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Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
‘The Letters Never Sent' brings MaJie voices to life in immersive theatre tribute through George Town's heritage lanes
GEORGE TOWN, May 30 — It started with a song by three MaJies as they croon lullabies to the babies in their arms, moving through the audience, emphasising their roles as domestic caretakers in a land far from their homes. The first scene soon leads into a story about Hou Jie and the story behind the MaJies who left their home in Guangdong, China to work as domestic caretakers in Malaya and Singapore in the 1930s. Told in the perspective of Si En, a young woman whom Hou Jie raised like her own daughter, the theatre performance of 'The Letters Never Sent' is an immersive experience delivered in the MaJies' native tongue, Cantonese, interspersed with English narration by Si En. With a cast of only six actors, the performance delivers its message on the resilience, struggles and strength of the MaJies by drawing the audience in, inviting participation in select scenes, and guiding them through the MaJie's journey. The second scene depicting girls being sent away in early 20th-century China due to poverty, often in arranged marriages to men decades older than them. — Picture by Opalyn Mok The experience begins at Journal Café and 25 Stewart Lane — both formerly MaJie Kongsi Fong — after which the audience is led through the streets, with scenes unfolding by the roadside, along walkways, in the gardens of 23 Love Lane, and concluding at Seven Terraces Hotel. It was a one-hour performance that showcased the struggles of Hou Jie set against the atmospheric backdrop of George Town's heritage enclave of Muntri Street, Love Lane and Stewart Lane. According to Soonufat Supramaniam, co-creator of the theatre performance, the production is the finale of a three-month-long initiative, 'Remembering and Celebrating the Lives and Contributions of MaJies' (RCLCM). 'Over the last three months, we have held talks with personal testimonies of those who knew or were brought up by MaJies, documentaries, an exhibition, a heritage walk and a film screening of a true MaJie life story,' he said. For co-creator, producer, and director Chan Lean Heng, it was the memories of her childhood, growing up next to a MaJie Kongsi Fong on Stewart Lane, that spurred her to delve into the stories of these remarkable women. The opening scene of the MaJies crooning lullabies to babies in their arms. — Picture by Opalyn Mok 'When I was young, I was intrigued by them so when a researcher from China contacted me to ask about the MaJies here, it inspired me to start this project,' she said. She said the story of the MaJie is one of early resistance by Chinese women against patriarchy, as they chose economic independence and a life of celibacy in order to live lives of frugality and service. She added that the MaJies had strong support networks and helped finance their respective village clan associations. 'I believe there were about seven MaJie Kongsi Fong in George Town at one point so this theatre performance is Penang's tribute to the MaJie,' she said. The MaJies are known as 'self-combed women' who took vows of celibacy to take charge of their own lives, instead of being married off, and survive in collective solidarity. Often recognisable by their white top, black pants and a single braid, either down their back or pinned in a knot, Chan said the MaJies were more than domestic workers as they had left indelible marks on the families and communities they served. 'This performance is to honour these MaJies, not as relics of a forgotten era, but as living memories with a strong legacy that can continue to inspire our present and future generations,' she said. Tickets to the 'The Letters Never Sent' are now on sale for three shows per day, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, for three days only, May 30, May 31 and June 1. Tickets are available online here.
Daily Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Penang exco calls for clear policy on construction of non-Islamic places of worship
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 By: Opalyn Mok, Malay Mail Text Size: Penang executive councillor Lim Siew Khim said such a policy would make it mandatory for places of worship (RIBI) to apply for planning permission and building plan approvals through the state's One-Stop Centre. — Picture by Opalyn Mok GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government needs to establish a clear policy regarding the construction or renovation of non-Islamic places of worship in the state, said state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim. The social, welfare, and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman said such a policy would make it mandatory for places of worship (RIBI) to apply for planning permission and building plan approvals through the state's One-Stop Centre. 'This is to ensure that the building design, structure, and location adhere to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and the approved land use plan,' she said in response to a question by Amir Hamzah Abdul Hashim (PAS–Permatang Pasir). As of May, Penang has a total of 136 illegal RIBI, with 115 on the island and 21 in Seberang Perai, Lim revealed. She said the number of illegal RIBI has decreased due to continuous monitoring and updates by both city councils. 'Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 43 illegal RIBI were identified by the Seberang Perai City Council, while the Penang Island City Council recorded 149 sites,' she said. Advertisement Lim added that the state government will continue holding engagement sessions with RIBI association representatives to emphasise the importance of submitting official applications before constructing or renovating structures. 'The state government's approach includes collaborating with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to encourage every RIBI to register their information so that the state has an official record of their existence,' she said. On enforcement, Lim said action was taken against six illegal structures, most of which were small shrines or structures encroaching on government reserve land. The six structures include one in North Seberang Perai, two in Central Seberang Perai, two in South Seberang Perai, and one in the northeast district of the island. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Facing US tariffs, Penang turns to Asia and Europe to secure its economic future
