Residents around Karpal Singh Drive today submitted a memorandum at the Penang State Assembly protesting reclamation plans in their area.
The plan refuses to go away even after the Department of Environment rejected the environmental impact assessment report for the fifth time (yes, you read that right). The must be some kind of record! Read this piece on the Aliran website.
Mega-projects are dotting many parts of Penang Island so much so some people are calling the place “one big construction site”.
All this is happening while the population of Penang Island is barely rising while total fertility rates have plummeted well below population replacement rates.
Let’s look at the mega-projects taking place or in the pipeline:
Read the full article on the Aliran website
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The biggest disruption caused by Rafizi’s Bersama would be vote splitting among urban centrist voters. If they split this base, they could possibly hand victory to the conservative opposition (PN-PAS) in marginal seats?
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/05/20/how-rafizi-led-bersama-could-disrupt-malaysias-political-calculus/220576
Rafizi’s Bersama should contest in Terengganu as there is no single opposition party elected there.
Bersama likely yet another mosquito party. Unless they contest 222-seat, nobody will treat them seriously.
Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), initially known as the Malaysian United Party (MU), is a Penang-based political party registered on Dec 2, 2016, by George Town businessman Tan Gin Theam and former Barisan Nasional politicians. Originally intended as a “third force” and independent check-and-balance, it made its maiden electoral venture in the 14th General Election, fielding 20 state and 5 parliamentary candidates exclusively in Penang – all candidates lost, even their deposits!
Hahaha. Indeed, Bersama is no different from other smallish parties trying to talk big, “action” before the crushing defeat on election day.
Bersama only brings harm to PH and only good things to our WINNING PAS. I am sure Bersama can take away many NM voters who blindly supported PH in the past and allows our WINNING PAS to WIN in many more mixed and marginal seats.
I am open to the idea that pas may win the GE and then unleashing the ultimate happiness for all Malaysians.
Something like mandatory x, y and z. Closing x, y, and z.
One stream, one plan, one x, y, and z.
Malaysia needs reset after so many boring decades. Build back better after the storm.
Before the sunlight that has to be darkness.
Will PAS leave PN or Bersatu leave PN?
Will umno join PAS in Muafakat 2.0?
Lots of permutations in Malay politics, as usual, with or without any umbrella.
Let’s stick with Madani government for stability, starting with Johor.
Bersama more or less as impactful as Muda = ilek or nada, or tarak. Rafizi must join umno before could soar high again.
The constitution is the only safeguard for all races if they choose to abide by it. Islam is no safeguard for non Muslims so do not go down the path to an Islamic state safeguarding non Muslims they reject it whole heartedly.
Penang’s LRT Development Latest Update (JUNE’26) – The Mutiara Line — The Game Changer of the Northern Corridor Malaysia
Siti Kasim: NO PORK, NO LARD SIGNAGE: SHOULD THE STATE OR THE CONSUMER DECIDE?
Lots of Chinese food has lost the soul and flavour when become halal. No more old taste (kor char bee). So better support authentic Chinese food that does not sell out.
No lard maybe is the healthier choice. Although once in a while is ok. What is life anyway if one too scare of anything.
” Villain or angel: Yap Ah Loy’s dubious legacy must be viewed in right historical context ”
The link – https://focusmalaysia.my/villain-or-angel-yap-ah-loys-dubious-legacy-must-be-viewed-in-right-historical-context/
========
Here is a question .
If Yap Ah Loy was mainly providing ‘services’ to maintain peace with the tacit approval of the British, then why is he regarded as the person who established Kuala Lumpur rather than the British themselves?
LOL. Yap Ah Loy story is how many decades ago?
Furthermore, we might not know the truth behind these ancient stories.
Live now, brother.
I am living in the present, and history has become part of that journey, especially when it comes to exploring past mysteries and historical inconsistencies.
I remember in the seventies, the school history books stated that Yap Ah Loy was the founder of Kuala Lumpur. We accepted it without question because there was little background information available and no easy way to verify what we were being taught.
You better believe it if the system praises non Malay which is rare although mostly is factually correct.
The trend now is re-writing history.
Not that we cared much anyway. We were busy living the seventies, not scrutinising history.
Today, however, we live in the digital age. We have access to vast amounts of information, and if we are willing to look deeply enough and ask the right questions, we stand a much better chance of discovering what really happened and getting much closer to the truth.
Peace and love to you brother.
And GK, you do remind me of another commenter who goes by the moniker – shriek.
I was famous here, last time. I had been missing for many years. Came back and noticed Anil already not active like previously.
Anil, you sudah sangat tua kah?
Hehehehe
My guess is maybe a few years ago …… last heard back in 2021. Welcome back.
