Latest news with #SeberangPeraiCityCouncil
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Better days ahead for dining landmark
IN THE 1980s, a small group of hawkers began setting up makeshift stalls using pushcarts along the roadside of Chai Leng Park in Butterworth, Penang. Catering primarily to the burgeoning local community, these early vendors offered simple yet flavourful streetfare that quickly became popular among residents. As development in the area accelerated, the need to organise these roadside businesses became increasingly apparent. By 1994, the hawkers were relocated to a designated 250m stretch on Lebuh Kurau 5. This move was intended to bring order to the bustling food scene. The once-mobile carts evolved into fixed stalls, which many owners gradually expanded and personalised, with some even constructing private washrooms. An artist's impression of a new single-storey food complex that will be built on an empty plot of land in Jalan Kurau. 'Over the years, we have invested a lot into making our stalls more comfortable and inviting,' said Yeoh You Seng, 70, who has been selling bak kut teh since 1996. Today, the vibrant food street, fondly known as 'Wai Sek Kai' or 'Glutton Street' in Cantonese, is home to around 100 hawkers, most of whom operate in the evenings. Each stall offers a unique rendition of beloved local dishes like char kuey teow and Hokkien mee. The variety draws regular crowds of locals and visitors alike, making it a dining landmark in Butterworth. However, the popularity of this bustling street has become a bane for residents living nearby, leading to significant traffic congestion and other challenges. Traffic congestion The Wai Sek Kai at Chai Leng Park is home to several famous stalls, such as this one selling 'lok lok'. Taman Chai Leng Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Tan Hock Chai has highlighted the issues caused by the food street's popularity. 'The heavy traffic has become a source of inconvenience for nearby residents. 'Cars are often parked along the narrow roads, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through,' he lamented. 'To ease congestion and improve conditions for both the hawkers and the community, relocating them to a proper complex with modern facilities is vital,' he said. Plans are already underway to move the hawkers to a new RM8mil purpose-built food complex in Jalan Kurau, close to the existing site. Construction of this single- storey complex has begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected soon. Seberang Perai City Council councillor AS Ponnudurai explained that the new complex would house 100 trading lots, each measuring 2.5m by 3.6m and equipped with individual sinks to ensure hygienic food preparation. Additional facilities will include public washrooms, a foyer and a dedicated entrance for visitors. Chee, a claypot chicken rice seller, says a newer place will provide better hygiene and convenience to customers. The complex is expected to be ready by 2027. 'The current hawker site, which has been in operation for over 30 years, has become increasingly overcrowded and plagued with recurring issues such as poor drainage and outdated infrastructure,' said Ponnudurai. 'The new complex will not only offer improved facilities but also feature a playground, landscaped gardens, and modern amenities. 'All these will be managed by the city council,' he added. Hawkers divided The present stretch of stalls is overcrowded and suffers from a lack of amenities, making it inconducive to hygienic food preparation. Despite the promise of modern amenities, not all hawkers are eager to move. Many have built their businesses at the current site over decades and are deeply rooted in the community. 'This place is steeped in heritage and well-known as a food haven among locals and visitors,' said Yeoh. 'Business has been good here, so instead of relocating, why not invest in repairing and upgrading what we already have?' Desserts seller Penny Ong, 60, who has been trading at the current site for nearly 30 years, shares this sentiment. 'I believe at least 80% of the stall owners prefer to stay. Business is good and this location is familiar and convenient for our customers. 'There is vacant land behind us that can be turned into parking lots, and improving the drainage and facilities here isn't difficult,' she noted. Yeoh says the food street is steeped in heritage. While acknowledging that relocation may eventually be inevitable, Ong hopes that the authorities will reconsider. 'This place has history, and we have built a loyal customer base here. I truly hope we are allowed to stay,' she added. On the other hand, some vendors see the relocation as an opportunity. Claypot chicken rice seller Chee Leck Chang views the move to the new complex as beneficial. 'I have a lot of cookware, and I hope the new place with designated lots will offer better security against theft. Ong says at least 80% of the stall owners prefer to stay. 'A newer place will also provide better hygiene and convenience to customers, as I am certain it will be more organised,' said Chee who has been running his stall for over 20 years. A drinks seller, who declined to be named, shared similar sentiments about the challenges faced by hawkers. 'Since the Covid-19 pandemic about five years ago, many traders, including myself, have resorted to using disposable utensils for ease and hygiene. 'Whether it is rice, noodles or other dishes that used to be served with reusable utensils, they now come in disposable packaging even for dine-in customers. 'Although the local council discourages this practice and despite the drawback in dining experience, it is more convenient for many of us to just dispose of everything after use,' she said. 