AFTER nearly a 40-year wait, the 236 families living in the slum of Rumah Hijau in Mak Mandin, Penang, can finally move into new three-room low-cost flats located 3km away from their longhouses.
About 170 families had accepted the 650 sq ft units in Ampang Jajar, Butterworth, but there are some who refused to move out and has requested the state government to build the low cost flat at the present location. To these residents, moving to the Ampang Jajar would be a costly burden to them.
Vice president of Pemuda UMNO, Shaik Hussein and the residents of Rumah Hijau gave a tour and relate their stories to citizen journalists, Regu G and Jimmy Leow.
The flood victims of Tmn Kota Permai's request to get the related government agencies to make another analysis on the houses suffered from structural failure was turn down. The residents and the Adun, Tan Cheong Heng is dissatisfied with the decision. They promised to pursue the matter to higher authorities.
Many said that the sewage plant bulit too near to the housing estate two years ago is the cause of the problem.
Held at the Bayan Baru market and community complex in Penang, more than 300 patients were attended by volunteer doctors from several medical hospitals. The event was organised by Lions Club, Klinik Derma Sivanaran of Temples of Fine Arts and the Adun of Pantai Jerejak, Sim Tze Tzin. The patients were given free medications.
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng said that the state government just paid 14.7 million ringgit due to a land scandal created by the previous administration. He also mentioned that this amount paid will have an effect on the state's budget.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng took a swipe at those who questioned the legality of Patahiyahs appointment as a councillor. He said that former Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan as a malicious voice in the issue. Lim also told certain quarters not to politicize the matter.
CJ Jimmy Leow observed the progress of the once abandoned highway located at Balik Pulau, Penang. The highway which connects the little town of Balik Pulau to Teluk Kumbar has resumed construction recently by Sarahon Construction which will cost the government an additional 42 million ringgit.
Previously, the original cost of the highway was 56 million ringgit but abandoned by Bulkers Corporation due to financial problem in the early months of 2008. At this point of time, 40 million ringgit has been spent.
Instead of paying the original cost of 56 million ringgit, the government now had to pay 82 million ringgit for the same project, which is a 46% increase. Instead of completing the project in Sept 2008, it is now scheduled to be completed at the end of 2010.
About 19,000 participants have registered for the international marathon which will be divided into four categories — Full Marathon (850 participants), Quarter Marathon (about 2,000), Half Marathon (about 6,000) and Fun Run (about 10,000).
The annual event has attracted marathon runners from all over the world.
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng was commenting on the attitude of State Federal Development director Nik Ali Mat Yunus who he claimed was exerting pressure on the state government so that federal projects could go on, or else it would cancel the projects and withdraw the allocation.
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) held a forum at Hu Yew Siah school, Penang attracting about 70 participants. SABM invited speakers Fahmi Reza, Mustaqeem, Goh Kiat Peng and Dr Azmi Sharom. Subjects presented were "Sepuluh tahun sebelum merdeka", "Human beings, all born free and equal", "The founding of the nation : The truth" and "Nation in distress? Did we let it happen?".
CJ Jimmy Leow was passing by Kampung Buah Pala last weekend and cannot help but stop to see the changing landscape of this village.
Kampung Buah Pala was once known as 'High Chaparral' due to its population of cowherds, cattle, goats, other livestock, its unique hilly environment and Indian cultural features and festivities.
Kampung Buah Pala was once the major supplier of fresh cow's milk on the island, including the Penang Hospital.
The 200-year-old Indian traditional village was demolished in September this year to pave way for a condominium project named 'The Oasis', undertaken by the cooperative society and Nusmetro Venture.
He recalls the frequent meetings between the state government and the villagers, both wanting to reach a win win solution and, the villagers with their 200 odd supporters formed human barricades to prevent demolition workers from entering the village. Their cries and agony of seeing the houses being torn down.
Brave men and women they were. They were merely defending their rights to stay where they belong. Anyone would do the same.
But it is all over now, the villagers evicted, houses demolished, High Chaparral flattened, most of the families took the double storey house offer and as dusts settled, one often wondered if the villagers are still traumatized by the whole experience. Such experience will not be forgotten easily, at least not in their lifetime.