No, it was way earlier. Maybe around early 2010s. That times we could like post multiple times until hundreds or so haha .
Nowadays I even doubt if Anil himself still manning this blog.
” Pay assessment with recyclables ” https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2026/05/21/pay-assessment-with-recyclables ======== This is a good idea, isn’t it? Something is better than nothing. At least this program helps the Rakyat in some ways. But where is Penang in all this? They only know how to tax the Rakyat on this and that, claiming it is part of state policy. But no Empathy for the Rakyat. They have a green agency with people drawing salaries, but doing what? We, the Rakyat, do not know. They only brag that Penang is first in this and first in that, then make U-turns on issues like single-use plastics because… Read more »
” Mega-projects are dotting many parts of Penang Island so much so some people are calling the place “one big construction site”. ” ======== Then why continue electing DAP to govern Penang? They have already been in power for nearly 20 years and appear to have grown far too comfortable in office. By now, Penangites can already see the direction the island is heading. Mega-projects and unchecked development are increasingly transforming Penang into what some describe as one large construction site. Many residents are beginning to question whether the state government prioritizes the island’s environment, livability, and the welfare of… Read more »
Penang Mutiara Line: Triple replanting to boost Penang’s urban canopy
Among them: big-leaf mahogany – tall, majestic trees prized for their timber, which is used in musical instruments; Pink mampat, known for their striking purple-pink blossoms and reddish young leaves when they flush.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/24/penang-mutiara-line-triple-replanting-to-boost-penangs-urban-canopy?utm_medium=thestar&utm_source=wpeditorspick&utm_campaign=Gamuda+24May26
Let’s wait and see whether they are able to carry out the tree replanting as they said they would.
Over the years, we have seen poor follow-up and maintenance after such work is completed.
One example is road signboards being covered by overgrown tree branches, with no pruning carried out to keep them visible.
Insane Queue for This Michelin Char Kway Teow in Penang! – Penang Street Food
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YiXJTA5fDyk&pp=iggCQAE%3D
This will lure tunglang back to provide his food commentary?
Anil should kick off discussion on the coming Johor and NS by election. There are repercussions on the next general election?
https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2026/06/04/penang-adopts-ai-across-governance-industry ======== Everyone is talking about AI these days. Without a doubt, AI is part of the future, and the state government wants to integrate it into governance and urban management. That is good news, but for ordinary Penangites, our question is simple: Will it make a difference? Will traffic improve? Will public services become faster? Will complaints be resolved more efficiently? Will the cost of delivering government services be reduced? AI is a tool, not an achievement. The real achievement is producing better outcomes for the Rakyat. Governments should be judged by results, not by how many fashionable technologies… Read more »
In the meantime, many of us would also like to know what is happening with the proposed RM103 million large-scale solar (LSS5) farm in Byram, Nibong Tebal.
We were told it would be a strategic initiative to strengthen Penang’s position as a global high-tech investment hub and generate enough electricity to power more than 16,000 homes annually.
Has the project progressed according to schedule, or has it become another case of talk, talk, and more talk?
We, the Rakyat deserve regular updates on major projects, especially those involving significant public interest and investment.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/04/03/penang-kicks-off-rm103m-solar-farm-project-that-could-power-thousands-of-homes-by-2027/214902
” Onn Hafiz accused of ‘racist personality’ in making DAP snub ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/07/onn-hafiz-accused-of-racist-personality-in-making-dap-snub ======== DAP is a political party, not a race. Refusing to work with DAP is a political decision. Political parties disagree with each other all the time. They form alliances, break alliances, cooperate or refuse to cooperate based on policies, ideology and political strategy. That is part of the democratic process. However, insisting that only one race should hold the Chief Minister’s post is a completely different matter. That is no longer about politics or policy. It is about race. Political disagreement is not racism. Race-based political… Read more »
Back in 2023, just before the state election, local Chinese groups openly demanded that the Penang Chief Minister should be Chinese and did so without any reservation. If race becomes the primary qualification for public office, is that not blatant racial politics?
A political disagreement with a party is one thing. Demanding that a public office be reserved for a particular race is something entirely different.
The links below –
” Group in bid to ensure ‘Chinese-only’ CM for Penang ”
https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/07/13/group-in-bid-to-ensure-chinese-only-cm-for-penang
” After DAP nominates Chow again, group calls off ‘Chinese-only CM’ event”
https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/07/14/after-dap-nominates-chow-again-group-calls-off-chinese-only-cm-event
” Anwar rejects higher fuel prices, says govt will bear subsidies ”
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/07/anwar-rejects-higher-fuel-prices-says-govt-will-bear-subsidies
========
We are grateful to the Federal Government for demonstrating concern for the welfare of the Rakyat by continuing to bear the burden of fuel subsidies despite mounting fiscal pressures.
