Latest news with #Penangites
The Star
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Low water pressure issues unacceptable, says Penang MCA
GEORGE TOWN: Penang MCA has urged the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to resolve the persistent low water pressure issues affecting thousands of residents in South Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai and parts of the island. Its state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the continued disruptions, especially during peak hours, are completely unacceptable and highlight inefficiencies in PBAPP's operations. "Despite implementing a major water tariff hike, PBAPP has failed to deliver service quality that justifies such a drastic increase. "Tariff hikes should come with improvements, not deteriorations in service," he said in a statement on Friday (July 25). Tan, who is MCA vice-president, said instead, consumers, especially those living in higher-ground areas like Taman Cendana and Juru, are now forced to endure low water pressure and even dry taps for hours. He said what's even more glaring is the fact that PBAPP's holding company, PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB), recorded a substantial pre-tax profit of RM68.4mil in 2023, marking a 107.3% increase from RM32.998mil in 2022. He said this begs the question that if profits have more than doubled, why are Penangites still facing basic water supply issues? Tan said this situation could not come at a worse time. "With news reports that over 100,000 domestic and foreign Catholic pilgrims and tourists expected to arrive at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam for St Anne's Feast Day, and many of them travelling to the island for sightseeing and leisure, Penang is at risk of giving a poor impression to both local and international visitors, besides the inconvenience of low water pressure where water usage is very essential," he said. Tan said this does not just affect the image of the state, and will directly impacts the tourism industry, small businesses, and state's economy. He urged PBAPP to provide immediate, transparent updates and timelines on remedial actions. "Penangites and visitors to Penang deserve a water management system that is resilient, forward-looking, and capable of coping with growing demand—not one that collapses under seasonal pressure or rapid development," he said. He said that mere acknowledgements and long-term promises are no longer enough. He added PBAPP must prioritise consumers over profit margins and take full accountability for its underperformance. Earlier today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the corporation has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in South Seberang Perai amid the current hot weather. He also said that the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions. Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are ongoing to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily. Among affected areas are Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan. Other impacted locations are Bukit Penara and Balik Pulau in the Southwest District, as well as several parts of Seberang Perai Tengah.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China tourists craving a taste of Penang's local life
Flocking to where the locals go: Chinese tourists are now visiting Pulau Tikus market along Jalan Burma, as part of their tour. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Tourists from China are showing greater interest in off-the-beaten-path experiences in Penang compared to the usual attractions. They are often spotted at local food haunts and wet markets that Penangites frequent every day instead of the heritage enclave. Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang said repeat travellers from China often avoid busy tourist areas within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. 'They have seen the main attractions, like the murals, British colonial and Peranakan architecture. 'Now, they want to explore quieter places. We take them to Pulau Tikus, Teluk Bahang on Penang island and even Seberang Perai.' Liang said Pulau Tikus has become increasingly popular for its food and temples, with many tourists arriving with lists of food stalls and attractions to explore. 'There is the award-winning char koay teow stall, apam balik cooked on charcoal stoves and a franchise coffee outlet run by the deaf and mute in Pulau Tikus. 'Some also visit the prominent temples along Burma Lane, such as Buddhist temple Wat Chayamangkalaram, as part of their tour.' Liang said the visa waiver has allowed Chinese visitors to make multiple trips to the state, often returning to their favourite spots. Tour guides are also curating itineraries that extend tourism beyond George Town, helping to spread visitors across other areas. 'This helps local businesses and promotes sustainable tourism,' he said. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said hotel operators have seen steady growth in Chinese visitors and are preparing for more. 'With more direct flights expected, we foresee a larger wave of arrivals in 2026. They love our heritage, culture and local food, especially seafood and durians. 'One of the main draws is durian, and many visitors time their trips in July to coincide with the durian season,' Goh said. He added that hotels have started offering durian packages, including orchard visits and subsidies on durian buffet, to attract this market. 'We anticipate even more arrivals next year, as those who fly to Kuala Lumpur are expected to make a stop in Penang,' he said. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said China is now Penang's second-largest source of international arrivals, overtaking Singapore. 'From January to May this year, we recorded 76,532 Chinese arrivals, which is a 117% increase compared to 35,322 in the same period last year. 'We are expanding air connectivity and working closely with airlines and stakeholders to restore and introduce more direct flights from major Chinese cities to Penang. 'Since late 2023, routes from Xiamen, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong have been added. This improved connectivity is the backbone of our China strategy. 'Chartered and scheduled flights from Guiyang, Chongqing, Kunming and Xi'an are in the pipeline. 'We're also strengthening promotion efforts through roadshows, digital campaigns and travel platforms like Douyin, Weibo and Xiaohongshu,' he said, adding that Penang has participated in major travel expos in China as well. He said Penang's multilingualism and cultural familiarity with China has increased its appeal as a destination. He added that Penang's promotion of wedding, cultural, heritage and culinary tourism resonates well with Chinese travellers seeking personalised and meaningful travel experiences. 'Many Penangites speak Mandarin and Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese and Hakka. This makes Chinese tourists feel welcome and at ease.'