JOM Daftar Undi organized by Sim Tze Tzin, Adun Pantai Jerejak was held at Queensbay Mall, Penang. He mentioned that 3.8 million eligible voters between the age of 21 to 39 have yet to register in Malaysia.
This program will last for the next six months and the counters are open after working hours at Queensbay Mall main information counter. Among present at the event was the Deputy Chief Minister I, Mansor Othman who launched the program.
"Young Professionals Networking Session with Young KeADILan Leaders" was held at a restaurant in Queensbay Mall, Penang which was organized by Sim Tze Tzin, Adun Pantai Jerejak.
About 30 participants joined the session. Among the PKR leaders attended were Nurul Izzah Anwar (Member of Parliament, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur), S. Manikumar (Exco Tourism Kedah and State Assemblyman of Bukit Selambau, Kedah), Mansor Othman (Deputy Chief Minister 1), Sim Tze Tzin (State Assemblyman of Pantai Jerejak, Penang) and Yusmadi Yusoff (Member of Parliament, Balik Pulau, Penang) and Amirudin Shari (State Assemblyman of Batu Caves, Selangor).
Among the topics discussed were the changes in the political scene in Malaysia and it's impact to the public and the expectations from the younger generation to come. There were also frank opinions and suggestions from the participants in terms of the performance of the new Pakatan Rakyat's government.
According to Sim, there will be more of such sessions in time to come.
Hong Kong is set to overtake London as the second biggest center for wine auctions behind New York.
Announcing the landmark yesterday, Financial Secretary John Tsang said Hong Kong has become even more popular as a wine center since the elimination of duties in last year's budget.
The international wine and spirits fair which is on till tomorrow, is being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai.
It has attracted 520 exhibitors from 34 counties and regions, more than double the number from its first edition last year.
Penang Skills Development Center (PSDC) together with CIMB Foundation distributed 1000 complimentary Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS) starter kits to the residents of Bayan Baru, Penang.
The objective of the event is to introduce EMAS to the local community.
CIMB's Regional Director, Liew Chee Cheang said that the bank has sponsored RM 100K to PSDC Green Program initiatives.
EMAS is made from organic products and can be used for household cleaning, laundry, gardening and even on pets.
It is an effective and healthy alternative to the conventional chemical based solutions and fertilizers. PSDC aims to encourage the adoption of EMAS among the Bayan Baru residents which will eventually contribute to cleaning the rivers in due time.
Dato Boonler Somchit, CEO of PSDC also mentioned that PSDC has adopted the nearby Sungai Nibong Kecil which has been polluted by domestic and industrial pollutants for decades. PSDC has confidence that EMAS can help to "heal" this river in due time.
Themed Campaign For A Lane Come Ride With CM, the event started at Padang Kota Lama, Penang at 8:30am on the 25th Oct 2009.
There are three categories: Family rides which involve a distance of 12km from Town Hall Esplanade to Gurney Drive and back; Teluk Bahang rides (50km from Town Hall, Esplanade to Teluk Bahang roundabout and back) round island rides, (80km from Town Hall, Esplanade to the Jelutong Expressway, passing through Bayan Lepas, then to Balik Pulau, Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi and back) .
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng completed the 12 km ride within 40 minutes. Some 350 cyclists joined him in the event.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his team took time off to attend a Deepavali function organized by "Iron Lady" M. Shanta, an ex-resident of Kampung Buah Pala. Among those who attended the function were Prof. Dr. Ramasamy, Deputy Chief Minister II, Karpal Singh, MP Bukit Gelugor, Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer, Adun Seri Delima, Raveentharan, Adun Batu Uban and Ong Khan Lee, Adun Kebun Bunga.
Mohd. Salleh Yahya, pengerusi penduduk Kampung Tanjung Tokong, juga dikenali sebagai "Cikgu Salleh" berkata, kampung berusia lebih 200 tahun itu perlu dikekal dan dipulihara demi menyelamatkan hak pemilikan tanah penduduknya. Katanya, ia merupakan antara perkampungan dalam bandar yang masih wujud di negeri ini yang masih mengekalkan budaya masyarakat Melayu tradisional dan wajarlah dipertahankan.
Menurut beliau, sejak UDA Holdings Berhad (UHB) mengambil alih tanah di situ, kawasan perkampungan itu telah diisytihar sebagai setinggan menyebabkan penduduk seolah-olah hilang hak terhadap tanah mereka.