'I do hope that the new complex will offer improved washing facilities, to reduce reliance on disposables,' she added. Ponnudurai says the new food complex will offer better facilities. Another hawker, who wished to be known only as Ong, 40, voiced his frustration about the ongoing lack of proper toilets. 'There is a toilet, but it belongs to a fellow hawker and it only opens when he is operating. 'If he is off, the toilet is locked and inaccessible. 'We often have to walk a long way to use the restroom at nearby coffeeshops,' Ong said, adding that the new food complex would offer upgraded facilities to vendors and customers. Familiarity vs new facilities Patrons of the food street are also divided over the impending move, torn between the charm of the existing street setup and the promise of better facilities at the new complex. Office clerk Usha Ayyappan, 56, who visits the hawker stalls about once a week, prefers the convenience and familiarity of the current location. 'The ambience here is relaxing and cosy, which is perfect for winding down with family after work. Usha fears the new food complex would charge higher rental, forcing hawkers to increase prices. 'Although parking is limited, the roadside bays are conveniently right across from the stalls. 'Right now, food prices are still reasonable, but a new complex might bring parking fees or higher stall rentals, which could affect prices,' she said. Retired civil servant N. Ananda, 72, who lives nearby, appreciates the central and visible location of the stalls. 'The whole stretch of hawker stalls is strategically located along the row and is easily seen by passersby, making it convenient to stop for food. 'I often drop by for a herbal drink, but if it moves into a food complex, it will be a hassle,' he said. Technician Alan Teh, 45, who was dining with colleagues, believes the current site is long overdue for a revamp. 'Over time, the floor and infrastructure here have deteriorated. 'Poor drainage and lack of proper facilities make it hard for hawkers to maintain cleanliness and difficult for customers to clean up after meals,' he noted. Teh, who has been frequenting the area since childhood, said that if the hawkers could not upkeep their present business premises, the new food complex would serve as a fresh start. 'Many hawkers have lost their original spark for cooking authentic local food and are now hiring foreign helpers. 'The vibrant and local atmosphere is already fading, so they may as well move to a modern, systematic location,' he said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Housing discount for Indian Muslims won't affect Bumiputera quota
GEORGE TOWN: The offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies, said state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Sundarajoo, who is in charge of housing and environment, said the initiative is part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities. "This discount is being offered as a form of corporate social responsibility by developers and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government. "The state government would like to emphasise that all existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota and various incentives for first-time homebuyers, remain intact and will continue to be enforced," he said in a statement today in response to criticism from several quarters regarding the discount. Last Thursday, Sundarajoo announced a five per cent discount incentive for the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), which is effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Other initiatives include the introduction of a special housing category, Rumah MutiaraKu Type D (RMKu D), with a maximum price of RM400,000, and a reduction in contribution rates for developers who do not physically build RMKu Type A or B units — from RM120,000 to RM100,000 in areas under the Penang Island City Council, and from RM120,000 to RM72,500 under the Seberang Perai City Council. Sundarajoo said the five per cent discount is an additional measure complementing various existing programmes already in place to meet housing needs in the state. He said that it is an intervention to help reinvigorate the property sector following discussions and consensus among housing industry stakeholders, taking into account the growing concern over the oversupply of non-affordable units in Penang. "According to the Q4 2024 Penang State Property Market Report issued by the National Property Information Centre, 2,796 residential units were identified as overhang, involving various types of properties across the state," he said. In addition to improving housing accessibility, he said the initiative also aims to revitalise the property sector affected by rising construction and labour costs, in line with the state government's aspiration to achieve more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development in Penang.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Housing discount for Indian Muslims won't affect bumiputera quota