Malaysiakini
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysiakini
Penang artist speaks out against unchecked development
Vibrant patterns, rich textures, and gorgeous botany drawn from verdant forests, Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson's art is deeply intertwined with her mission to speak out against the relentless march of development threatening the soul of Penang. Rebecca, who will exhibit her paintings 'A Travelling Artist's Diary', at Hikayat along Beach Street, from July 30 to Aug 31, echoes the sentiments of many Penangites that the island is changing at an alarming pace.
The Star
14-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Penang embraces pinang revival to reclaim heritage
Left: Sundarajoo (in white) and Baderul Amin (left) watering 'pinang' sapling at the event, with MBSP councillors. Photos: — LIM BENG TATT/The Star THE pinang tree – once so common it gave Penang its name – is getting a big push for a comeback. Locals are welcoming a state plan to plant 100,000 pinang trees across the mainland and island, calling it a meaningful way to restore Penang's natural identity. Technician Mohd Azri Adzemi, 38, said it was a timely move. 'Penangites should be proud of this initiative because we will again have so many pinang trees all over the state to remind everyone of how our state got its name,' he said. Irsyam: The pinang tree is more than just a tree for Penang. Mohd Azri, who lives in Bertam, said the programme would also help beautify Penang and create a greener, more vibrant landscape. Irsyam Ibrahim, 43, said the pinang tree was more than just a tree for Penang. 'Planting many of them across Penang makes perfect sense,' he said. The two were among visitors at Vision Park in Bertam during the weekend, where the 'Pinang Tree Planting' programme was launched in conjunction with the state-level National Landscape Day 2025. About 100 Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) staff and their family members joined in, planting around 50 pinang trees at the park. State housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the goal this year was to plant at least 100,000 trees to revive the original identity of Penang. 'With help from both our local councils, we will plant pinang trees in every corner of the state,' he said. He noted the effort was not only about creating visual landmarks at key entry points. 'It's also about filling central medians and roadside verges with pinang trees wherever we can. 'Our hope is to go beyond the 100,000-tree target by the time we celebrate state-level National Landscape Day in October,' he added. Sundarajoo said the tree- planting campaign was meant to reconnect with Penang's roots, not just beautify public spaces. MBSP will meet two-thirds of the planting target, as more land is available on the mainland, while the rest will be handled by Penang Island City Council. Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the pinang tree was more than just a landscaping choice. 'It is a symbol of Penang's identity and heritage. 'Planting it is a way of honouring and reviving the origins of our state's name, Pulau Pinang,' he said. He noted the project supported Penang2030 vision to be a green, smart state that is family-focused and nationally inspiring, by balancing physical growth with environmental sustainability. The core aim, Baderul Amin said, was to raise awareness about conservation while greening areas increasingly affected by development. 'It highlights Penang's cultural roots. The pinang tree is an emblem of our state. 'This programme helps reduce our carbon footprint and promotes a shared responsibility to care for the environment,' he added. Penang's name comes from the areca nut palm (Areca catechu), a species that once grew abundantly across the island. Historical accounts say that when Captain Francis Light landed here in 1786, he found the island thick with pinang trees – a detail believed to have inspired the name. Although the British colonial government named it Prince of Wales Island, the local name Pulau Pinang became commonly used. Eventually, the English-speaking world adopted the simplified state name Penang, which refers to both the island and mainland Seberang Perai.
The Star
12-07-2025
- The Star
Too much sun, noise and pollution for residents to bear
GEORGE TOWN: What was once a leafy escape has become a blazing construction zone – no thanks to excessive culling of trees. In Bandar Baru Air Itam, residents are sweating under the scorching sun after the felling of trees to make way for a long- delayed mega bypass project. ALSO READ: Outcry as trees felled in Penang Residents also have to endure noise, air pollution and traffic congestions from the ongoing construction of the Air Itam – Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass. Hawker Fauziah Mohd Marina, 53, acknowledged the need for development but voiced concern over the vanishing green lungs. 'Some of the trees that shaded us are now gone. The authorities say most of them will be preserved, but we clearly feel the visible reduction in greenery,' said Fauziah, who has lived in a nearby high-rise with her husband and five children for 15 years. Trader S. Ganapathi, 71, who walks daily for exercise, said it feels harsh and noisy nowadays. 'I used to enjoy my morning walks under the big trees, but now it's machinery and dust. 'The noise starts early and the afternoons are unbearably hot without the trees,' he said, adding that the state government should speed up construction and replant trees wherever possible. Meanwhile, waitress Qiao Wen, 19, supports the project. 'It's a much-needed upgrade. While frustrations are normal, the long-term benefits will be worth it,' she said, adding that quicker completion would help minimise the disruption. The RM850mil project, which connects Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, had its groundbreaking ceremony in 2019 but construction only began in 2021. It was delayed for about a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition issues during the early stages of construction. The 6km toll-free road will have a 1.8km ground-level stretch while other stretches will be elevated through viaduct structures (65%), tunnels (20%) and grade sections (15%). It will consist of three interchanges: Lebuhraya Thean Teik, the Jalan Bukit Gambir-Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction, and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Ee, which will involve a 'left-in, left-out' access and an elevated U-turn. Upon completion next year, it is expected to reduce the 40-minute drive between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to under 10 minutes. This is expected to benefit Penangites in the long term, especially the population of 300,000 in Air Itam, Bandar Baru Air Itam and Paya Terubong. The project is among four packages under the Penang Undersea tunnel (or a third link) and three major road projects awarded to Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd in September 2013.