Sejak 1994 hingga 2004, UHB mengarahkan penduduk kampung berpindah dari perkampungan itu secara berperingkat-peringkat, bagaimanapun sehingga hari ini pembangunan yang dirancang tergendala.
Taman Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang has been the talk of the town recently because of the 2 controversial videos produced by citizen journalist Jimmy Leow. In these videos, he recorded the frustration of the residents who have endured several flash flood since 2007.
In response to the videos, Padang Lalang representative, Tah Cheong Heng held a press conference and requested the Leow to remove the videos from his blog, youtube and Malaysiakini or face the court of law.
He claimed that he was not given a fair chance to defend his position over the flood issue.
The residents' expectation was quite simple, they wanted the state government and MPSP to look into their problems and provide them with a permanent solution.
Wanting to solve the problems of the residents, YDP Tuan Haji Mohktar Mohd. Jait of MPSP , accompanied by YB Tan Cheong Heng, Adun of Padang Lalang visited the affected area for the first time. This visit is part of the new preliminary round of meetings between the residents, Adun and MPSP.
Residents are hoping for a quick solution so that they can go back to their normal lives again.
Adun Padang Lalang, Tan Cheong Heng was dissatisfied with citizen journalist Jimmy Leow videos "Flood victims : Adun did not help us Part I & II which he claims to be unprofessionally done and one sided.
Tan said in the press conference that he was not given the chance to explain his side of the story.
He has requested Leow to remove the videos from his blog, youtube and Malaysiakini.
Jimmy Leow is a trained citizen journalist and has been contributing a lot of videos pertaining to human rights, religious understanding and the environment.
In part one, we saw the residents of Tmn Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang enduring the flash floods which often hit their homes.
They claimed that the cause of the floods was contributed by the ground sinkage caused by the sewage project near their housing area.
This time around, CJ Jimmy Leow visited two homes which were badly effected by the ground sinkage and one needs to see it to believe it, the extend of the damages.
Build at the turn of the 19th century in Suffolk Estate owned by Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British Settlement of Penang, Suffolk House was the home of the early governors and the scne of many important social and official events.
Over the years, it has undergone many alternations and had many uses. In the 1810s and 1820s it served as Government House and critical political issues, such as the founding of Singapore, were in all probability first discussed here by Sir Stamford Raffles. Subsequently it was a home and a school before falling into severe disrepair by the 1970.
The campaign to restore Suffolk House began in 1961. Full, grade one restoration to international standards was only completed in 2007, as a result of a tri-partite effort between the state government of Penang, HSBC Bank and Penang Heritage Trust.
In 2008, the restoration won an Award of Distinction in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for the Culture Heritage Conservation Program.
There to receive the award was Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng.
Taman Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang is just like any type of taman or housing estate. Residents lived their simple lives daily and go about their routine until about two years ago. When it rains heavily, the residents drop everything they do and turn on the red alert.
All eyes will be fixed on the water level as there has been several flash floods for the past two years.
The funny thing is there is no river or huge monsoon drains which may cause such floods. So, what is causing the floods?
CJ Jimmy Leow investigates and asked the flood victims of Taman Kota Permai.
Persatuan Penduduk Kampung Tanjong Tokong menggesa campur tangan kerajaan pusat untuk mempercepatkan proses mewartakan kampung itu sebagai zon warisan.
Pengerusinya, Mohd. Salleh Yahya, juga dikenali sebagai "Cikgu Salleh" berkata, kampung berusia lebih 200 tahun itu perlu dikekal dan dipulihara demi menyelamatkan hak pemilikan tanah penduduknya.
Katanya, ia merupakan antara perkampungan dalam bandar yang masih wujud di negeri ini yang masih mengekalkan budaya masyarakat Melayu tradisional dan wajarlah dipertahankan.
Menurut beliau, sejak UDA Holdings Berhad (UHB) mengambil alih tanah di situ, kawasan perkampungan itu telah diisytihar sebagai setinggan menyebabkan penduduk seolah-olah hilang hak terhadap tanah mereka.
Seorang penduduk Kg Tanjung Tokong, En Ariffin Bin Man menyatakan bahawa kerajan pusat harus mengambil tahu keadaan di kampung ini kerana kerajaan pusat yang menjanjikan kemajuan dan pembangunan Kg. Tanjung Tokong sejak berpuluhan tahun yang lalu.
