Latest news with #Penang2030
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Hiking group maintaining Penang Hill trail marks 29th anniversary
(From right) Choong, Koay and Ong presenting a mock cheque for RM5,000 to Tan (third from left) and Khor (second from left) while Heng (centre) looks on during Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group's 29th anniversary event in Penang. A LIVELY reunion dinner celebrating decades of hiking, bonding and trail maintenance was held by the Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group in Penang to mark its 29th anniversary. The hiking club is known for its free refreshments and volunteer-driven upkeep of the famous Moon Gate trail on Penang Hill. In his opening speech at the dinner, the group's honorary advisor Datuk Seri Benny Khor said the club provided free coffee, water and biscuits to hikers. 'The hiking club focuses on maintaining and improving the trail's condition to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. 'Our mission has always been to bring people together to enhance and care for the Moon Gate No. 5 trail that is now a must-visit for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. 'The group relies on donations, surplus funds from the annual dinner and contributions from its committee members to sustain its operations. 'This is because there are no membership fees or public fundraising initiatives,' he said. Representing Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai, was vice-chairman Datuk Heng Yak Hoi who said the hiking club promoted both hiking and humanitarian values. 'The stories are truly touching as members and volunteers tirelessly carry gas cylinders uphill, prepare hot drinks and serve hikers come rain or shine. 'This selfless spirit aligns with the Penang2030 vision of fostering an inclusive, healthy and resilient community,' he said. Heng added that the importance of hiking as a form of physical and mental exercise should be emphasised to encourage people to embrace outdoor activities for a balanced lifestyle. During the dinner, TG Ocean Health Food Industries Sdn Bhd directors Datuk Ong Thor Guan, Koay Kai Bin and Choong Jin Koi presented RM5,000 to club chairman Tan Chee Yeong to support its efforts. More than 1,000 people attended the dinner at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Macalister Road, George Town. Many of the diners took home prizes such as hiking shoes, electrical goods and motorcycles. Moon Gate No. 5, is a colonial- era stone archway. The hiking group's upkeep of this historic path has helped the trail become a popular destination. At the dinner, members and supporters reaffirmed their goal of keeping the trail accessible and well-maintained to ensure that Moon Gate No. 5 remains a symbol of Penang's community-driven conservation efforts.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Over 1,000 spectators cheer on 50 muay thai boxers in Bkt Mertajam
Some 1,000 people converged in Taman Sireh for the festival. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star OVER 50 amateur and professional boxers from sports clubs in the country took part in a muay thai competition at the inaugural Festival Kebun Sireh X Penang2030. The event, held at a public field in Taman Sireh, Bukit Mertajam, was organised by Penang Muay Thai Association (PMTA) and Kebun Sireh Village Community Management Council. It was supported by the Batu Kawan parliamentary office, Bukit Tengah service centre and Seberang Perai City Council. Some 1,000 people attended the event which PMTA president Hilmie Ibrahim described as the festival's highlight. 'Besides muay thai, there were other events such as checkers and a colouring contest. 'It was good to see many youngsters showing interest in muay thai which helps with character building among youths,' said Hilmie. Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung said the event encouraged youngsters to be active in healthy sporting activities while promoting unity. 'It is good to see people from different walks of life coming together to attend the event and cheer for each other,' he said. He added that although muay thai was a serious sport that required intense training and discipline, it also fostered camaraderie among the boxers. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the event as a platform for Penangites to be involved in healthy activities and community building. 'The event is a clear reflection of the people of Penang being an active community, engaged in social and healthy activities. 'Not only does it promote the sport of muay thai, it also shows that festive occasions, traditions, sports, and community events can be celebrated in harmony,' he said in his speech. Chow expressed hope that Penang would continue progressing towards becoming a developed state, in line with Penang2030 Vision. 'The Penang2030 vision is a roadmap for developing the state during my tenure, aimed at advancing various industries, strengthening social development and achieving balanced growth that improves the overall quality of life for the people. 'It is also my hope that, with the time we have left, we can intensify efforts to mobilise greater community and public participation in support of these balanced development initiatives,' he said. Auxiliary police member Muhammad Sayuti Mad, 37, from Kuala Kedah, said he was invited by his friend in Taman Sireh to join the event. 'I am happy to be part of this event. I also asked my daughter to take part in the colouring contest,' he said. Technician Khairul Annur Harun, 35, who lives near Taman Sireh, said such events brought the community together, offering a break from routine. 'Such programmes create a positive atmosphere, especially when these combine culture, sports, and festive elements. 'I hope more such events will be held in future to strengthen the spirit of unity among residents,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Future of Penang Turf Club land depends on owners, says Chow
