Latest news with #Penangites
The Star
2 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.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Dragon-riding Penangites to row it out
Roaring energy: A file photo of rowers taking part in the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 at Straits Quay Retail Marina, on Nov 24, 2024. Though the festival is this Saturday, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. GEORGE TOWN: Eighty Penangites with highly tuned upper bodies will be churning up the waters on dragon boats this Saturday. Spectators can watch them power through the waves with unflagging speed during the global Dragon Boat Festival from 3pm to 8pm at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Tokong. Although the actual date of the Dragon Boat Festival falls this Saturday, or the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. This is to take advantage of more favourable weather conditions, said Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, adding that the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta takes place in November. In this regard, this Saturday's race is billed as 'one for Penangites'. 'Penang has so much sea and we should encourage water sports including rowing and ones with cultural significance,' he said, adding that races like this can attract young rowers. The festival will also offer more than just racing. 'The public can enjoy cultural activities such as rice dumpling-making, traditional performances and a variety of food,' he said. Penang Chinese Swimming Club president and event organising chairman Victor Tan said this was the first time they were organising the festival. 'The competition will feature a 300m sprint and a 3km race around Pulau Tikus island,' he said. 'While we welcome teams from other states, so far only Penang teams are racing this weekend,' he said of the competitive activities done in collaboration with the Penang Dragon Boat Association and Penang Rowing Association.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Locals express sadness over loss of 'building full of memories'
GEORGE TOWN: Many Penangites have expressed sadness and regret over the loss of the iconic Boon Siew Villa. Checks by the New Straits Times in Jalan Batu Ferringhi near here on Saturday found that it had been completely bulldozed. Hoarding has been erected around the site, shielding it from view and rendering its disappearance almost invisible to those travelling along the road. A nearby trader, who identified himself only as Mohamed, 67, said he was saddened by the news. He claimed that the demolition began more than two weeks ago. "It is sad because it was an old building full of stories. There are many memories attached to it," he said. The Boon Siew Villa had stood on Shamrock Beach since the 1930s. It was once the seaside retreat of self-made magnate Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the legendary motor tycoon who introduced Honda cars and motorcycles to Malaysian roads. Mohamed said the locals had always known who the owner of the bungalow was. "We have heard of how great, yet remarkably humble, (Tan Sri) Loh (Boon Siew) was. The locals have regarded this bungalow as a landmark but now, that has been wiped out," he told the NST. The mansion was also the site of a tragedy for the Loh family. On Feb 25, 1987, it became the site of one of Penang's most chilling unsolved crimes. Loh Kah Kheng, Boon Siew's second son and designated heir, was found dead in his bedroom with his hands bound with telephone wires. His body was also left in an eerie pose — legs tucked behind his back — while a phone cable also coiled around his neck. He was just 39. According to the police report, Kah Kheng, his wife Shirley Yeap, brother-in-law Jeffrey and a bodyguard returned from dinner around 9.45pm. Shirley later departed to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. The next morning, when Kah Kheng failed to appear at work, Jeffrey went to the villa and found the bedroom door locked. It was reported that he had to force open the door before finding Kah Kheng's body. Two suspects were detained, including Jeffrey. But both were later released with no charges ever filed. The case remains unsolved to this day.
The Star
24-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Former pride of Penang crumbling
Home to many: A view of the Rifle Range corridors in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Rifle Range residents call for renewal of oldest public housing GEORGE TOWN: Leaking pipes, falling objects, cracked walls and broken floor tiles. These are just some of the long list of grievances faced by thousand of residents in Rifle Range, the country's oldest existing low-cost high-rise public housing project. Designed by a German firm and built in 1969, it was the pride of Penangites as the tallest building in the state back then. But almost 55 years on, the housing area is falling apart, with ageing infrastructure, traffic snarls and dirty surroundings. The 3,888 units are also cramped, with an average size of just 340 sq ft each. 'The building is too old. Parking is also a daily struggle. Thousands of residents are in a dilemma,' said Cheang Wai Long, a hawker. The 55-year-old, who has lived there for over 50 years, said her unit is among those that need urgent repairs, with persistent leaks, cracked walls and damaged floor tiles. She and her extended family, who also live in the flats, are willing to relocate if the state government decides to build new high-rise flats with better facilities under the Urban Renewal Act. Single mother Fauziah Ahmed, 49, who has lived there for over 20 years, said Rifle Range Flats offers good connectivity and reliable public transport. Hope for more: Fauziah at the Rifle Range flats in George Town. 'It's easy to get food as there are many shops around.' Housewife N. Parameswari, 37, who lives there with her ailing father, husband and four children, said she was grateful to the state government for allowing her family to rent a unit after their home was destroyed in a fire six years ago. 'With a monthly rent of RM110, we are all right here,' she added. She said she hopes to see more playgrounds for children besides better parking facilities. 'Infrastructure maintenance, including water piping, lift servicing and garbage management, is badly needed,' she added. Kuih seller Salmah Ibrahim, 62, said that if the government redeveloped the flats, a larger food court should be a priority. There are nine blocks of 17-storey buildings on the 16.7ha area, with every floor comprising 20 units of single bedrooms and four two-bedroom units. Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid agreed that it is time to improve things at the flats, along with Flat Uda in Tanjong Tokong. 'We must ensure that families have a clean, safe and dignified place to call home,' she added. Based on her discussions with the Penang Housing Board, Syerleena said it would be a long-term effort requiring careful planning and input from various stakeholders. The grounds where the flats are built was once a shooting range used by the British army and local police during the colonial days, hence the name. It is also known as Pak Cheng Poh in Hokkien or Padang Tembak in Malay. The Federal Reserve Unit barracks are also next to the flats.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Penang mulling ban on sales of vape, e-cigarette products
GEORGE TOWN: Penang may ban the sales of vape and e-cigarette products if current enforcement efforts prove ineffective. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi the state is monitoring the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which includes a mechanism to regulate sales of vape and e-cigarette products. The Act was introduced in Oct 1, 2024. "Let the regulatory mechanism for e-cigarettes and vape products, introduced under the Act, be fully implemented first. 'We are now in the product registration phase for these items. Full enforcement of the Act is scheduled to begin on Oct 1, 2025. 'We will only consider a state-wide ban on vape and e-cigarette sales if the impact of the enforcement is not good enough. "This is to ensure the health and well-being of Penangites, especially our youth," he said during his winding-up speech at the state assembly session on Monday (May 19). The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 imposes strict regulations on the use, sale and display of smoking products in Malaysia. The law designates various places such as entertainment centres, hospitals, clinics, public toilets and air-conditioned shops as no-smoking zones. It prohibits the sale of all vape and tobacco products within 40m of any school or university and also bans online or vending machine sales. He said there are around 200 vape shops operating in the state. 'We also have regulatory authority under the Local Government Act to oversee the sale of disposable vape pods in convenience stores,' he said. Gooi said the state government would review the enforcement mechanism and develop a targeted strategy to curb vape use at state level. 'This issue must be addressed strategically to prevent unintended consequences, such as illegal sales and smuggling,' he added.