Beliau juga menyoal pihak manakah yang bertanggung jawab untuk menaikan taraf orang Melayu di Kg Tanjung Tokong?
UHB mula mengambil alih tanah di kampung itu sejak 1974 bagi melaksanakan pembangunan di situ termasuk membina kawasan perumahan dan pusat perniagaan moden.
Sejak 1994 hingga 2004, UHB mengarahkan penduduk kampung berpindah dari perkampungan itu secara berperingkat-peringkat, bagaimanapun sehingga hari ini pembangunan yang dirancang tergendala.
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng was at the Department of Meteorology, Bayan Lepas, Penang briefing reporters that the recent tsunami warning has been lifted and there was no cause for concern as Penang is safe.
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck off the city of Padang on the coast of Indonesias Sumatra island on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning and witness reports of house damage and fires.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a tsunami watch for Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand.The tsunami alert was canceled after no significant waves were generated.
The quake was felt around the region, with some high-rise buildings in the city state of Singapore, 275 miles to the northeast, evacuating their staff.
Padang, the capital of Indonesias West Sumatra province, sits on one of the worlds most active fault lines where the Indo-Australia plate grinds against the Eurasia plate to create regular earth tremors and sometimes quakes.
The success of the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government in fighting corruption has been commended by Transparency International in the 2009 Global Corruption Report (GCR) released earlier that stated, "Penang state has introduced several measures to improve the regulatory environment with regard to government procurement in what is referred to as a CAT - a Competent, Accountable and Transparency - government.
Some residents of Kampung Buah Pala call for a Press Conference at Penang Chief Minister's office to express their gratitude and thanks to the current state government for helping them through the land crisis. A resident said that Indians in Malaysia should not throw baseless accusations to the Penang Pakatan state government.
The residents are being compensated with RM 600K double storey houses through negotiation between the state government and Nusmetro.
Citizen journalist Jimmy Leow makes the annual trip to Beijing to attend the China International Optics Fair to visit his clients and gauge the economic situation in China. By the looks of the trade buyers' attendance, it shows the gloominess of the market is as hazy as the Beijing skyline. Nevertheless, the marketing strategies and fashion shows must go on to attract international buyers in this exhibition.
Situated along the scenic, famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers 249 tricked-out rooms with great views and balconies. Featuring unconventional layouts and the unmistakable Hard Rock vibe, the hotel also comes with extensive facilities including an oversized free-form swimming pool and kiddies clubs to keep its young guests occupied.
The iconic resorts walls are adorned with showbiz icons and memorabilia; together with the hotels rock-star treatment of its guests and a rock-and-roll atmosphere, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is the ultimate Rock Retreat suitable for all ages.
CJ Jimmy Leow met up with very cheerful people of HRH who makes a big difference in comparison to other hotels. Penang Hard Rock Hotel rocks!
See Kuan Teik went missing after being admitted into the Penang General Hospital a few weeks ago. His wife and son today seeks help from YB Sim Tze Tzin, ADUN of Pantai Jerejak to track him down.
See Kuan Teik, age 68 was last seen by the hospital personnel a few weeks ago. It was just recently that his family lodged a missing person report.
If anyone sees this person, please contact his son, See Tean Aun at 016-467 5806.
The No 8 signal was hoisted early in the evening of Sept 14, 2009, as strong wind and heavy rain hits Hong Kong. As shops are closed for the evening to allow employees to return safely home, public transports last service schedule has been announced so that the public can planned the return trip effectively.
Yet tourists defied the conditions, with scores of them taking in the increasingly rough conditions at popular destinations such as the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. And in Macau, which also had the No 8 hoisted, gamblers could ignore the weather as all casinos remained open.
The biggest worry in Hong Kong was flooding, with experts fearing a drenching like that delivered by Hagupit last September.
A warning about serious flooding at the stilted township of Tai O on the southern tip of Lantau saw the Islands District Council activate a flood alert system, while emergency workers prepared to mobilize resources for a possible evacuation.
As people went to bed there was no clear indication just when it might be lowered. All that the weathermen were saying was that Koppu was likely make landfall in Guangdong west of Hong Kong around 8am.
