Update (2 August): What is this huge (five-storey?) building in this plan? (It reminds me of the aborted ‘airport terminal’ building for the Penang Hill Railway.) Something to keep the developers/contractors happy? Do we need yet another ‘iconic’ building when we already have sore thumb Komtar, 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall nearby, with lots of unutilised space in them? Please, not more concrete structures when the space for a green lung is so limited. Thanks to QuercusBen on twitter for raising this concern.Out of place: Futuristic building in proposed heritage square?Also, do we need even more boutique hotels etc? Be careful that this place doesn’t become a another gentrified heritage area, devoid of authentic living cultural heritage.Original entry (31 July 2012):The proposed Penang Heritage Square has the potential to be a landmark if done properly, with ample public consultation, plenty of green and public spaces, and a showcase of heritage street food. View Larger Map
Aliran has responded strongly to the arrest of whistleblower Rafizi Ramli under the charge of violating section 97(1) of the Banks and Financial Institutions Act (Bafia), which carries a maximum jail sentence of three years and a fine of up to RM3m.
Update: In the 1940s, boats used to carry cargo all the way from the sea-front all the way along Prangin Canal, which was once a river, passing by Capitol Cinema (demolished to make way for Komtar) until the junction of Transfer Road.Back in the 19th century, George Town only reached up to Prangin Canal, and that’s why the old market area near the canal was called Sia Boey (end of the town). More history of Prangin Canal on the Travel Tips website.31 March 2011:Now that there are plans to revitalise the Prangin Canal area in Penang, those responsible should proceed very carefully with what they do, bearing in mind that the surrounding area is swampy ground. Prangin Canal - Photo credit: teochiewkia2010.blogspot.com
Paths to nowhere? We have so few green spaces around our urban areas; yet there are always people who want to pour concrete and paving into the few spaces we do have.
Anwar speaks in Tuaran, Sabah after Tuaran MP Wilfred Bumburing quit the BN and launched the Sabah Reform Movement. The non-partisan movement will work with Pakatan.
A group of NGOs has warned that the government is going ahead with plans to build two nuclear power plants. A final decision on the location of the plants will be made in 2014 – the point of no return.
We have heard of the state government’s plan to turn Penang into an international city. Does this coincide with civil society’s vision of Penang as a liveable place? Come and join in the discussion.
A couple of people have told me they have spotted dolphins off the coast of Penang. Can we try and improve our sea water quality to encourage more of these ‘angels’ of the deep to come and frolic in these parts?
For a long time, environmental activists fought a lonely battle against environmental degradation. Then the Internet and social media arrived and the green message spread like wildfire to a new generation.
Predictably, the federal government is refusing to allow the Selangor government to take over the state’s water operations from Syabas. Time to make our feelings known at the ballot box.
Prime Minister Najib Razak should scrap plans to privatise the operations of Penang port to Syed Mokhtar’s Seaport Terminal Sdn Bhd, which already controls Johor Port and Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