In contrast, the Penang DAP state government appears more inclined to impose additional charges and rate increases while showing little empathy for the financial hardships faced by ordinary Penangites.
” Penang water tariff revision needed to fund future infrastructure projects, says exco rep ”
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/06/05/penang-water-tariff-revision-needed-to-fund-future-infrastructure-projects-says-exco-rep
========
Once again, Penangites are being told to dig deeper into their pockets.
Once again, we are being told that higher water tariffs are necessary.
Once again, we hear the familiar excuses: ageing infrastructure, future projects, insufficient funds and the need to secure water supply.
But before demanding another sen from the Rakyat, the state government should answer a simple question: What happened to the money collected from the previous water tariff increase? Penangites were told that higher tariffs were necessary to improve infrastructure and strengthen the water supply system. If that is true, where are the results? How many kilometres of ageing water pipes have been replaced? How much of the water infrastructure has actually been upgraded? Where is the detailed public report showing exactly how the additional revenue was spent? The Rakyat deserve answers, not slogans. What makes the situation even more difficult… Read more »
The message appears clear: there is always money available for the government and its agencies, but never enough money when it comes to reducing the burden on the rakyat. Whenever more funds are needed, the solution is always the same. Raise water tariffs. Raise assessment rates. Raise quit rent. Raise parking charges. Introduce another fee. And when the people complain, they are told it is necessary. Necessary for whom? The Penang government appears to have developed a dangerous habit of treating the people as an endless source of revenue. It is as though the state’s 1.8 million residents exist primarily… Read more »
But the reality on the ground tells a different story. Families are struggling. Businesses are facing rising operating costs, and when those costs are passed on to consumers, it is the rakyat who end up paying the price through a higher cost of living. Young people are finding it harder to build a future. Retirees are watching their savings stretched further every year. Yet the answer from the state government remains unchanged: pay more. What is most troubling is the constant narrative of scarcity. Not enough money. Not enough land. Not enough water. Not enough resources. After nearly two decades… Read more »
The people also deserve a full and transparent explanation regarding the state’s financial position and the use of public funds over the years. Every ringgit collected from the Rakyat should be accounted for. Every major expenditure should be justified. Every promise should be measured against actual results. That is not an unreasonable expectation. That is the minimum standard of responsible government. The growing public concerns surrounding the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project only add to the perception that public opinion is increasingly treated as an inconvenience rather than a responsibility. When people raise concerns, they deserve answers. When experts raise objections, they… Read more »
Instead, many Penangites increasingly feel they are being told to accept decisions that have already been made. A government that stops listening eventually loses touch with the people it was elected to serve. The issue today is not merely water tariffs. The issue is trust. How many more increases will there be? How many more justifications will be offered? How many more times will Penangites be asked to pay for problems that should have been addressed years ago? Before asking the Rakyat for more money, the government should first show what it has done with the money already collected. Until then,… Read more »
Accountability is not optional.
The latest controversy involving the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project only reinforces growing public concerns.
Despite objections and repeated concerns raised over the project, the state government appears determined to push ahead regardless.
This growing pattern suggests a government that listens less and dictates more.
A government elected by the people should never assume that it knows better than the people it was elected to serve.
The Rakyat do not expect perfection.
They expect honesty.
They expect transparency.
They expect accountability.
And they expect a state government that treats public money as a sacred trust, not as a bottomless reservoir that can be replenished whenever needed by imposing new charges on the people. Ultimately, public trust is not built through speeches, slogans or repeated justifications. It is earned through responsible governance, prudent financial management and a willingness to listen to the concerns of the Rakyat. After nearly two decades in power, the Penang DAP-led state government appears increasingly disconnected from the principles it once championed. The ideals of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (C.A.T.), together with its image as a truly multi-ethnic… Read more »
Ironically, the longer it remains in power, the more it appears to display some of the same traits it once criticised in the previous ruling establishment.
This should concern every Penangite, regardless of political affiliation, because no government should ever become so comfortable in power that it forgets the very principles that brought it to office.
GK to many football fans referring to GoalKeeper.
Of course many still wonder if the good old days of goalkeeping is back in our dreams. Remember Arumugam? Chow Cee Keong? Rashid Hassan? And even Nichol David’s father who was excellent GK for Penang football.
Come on. If you do not know who is GK, you are not old timers here
Somehow I miss the one who always say sipping kopi o kaw kaw.
I wonder if he survived COVID…
PDC top gets high bonuses for job well done and rewarded, but now the ex PDC Chairmanthe so called Tokong is questioning the tender process?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CojB2JPry/
Is there an error of judgement? May be we can get true picture after GE16?