CJ Jimmy Leow went to the streets of Hong Kong to have a closer look at the situation.
CJ Jimmy Leow wonders if private hospitals in Penang are keen to accept patients with Influenza Like Illness since the cases of H1N1 cases are increasing every single day. Will these hospitals take in these ILI patients or will they be refused? Will these hospitals "reserve" the beds for more "added value" patients? Jimmy Leow has the tele-conversations recorded as he asked requested a bed for a high fever patient.
The purpose of the Mega Food Carnival is for Fund Raising in aid of the new Multi-Purpose Ministry Complex (MMC) situated on the Jelutong Expressway, Penang, Malaysia.
Penang First Assembly Of God is targeting to raise about RM500,000 from this Mega Food Carnival. The building will be used to reach out to the youths, the handicapped, the poor and the needy.
The church is raising funds to put up the building which can seat about 2000 people, and includes children ministry, youth ministry, hospital ministry, Bible Study and other Christian ministries.
RM20 million in total is required to put up the building.
Teochew operas and puppet shows are making a comeback in Penang this Hungry Ghost festival. These performances are part of the original package for the Hungry Ghost Festival celebration. CJ Jimmy Leow takes a look at the colourful sights and sound of the little known Puppet Show in Penang.
Sept 4, 2009 : Under the communication and multimedia law, any individual found guilty of publishing content "which is indecent, obscene, false, menacing, or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person" is liable to a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail sentence.
MCMC, a government agency under the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, is empowered to regulate matters relating to communications and multimedia activities, including private TV and radio stations as well as Internet websites.
According to the commission, it has received "numerous complaints" on several "provocative and offensive videos" that were posted on Malaysiakini and YouTube.
Sept 4, 2009 : The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has requested independent news portal Malaysiakini to remove two 'provocative' videos, including the footage of the controversial cow-head protest, from its website.
"These videos contain offensive contents with the intent to annoy any person, especially Indians.
"This is an offence under Section 211/233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998," said monitoring and enforcement division senior acting director Abdul Halim Ahmad in a letter dated Sept 3.
The Health Ministry has been monitoring the H1N1 situation over the past few months and the ministry acknowledge the significant community transmission of the virus in the country.
The numbers of patients requiring hospital care has increased, including the ICU admissions.
With such increase, Citizen journalist, Jimmy Leow wonders if private hospitals have empty beds for patients for Influenza like illness or H1N1.
He called four private hospitals to find out if they have a bed for a patient with high fever. The followings are his tele conversation with the hospitals.
Citizen journalist Jimmy Leow is curious about the low H1N1 death rate in Hong Kong compared to Malaysia. Hong Kong recorded 9,350 H1N1 cases with 4 deaths to date, whereas Malaysia has recorded 4,200 cases with 69 deaths as at Aug 24, 2009.
The authorities has indicated that the current H1N1 cases in Malaysia are under-reported.
Based on the population of 7 million with a 422 square mile area, Hong Kong is definitely one of the most congested area in the world. It has been recorded that the population density is approximately 6,700 per square mile.
Public transport such as buses and MTR are frequently used and most of the time, they are crowded, therefore, the spread of H1N1 should be more serious than of Malaysia.
But why is the death rate so low in comparison with Malaysia.
As I searched for clues, I noticed that the public toilets in Hong Kong are extremely clean and they are equipped with hand soap too.
Additional to this, there are a lot of anti-bacteria dispenser installed in most of the office buildings, at every lifts, airport, train stations, public places which made it so easy to disinfect your hands.
I also believe that the H1N1 early detection method done in Hong Kong has been effective and that is why the death rate is still 4 until today.
Malaysiakini have trained close to 100 Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Citizen Journalism, Video Story Telling, Video Camera and Video Editing. A program designed to equip Malaysian with the tools and the know-how to be responsible citizen by reporting the events and happenings in their surroundings. We are still organizing short courses and trainings in Malaysia. If you are interested to join us, please contact us at maran@malaysiakini.com
The latest batch of CJs from Penang being trained by Mr. Teoh who has over 35 years of experience under his belt. This two days intensive video training includes important pointers on making good shots that matters. The training ended with the new CJs making a short video as an assignment.