JOHOR BAHRU: The offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies, said state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Sundarajoo, who is in charge of housing and environment, said the initiative is part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities. 'This discount is being offered as a form of corporate social responsibility by developers and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government. 'The state government would like to emphasise that all existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota and various incentives for first-time homebuyers, remain intact and will continue to be enforced,' he said in a statement today in response to criticism from several quarters regarding the discount. Last Thursday, Sundarajoo announced a five per cent discount incentive for the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the MADANI Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), which is effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Other initiatives include the introduction of a special housing category, Rumah MutiaraKu Type D (RMKu D), with a maximum price of RM400,000, and a reduction in contribution rates for developers who do not physically build RMKu Type A or B units — from RM120,000 to RM100,000 in areas under the Penang Island City Council, and from RM120,000 to RM72,500 under the Seberang Perai City Council. Sundarajoo said the five per cent discount is an additional measure complementing various existing programmes already in place to meet housing needs in the state. He explained that it is an intervention to help reinvigorate the property sector following discussions and consensus among housing industry stakeholders, taking into account the growing concern over the oversupply of non-affordable units in Penang. 'According to the Q4 2024 Penang State Property Market Report issued by the National Property Information Centre, 2,796 residential units were identified as overhang, involving various types of properties across the state,' he said. In addition to improving housing accessibility, he said the initiative also aims to revitalise the property sector affected by rising construction and labour costs, in line with the state government's aspiration to achieve more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development in Penang.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Nibong Tebal historical timeline launched
NIBONG TEBAL: A cultural mapping initiative that started in 2024 culminated yesterday in the launch of a cultural assets map, a historical timeline of Nibong Tebal and a collection of oral histories in various forms. The map, published in the form of illustrated booklets and infographic posters, will be distributed to schools, surau, temples and community centres in the district. Arts and education organisation Arts-Ed project manager Chen Yoke Pin said the initiative provides visibility to less-known cultural assets in Nibong Tebal. 'Our aim is to increase inclusivity and build bridges among local communities through a common appreciation of shared heritage.' The initiative, known as Projek Warisan Budaya Nibong Tebal, was a participatory cultural mapping effort that documented the unique identity of the district through the voice of its people. Since November 2024, the project has engaged residents from four sectors – the fishing community of Sungai Udang, residents and school communities in the old town, estate workers from Byram Estate and padi farmers and inshore fishermen in Sungai Acheh. Through fieldwork, interviews and workshops, a six-member team worked closely with locals to identify and document both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, from family-run traditional food businesses and community traditions to forgotten landmarks and folk tales. 'It was a very special (opportunity) for local community members to share their own stories of growing up and living here. The inputs are not just data, but a testament to a participatory process that has strengthened their sense of ownership and identity related to Nibong Tebal,' Chen said. The launch was officiated by state executive councillor for Local Government, Town and Country Planning Jason M.L. H'ng, who is also Jawi state assemblyman. Also present were Seberang Perai City Council department of sustainable development director Normaira Abdul Rahman and representatives from urban transformation and community reinvigoration organisation Think City. H'ng highlighted that heritage is not only about old buildings or tourist attractions but about the meaning people attach to places, which are 'increasingly eroded by development and modernisation'. 'By mapping tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the old town area, nearby estates and the villages in Sungai Acheh and Sungai Udang, this project helps us reconnect with our cultural roots and local history,' he said. He said urban planning should not be limited to physical development or the delineation of residential zones, adding that it must also take into account the preservation of spirit, identity and the narrative of a place that shapes the uniqueness of each community. 'Small towns such as Nibong Tebal are treasures rich in cultural values, collective memory and local wisdom. All of these deserve to be elevated as the foundation for future development that is more rooted and resilient.' H'ng, who was born and raised in Nibong Tebal, said when residents are given the space and trust to map their life stories, heritage and cultural assets, the outcome is more than just information or data. 'It becomes a process of empowerment that strengthens the sense of ownership, identity and connection to their place of origin.' During the launch, guests also enjoyed community-prepared dishes such as sakkarai pongal (sweet rice pudding), som tam (Thai green papaya salad) and kuih kalakatar (Banjarese coconut custard). The project was funded through the Seberang Perai Small Town Grants administered by Think City with support from the Finance Ministry, Penang government and the Seberang Perai City Council. Access to the cultural assets map is available at
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Penang exco calls for clear policy on construction of non-Islamic places of worship
GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — 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. 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.