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: Opalyn Mok, Malay Mail Text Size: Chow Kon Yeow said Penang must avoid being reliant on any single market. — Picture by Opalyn Mok GEORGE TOWN: Penang is exploring alternative markets in Asia and Europe to reduce its dependence on the United States, following concerns over US trade policies, including a 24 per cent tariff on Malaysian products. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed the importance for the state to remain competitive, especially amidst evolving geopolitical and trade policies under the current US administration. Advertisement 'President Donald Trump wants American factories to go back to the US, so he imposed a high tariff,' he said, when replying to a question from Gooi Hsio Leong (PKR-Bukit Tengah) on the impact of US tariffs on Penang at the state legislative assembly today. Chow explained this would not happen quickly as relocating was a complex and involved decision. However, he said Penang must use the time to diversify to avoid being over-reliant on any single market. Chow said InvestPenang has continuously conducted investment missions to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Europe, and Singapore to attract new investors. Advertisement He added that Malaysia and other Asean countries might face less tense negotiations with the US compared to China. 'However, Malaysia must still be prepared to face a base tariff of 10 per cent and consider making concessions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes,' he said. While the Trump administration's 90-day pause on the tariffs imposed on April 2 has brought respite, Chow said it was important to understand that this is temporary. Chow then expressed belief that Malaysia's strategic geographical position, competitive labour costs, and favourable exchange rates will continue to make the country an attractive option for multinational companies (MNCs) looking to diversify their operations. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Brise Audio Fugaku, the world's most luxurious earphone system priced at RM79,000, on display at NIAV 2025
GEORGE TOWN, April 25 — The world's first portable audio system with hybrid driver earphones and a full analog amplifier is now on display for sale at the Northern International Audio and Visual Show (NIAV) 2025. The audio system, Brise Audio Fugaku, dubbed as the most luxurious earphone system in the world, with a hefty price tag of RM79,000, is available for demo at the Stars Picker audio library sound cabin at NIAV. There was already a long waiting list to try out the system and despite its hefty price tag, some audiophiles have already voiced interest in placing orders. Over in another sound room by Audio Art Sdn Bhd, an immersive experience featuring the superior audio quality of a RM2 million HiFi system is also on demo. These luxurious audio systems, from the smallest to the most expensive, were among the RM80 million worth of high-end audio and visual products on display and for sale at NIAV, which opens today at the Setia Spice Convention Centre here. This is the third year NIAV is being held in Penang and it is the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific where 150 brands from 125 countries are on exhibit. Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer G. Ashwin said there are a total 35 sound cabins and seven function rooms for visitors to listen to the demo of the products on display. The RM2 million HiFi system at the Audio Art sound cabin. — Picture by Opalyn Mok NIAV will feature a total 50 exhibitors, including global industry leaders, from Singapore, China, Lithuania, Taiwan, Denmark, USA, Japan, the UK, France, South Korea, Canada, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland. 'This is not only an exhibition of the products as there will be live performances including concerts, talks and technical sessions on the AV industry and even a live sound by DJ JazzieJay,' he said. The exhibition not only brings in international brands, some not available in Malaysia before this, but has also drummed up interest among those brands to bring them here. 'Some of the brands are considering opening up store fronts in Penang and one Denmark company is contemplating setting up a research and design centre here,' he said. He said PCEB's goals in bringing in more conferences and exhibitions goes deeper than bringing in international products to be showcased here. 'It can be a launchpad to showcase Penang as an investment destination for brands that have not considered coming here and setting up a plant or a store here,' he said. NIAV 2025 is open to public from now to April 27.
Malay Mail
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Penang mobilises 80-tanker fleet ahead of statewide water cut tomorrow
SEBERANG PERAI, April 24 — A fleet of 80 water tankers, some on loan from other states, have been deployed in preparation for the scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) tomorrow night. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the tankers will be filling and refilling water tanks placed in all five districts in the state. 'PBAPP has prepared a lineup of tankers and water tanks in preparation for SWSI which starts at 10pm tomorrow,' he said at the flagging-off ceremony of the water tankers in Batu Kawan here. He said the water operators from other states such as Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Kedah and Perak have assisted by lending their water tankers to Penang for the next three days. He said the water tankers will also focus on critical places such as hospitals to ensure that they have sufficient water supply throughout the three-day SWSI. 'There are also 111 static tanks with 2,000 litres capacity each, 71 flexi tanks with (24,000 litres) and 23 jumbo tanks (50,000 litres) placed in strategic locations at affected areas,' he said The SWSI will affect 341,708 consumers across all five districts of the state, both on island and the mainland. A lineup of 80 water tankers has been deployed in preparation for the scheduled water supply interruption. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Penang water supply corporation (PBAPP) is targeting a 40 per cent recovery of water supply within 24 hours for 136,683 consumers in North Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai and Northeast district of the island. Zairil said the tankers will be on standby to provide water especially to end-of-line consumers in South Seberang Perai and Southwest district on the island after the initial 24 hours. 'Based on previous experiences, recovery of water supply for these places takes longer so the tankers will refill the water tanks there for the residents,' he said. PBAPP is expecting 88 per cent recovery of water supply services for a majority of the affected consumers in South Seberang Perai and Southwest district of the island by 10pm on Sunday. The remaining 41,523 consumers in end-of-line and high ground areas are expected to get water supply by 10am on Monday. The SWSI is to allow a partial 16-hour shutdown of the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant for PBAPP to complete 23 water works projects throughout Penang. PBAPP will be posting regular updates on the SWSI on its Facebook page. PBAPP also has a 24-hour call centre at 04-2558255 and 04-5096509 for consumers to call for assistance.