Today marks the first day of fasting for our Muslim friends throughout Malaysia. Ramadhan bazaars can be found everywhere in the next one month. Eventhough the food sold here are prepared for Muslim, none Muslim like me took the opportunity to enjoy the delicious variety. Citizen journalist, Jimmy Leow wishes all his Muslim friends, " Selamat Berbuka Puasa".
3000 Effective Microorganisms (EM) mudballs were thrown into Sungai Keluang in Penang yesterday in a move to make the river cleaner.
ADUN Pantai Jerejak, SIM Tse Tzin and ADUN Batu Maung, Haji Abdul Malek said that this joint effort from the private sector and government has proven to be a win win partnership to help clean the rivers in Penang. Haji Abdul Malek also thanked Renesas for their commitment to help clean the Keluang River. Both ADUNs are also committed to "heal" Sg Nibong Kechil located at the Bayan Lepas roundabout which is currently very dirty and requires immediate attention. See video below:-
Almost 50 people from governmental bodies, organisations and the private sector took part in the event.
The Effective Mircoorganism technology uses naturally occuring, beneficial micro-organisms such as photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts which are able to purify and revive nature. It is currently in use in over 130 countries.
Developed by University of Ryukyus professor Dr Teruo Higa, EM has a wide range of applications such as water and sewage purification, improving recycled water and solving sanitary problems.
It is also widely used in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and food production.
EM mudballs are made from ordinary clay, EM Activated Solution (EMAS) and rice bran with a small quantity of molasses. To make them, dry clay is mixed with 10% to 20% rice bran, while the EMAS is mixed with molasses at a ratio of 10:1.
Both mixtures are then mixed together and thoroughly kneaded and formed into mudballs the size of tennis balls. After drying for about a week, the mudballs are ready for use.
CJ Jimmy Leow got his blood pumping with the sounds and sights of Petronas Cub Prix held at Batu Kawan, Penang on the 2nd Aug 2009. Fast bikes and beautiful models, what can go wrong.
The latest batch of CJs from Penang went to Kampung Buah Pala to understand the situation there. This was an assignment for the citizen journalists in story writing.
Kampung Buah Pala residents have rejected the double-storey house offered by developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd to vacate their homes.
Kampung Buah Pala residents association chairman M. Sugumaran said there were too many loopholes in the offer.
Meanwhile, the villagers adviser A Thiruvenggadam (ex-MBPJ councillor) demanded the state government to explain its claim that villagers would be made owners of RM500,000 worth of properties through the Nusmetro offer.
He also mentioned that Nusmetros proposal is illegal because the land cannot be transferred, mortgaged, pawned, sub-let or used as a business instrument without getting written approval from the State Authority.
Video by : Jimmy Leow Beng Hock (Citizen Journalist)
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today he would have no further meetings with the residents of Kampung Buah Pala after they rejected an offer of a double-storey terrace house for each family.
He also mentioned that certain quarters are playing with the lives of the other residents on this issue. When asked if the state government would open up talks again, Lim said that he will talk to residents who are genuinely pursuing a reasonable compensation and will not discuss or deal with BN collaborators who have been trying to discredit the capabilities of the Pakatan government.
During the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration, the land was sold, and the current owners won a court decision recently to evict the villagers in order to develop high-rise apartments.
Video by : Jimmy Leow Beng Hock (Citizen Journalist)
Another new road will be extended from Lorong Bunga Tanjung 7 to enhance the traffic flow in Butterworth, Penang. This is the second plan by the state government to provide better accessibility for residents in that area.
Recently, Penang state government put in plans to connect Jalan Bagan 29 to Jalan Siram in Butterworth which brought relieve to many residents at Taman Bagan and its surroundings.
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng said that both new four lane roads will be completed as soon as possible to ease the traffic congestion.
Video by : Jimmy Leow Beng Hock (Citizen Journalist)
Penang State Government has decided to join Jalan Bagan 29 at Prai to Jalan Siram to ease traffic flow and to enhance better accesssibility for the residents.
Meanwhile with the deadline to vacate the land expiring yesterday around 300 people gathered at the village at around 10am to protest the move .
Among them were members of the banned-Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), MIC, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and non-governmental organisation Jerit.
However, despite waiting for almost two hours, there was no sign of the developers but there is no guarantee that the demolition will not take place although the Penang government had held back the revocation of development order last week.
