Latest news with #PenangTourismandCreativeEconomyCommittee
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Netizens outraged over destruction of 'monument' to tycoon's life and legacy
GEORGE TOWN: Social media users have expressed outrage over the demolition of the iconic Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi to make way for a luxury high-rise. The colonial-era residence once belonged to Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the self-made tycoon who brought the Honda Cub motorcycle to Malaysia. The villa had stood as a monument to his life and legacy. One user, Myocho Kan, said he wished he had the means to buy and preserve the property. "Why not keep something that represents the value and meaning of life?" he asked. Sam Lim questioned how such a modest detached house could be replaced by a towering condominium. "How can it be quantified?" Lim asked. For Ruth Lee, the demolition felt like another piece of Penang's history being erased. "I hope they at least maintain a plaque and display old photographs in the lobby of the new building," Lee added. Reizo Zen remarked that luxury condominiums had become far too common along Penang's coastline. "They ruin and obstruct the beautiful natural view," Zen said. Maswanbi Mastan commented, "Another historical landmark gone." Afrah Albasrawy added: "Another piece of Penang's heritage destroyed." The demolition, which took place last month, also sparked criticism from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as yet another blow to the island's cultural identity. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the villa was privately owned and located outside the George Town World Heritage Site.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. 'This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. 'The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers,' he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05 am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55 am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55 am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40 pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six ASEAN member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. 'This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape,' he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and ASEAN countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM). 'It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in ASEAN and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities,' Wong said.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang gets direct Phnom Penh flights from June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. 'This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. 'The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers,' he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05 am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55 am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55 am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40 pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six ASEAN member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. 'This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape,' he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and ASEAN countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM). 'It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in ASEAN and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities,' Wong said.
