Transparency International gives good grades to Penang

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.

Don't send your assistants, Koh told

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng tells Minister Koh Tsu Koon to debate with him and not send his assistants to do his job.

Video by Jimmy Leow (Citizen Journalist)

Happy Ending for KBP Residents

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.

Video by Jimmy Leow (Citizen Journalist)

SEXY........

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.

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

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!

Come home, hubby

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.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Typhoon Koppu Hits Hong Kong

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.

No Beds for High Fever Patients?

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.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Food Carnival For A Noble Cause

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.

Puppet Show For The "Hungry Ghosts"

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.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Cow Head Video Banned?

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.

Cow Head Protest

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.

No Beds for High Fever Patients?

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.

Video by Jimmy Leow (Citizen Journalist)