According to journalists on the ground at that time there were no bulldozers, police or local council officers at the site.
The protesters left the village at 11.45am and proceeded to Komtar to submit a memorandum to Lim.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told reporters that the preparation for the coming Permatang Pasir by election will treated seriously to retain the seat.
Penang State Government has decided to join Jalan Bagan 29 at Prai to Jalan Siram to ease traffic flow and to enhance better accesssibility for the residents.
Fed up with all the political news and happenings already, but this is just temporary. At the meantime, do enjoy this video produced by me on Art International Penang 2009.
Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng launched the Giant Green Awareness Campaign at Pasar Raya Giant, Bayan Baru on the 19th July 2009.
In conjunction with the No Plastic Bag Day every Monday of the Penang State Government, Giant has donated all the savings from the plastic bags of local communities amounting to RM 19,000 to Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya Puplau Pinang, Childrens Protection Society of Penang, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens Society and Water Watch Penang.
The Chief Minister thanked hypemarkets and supermarkets in Penang for playing the leading role in this green initiative. He also added that Penang is the first state in Malaysia to start this campaign and the response from the public is very encouraging.
Penang State Government will decide by October 2009 whether to extend No Plastic Bag Day to other days.
Lim Guan Eng spoke about MACC, Police and the controversial death of Teoh Beng Hock, who was a special assistant to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah.
Teoh's body was found on Thursday sprawled on the roof of an adjacent building after he had undergone questioning late into the night at the offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The inaugural flight of Tiger Airways which arrived at 11.40am this morning is another milestone for Penang as the state welcome the new international airline to the Penang International Airport. With Tiger Airways flying two flights a day, Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng is hopeful that more tourists from Singapore and elsewhere will visit Penang for its culinary and heritage attractions. According to Rosalynn Tay, MD of Tiger Airways, by November 2009, there will be three flights a day connecting the Lion City and The Pearl of The Orient.
Additional to this, Lim Guan Eng urged Malaysia Airports Bhd to standardize airport taxes throughout the country for budget airlines at RM 25.00 per passenger for international flights and RM 6.00 for domestic flights as compared to RM 51.00 and RM 9.00 in Penang International Airport.
CJ Jimmy Leow's follow up on the Abandoned Highway at Teluk Kumbar, Penang. A new contractor has been appointed by JKR and the new completion date of this highway is Nov 2010.
Jimmy Leow went to the site to observe the work in progress.
This is a video produced by me after being approached by a villager of Jalan Raja Uda during my coverage at Kampung Buah Pala recently.
Citizen Journalist Video About 13 years ago, Cherating Development Sdn Bhd persuaded a group of squatters in Prai, Penang, to vacate their homes for development projects.
As compensation, the developer promised an 800-sq feet flat for each family, and cash payment of RM450 until the flats were ready.
Convinced it was good offer, the squatters from Jalan Raja Uda (JRU) agreed, but till today, the promised flats has yet to seen.
The squatters were temporarily provided with single story long houses in late 1996. They built to last for two to three years.
However, after 13 years, the condition of the houses has worsened.
A Malaysiakini's citizen journalist video captured the deterioration of the houses, ranging from crumbling walls to leaking roofs.
Shabby living conditions
"We have been staying here for 10 years, (and) everything is falling apart. There are termites everywhere," said Ng Lean Sim, 53.
The shabby living conditions are especially troubling for some older squatters, as most of them are poor and in frail health.
Ng and another squatter, Tang Lee Lee, 70, have made appeals at the developer's office.
They submitted revelant documents for relocation to the promised flats, but their requests fell on deaf ears.
Another squatter, Lim Eng Hock, told Malaysiakini that in the eviction letters from the developer in 1996, it was mentioned that the developer will compensate us with an 800-sq foot flat.
New developer
"If we didn't move out once the letter of eviction was served, we would be fined RM100 a day. Since we were promised a flat, we quickly shifted to this place by Dec 26, 1996, the deadline," said Lim.
The current developer of the project is Woolley Development Sdn Bhd. They inherited the project from Cherating Development in 2000.
Showing Malaysiakini documents pertaining to the project, Daniel Leng, 54, identified in the video as the JRU squatter's spokesman, said that part of agreement was that Woolley Development take over the liabilities of the project as well.
