As such, this unique cultural practice can be submitted to Unesco for consideration to be inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. 'If it receives recognition, it will encourage greater participation in the open houses, further strengthening our unity,' said Chow as reported by state publisher Buletin Mutiara. He made the proposal when attending a Hari Raya open house jointly organised by the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency and the Bukit Tambun state constituency at SJK (C) Keng Koon recently. Food laid out in the buffet line at the open house. Chow, who is Batu Kawan MP, said the Penang government would not neglect social development while focusing on economic and infrastructure development. He said the state would be able to attend to the grassroots through the support of bodies such as the Village Community Management Council (MPKK), Penang Youth Committee (JBPP), Relanita (female volunteers) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK). Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who was also present, shared an update on the Ar-Rayyan Mosque in Bandar Cassia, which has now been completed at a cost of RM10mil. He said the Penang government contributed RM3.5mil to the project, with the Federal Government providing a similar amount. 'This reflects the state's inclusive approach to serving people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds,' he said. It is understood that the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) also contributed RM600,000, with individual donations amounting to RM2mil. The remaining costs were borne by the local mosque community. Goh also urged MPKK to go to the ground and provide assistance to more people.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
State to safeguard traditional kampung zone in Nibong Tebal
Guests enjoying the food and entertainment at the festive celebration. — Buletin Mutiara ANY development in the designated traditional village zone of Kampung Bagan Buaya in Nibong Tebal will be closely regulated. Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye, who pledged to safeguard the village's identity amid surrounding developments, said the traditional values that defined the kampung must be protected. 'As development accelerates around us, my responsibility is to ensure that places like Kampung Bagan Buaya remain untouched by over- development. 'Our identity lies in these villages, and they deserve our protection,' H'ng said during the Jawi state constituency Hari Raya open house on the mainland, according to Buletin Mutiara. Chow (centre) and H'ng (standing, left) greeting guests during the open house on the mainland. The festive celebration drew residents from nearby communities. They were treated to various local delicacies and multicultural performances featuring Malay, Chinese and Tamil songs. H'ng, who is Jawi assemblyman, also highlighted the significance of a recently renovated sepak takraw court. It included the installation of new roofing and a fresh coat of paint, at a total cost of RM161,550. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the event with his wife, Tan Lean Kee, commended H'ng for his dedication to the constituency. 'Tan's efforts in preserving the character of Jawi are commendable. 'I urge the people here to continue supporting him as he works tirelessly for the betterment of the community,' said Chow.