The Penang Turf Club, founded in 1864, holds about 81 hectares of prime land in Batu Gantong. (Penang Turf Club pic) GEORGE TOWN : The future of the 81-hectare Penang Turf Club land in Batu Gantong depends entirely on what its private owners propose to do with it, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said. He said any redevelopment must follow existing planning laws and align with the Penang2030 vision — the state's roadmap for a greener and smarter future. 'The land is privately owned and zoned as a Priority Development Zone 1 for commercial purposes,' he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubok), who had asked about the status of the land. 'Any request to change its category or conditions must go through the district land office and the state land and mines office before being brought to the state authority for consideration.' Civil society groups such as Penang Forum had urged the state to place the land under a special area plan to preserve it as a public green space. They argued that large-scale commercial developments would erode its livability and heritage value. Chow said that the state would assess any proposals from the landowners fairly and require the incorporation of 'community-friendly designs', smart technology, and safeguards for the environment and heritage. 'The state will ensure that decisions are balanced and just for both the applicant and the public. This is to ensure that the project creates jobs and stimulates the local economy,' he said. The land is held in trust for the Penang Turf Club by Goh Eng Toon, Ong Eng Khuan, and Teh Choon Beng, under title HSD 20562, Chow confirmed. Founded in 1864, the Penang Turf Club will cease operations after its final race on May 31. It owns one of the island's last remaining large undeveloped land parcels, with estimated values ranging from RM2 billion to RM6 billion. The club previously attempted to sell the land via an open tender but failed to secure a successful bid. It now plans to divide the site into smaller parcels to appeal to more buyers.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Governor Calls For More Targeted, Inclusive Approach In i-Sejahtera Programme
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- Penang's newly appointed Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, emphasising the need to prioritise those genuinely in need while introducing sustainable empowerment alternatives such as skills training and micro-aid. This initiative should not merely alleviate burdens, but also create opportunities for self-reliance and raise the socio-economic status of recipients, he said in his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today. Ramli also praised the Penang government's commitment to welfare, noting that RM50.54 million was disbursed through i-Sejahtera in 2024, benefiting over 280,000 recipients. 'The scale of this programme reflects not only its reach but also the state government's dedication to enhancing lives regardless of age, status, or background,' he said. On May 9, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that a review of the i-Sejahtera programme is currently underway to ensure it achieves its intended impact. The i-Sejahtera programme is an expression of appreciation and concern from the state government that is given in the form of financial aid once a year to the people of Penang, namely the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, housewives and infants aged two years and below. In his speech, Ramli also stressed the importance of continuously refining state-level planning to ensure welfare and social development efforts remain relevant and effective. This includes the Penang State Structure Plan 2040, which is being reviewed to strengthen and align existing policies under the Penang2030 vision, he said. Meanwhile, the Governor also expressed appreciation to the federal government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects in Penang, which aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the state, such as the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway (JSD), the LRT Mutiara Line, the Sungai Perak Treated Water Transfer Project or the Perak-Penang Water Project (PAP), and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean chair boost for halal industry to go regional
Ahmad Zahid (fourth from left) with Chow on his right, launching the MPIHPP in Seberang Jaya. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star THE Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) can be the platform to expand the country's halal industries across Asean countries. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that through Matrade, Malaysia could utilise its position as Asean chairman to improve its position as a regional hub for halal industries. 'Malaysia should seize the chance to explore the halal industry market throughout Asean countries,' he said after launching the Penang Halal Industry Development Council (MPIHPP) in Seberang Jaya. He said only a few countries accepted products halal-certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said halal industries in countries such as Indonesia and Thailand were actively marketing their products to Malaysia. However, Malaysian halal products face difficulties entering the Asean market due to a lack of marketing efforts. 'Since Asean has a population of 600 million and represents a large market, we need to publicise Malaysia's halal products more aggressively,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is Halal Industry Development Council chairman, said Malaysia was considering setting up a regional council for halal matters. The country is also planning to organise an Asean forum in September to strengthen cross-border cooperation in halal industries. Besides Matrade, Ahmad Zahid also pointed out that the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase could also be a regional halal business-matching platform. The launch of MPIHPP made Penang the first Malaysian state to have set up such a council. Describing the council formation as an important step in creating a strong halal ecosystem, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope it would bolster Malaysian halal industry in the region. The council was created following the Halal Industry Development Meeting chaired by Ahmad Zahid on Dec 3 last year. The meeting proposed that the council be set up at state level to improve teamwork between relevant agencies developing the halal industry. Present during the launch were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. Mohamad said Penang had taken proactive steps by creating the MPIHPP, which was approved during the state executive council meeting on Jan 22. As MPIHPP chairman, Mohamad said the creation of the council involved 25 government departments and agencies. He said MPIHPP was aligned with the federal-level Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council. 'The establishment of this council is significant in strengthening the development of the halal industry in the state and aligns with the Penang 2030 vision which prioritises a progressive, inclusive and sustainable economy. 'Close cooperation between the state and Federal governments is crucial, and it demonstrates the Federal government's support for our efforts at the state level,' he said in his speech during the launch. Mohamad expressed confidence the cooperation would make Penang a global leader in the halal industry. As of April this year, Penang has 870 companies that are registered with halal certifications. The figures placed Penang in third spot after Selangor and Johor as states with the most number of halal certification holders.