"The developers promised the squatters that their flats would be ready in two years, and that should have been in 1999," said Leng.
It has been 10 years since, and the developers have yet to keep their end of the bargain.
It was a long wait for us CJs who have arrived at Mohan house at about 12.00 noon. Yes, it was a 6 hour wait. The atmosphere was calm when MAIS brought the coffin into Mohan's house for the final farewell and ritual.
Citizen journalist Chan Lilian from Penang was having the advanced training in citizen journalism at Malaysiakini when she was assigned to interview A. Kugan's mom. It turned out to be a very eye-opening conversation on a lot of injustice going on. The mother, N. Indra broke into tears at several points and the heart rending interview also moved many who listened to tears.
The family of deceased A. Kugan was once again left disappointed. The judge hearing the application for the return of his seized blood and tissue samples was away outstation so the case was postponed this morning.
CJ Lilian Chan covered this event directly from Kuala Lumpur.
CJs Nick Kelesau and Jimmy Leow asked the people on the streets about how they felt with the increasing trend by certain quarters who are trying to discredit ministers and their spouses through the internet.
One of the most recent attempts which registered over 390,000 views in YOUTUBE described Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur being ungrateful to her friends and family.
*PERTUBUHAN PENDUDUK-PENDUDUK KAMPUNG BUAH PALA *(ROS 0189)**
NO. 473, LORONG BUAH PALA
BUKIT GELUGOR
11700 PULAU PINANG
Date: 30-06-2009
Your Ref
Our Ref
PS 1/09
*_Press Statement dated 60-06-2009 (Tuesday)_*
1. We are very disappointed with the State Government. When it could not act to resolve and remedy the abuse and misuse of power by the previous government it seems to be delaying the matter and giving illogical excuses like lodging a caveat which cannot stop the demolition of our houses.
2. If the present State Government cannot stop the demolition then it is adopting the abuse of power by the previous government and is a party to it.
3. A caveat in law is only a claim to the land yet to be proved.
4. The state government is delaying taking action, hoping that our houses will be demolished and it will resolve their duty and responsibility to act.
5. We ask the State Government to act now and at least stop and postpone the demolition. It can direct the developer and the police to do so. It should not abdicate its responsibility and shirk its responsibility.
6. Act now or forever be condemned. Please don’t give us platitudes. Don’t blame the previous BN government; you have the power now. Are you useless?
7. You can act to set aside the fraudulent transfers without paying a cent. Why are you not doing so? Are the developers tying your hands?
8. Are you now collaborating with and an accomplice of the previous government’s abuse and corruption?
9. Are you friend or enemy? Are you part of the solution or party of the problem?
10. The offer by the developer is an eyewash. It is only for the few registered houses. What about the other unnumbered houses? What about the other extended families? Each house is occupied by several families. What about them? What about the tenants? They have been offered nothing.
11. We want out land which is our life. Please don’t mislead the public and side with the developers and UMNO.
12. Do not use sweet promises to fish our votes and gain our support.
13. This village has historical and heritage value which cannot be bought by mighty capital and high force
14. There are over 23 registered houses, over 11 unregistered houses and 41 families and other residents. Compensation was never offered per family at all till now.
15. If the State Governement do not act now it will only assist the developer to wipe out the only historical and heritage Tamil village in Malaysia.
16. Once our houses are demolished and we are thrown out and scattered, wherever we may be we will campaign against those who made false and empty promises.
17. We have also prepared two undated letters for RSN Rayer and P. Ramasamy to sign and also deliver their dead bodies as promised by them.
18. Yes the State Authorities will evict us only over *_our _*dead bodies.
Hindraf, previous Barisan Nasional state government and the current Penang state government under Pakatan Rakyat are involved in the Catch 22 situation faced by Kampung Buah Pala villagers. Hindraf is reported to organize a demonstration nationwide, burning of Lim Guan Engs effigy at Komtar, Penang and defend the villagers of Kampung Buah Pala. Meanwhile, the Pakatan Rakyat state government under CM Lim Guan Eng are looking for an amicable solution for the villagers. Barisan Nasional is blamed for the sticky mess .
Citizen Journalist Chan Lilian asked CM Lim Guan Eng about the state governments stand on the issue as many parties have accused the CM of avoiding the issue and not doing anything to help the villagers.
