Probe into housing scam

Many have suspected that “sold out” property launches in Penang are not quite what they seem. Now comes news that the state government will probe pre-launch “bookings”.

Railway double-tracking contracts

While Malaysians are being distracted by the Anwar trial and by those trying to divide us on the basis of ethnicity and religion, big contracts are being dished out, including the last portion of the double-tracking project.

Penang port siltation: Who pays?

Over the last few days, we have heard that RM300m in federal funding is needed to dredge Penang port. But what is causing this siltation and should public funds be used to once again deepen the port?

Anwar’s defence to interview Najib, Rosmah

Anwar’s defence lawyers intend to interview Najib and Rosmah among others before deciding whether to call them as defence witnesses, after the judge ruled this morning that Anwar had a case to answer in his sodomy trial.

Christian leaders’ “pledges” raise eyebrows

The news that Christians leaders had given pledges to the PM during a luncheon meeting on 12 May has raised eyebrows.

Ban wi-fi, mobile phones in schools: European body

Mobile phones and computers with wi-fi connections pose a risk to health and should be banned from schools, a committee of the influential Council of Europe has asserted.

USM, do something about your pond!

The ‘apex university’ has done it again. An overflowing retention pond at USM has flooded neighbouring properties, causing considerable damage and knocking out power, after a heavy downpour that lasted only a couple of hours.
The flooded basement of an apartment complex near USM - Photo credit: The Star

Floods cause havoc in Penang

A torrential downpour created havoc in Penang this morning.

Fukushima: It’s a nuclear meltdown

Finally. Japanese officials have admitted that one of the reactors at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi power plant was indeed struck by a nuclear meltdown.

JKKK village committees: Seeing double

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The rivalry between BN and Pakatan is now making people see double in kampungs and villages in Pakatan-ruled states. The federal government has appointed parallel village committees, adding an unnecessary layer of control at the local level.

Lynas Corp: Malaysian backlash

ABC Newsline has aired a video feature on plans by Australian mining firm Lynas Corporation to build a plant to refine rare earths in Gebeng. Kuantan residents, worried about radioactive waste, are protesting.

Global sugar price has fallen

After a strong rally that took the raw sugar market price to a high of 36.08 cents/lb in early February, prices have dropped following good crops in India, Thailand and other producing countries, reports Dow Jones.

Australian, NZ investors lose savings in Labuan-based firm

What are the Malaysian and Australian regulatory authorities going to do about this case involving a firm based in Labuan?

Utusan: Penang Pas lodges police report

Penang Pas lodged a police report this afternoon, criticising Utusan Malaysia for publishing “provocative news aimed at creating ethnic and religious tension in the country”.
MP for Parit Buntar Mujahid Yusof Rawa, flanked by Pakatan reps, holds up a copy of Utusan Malaysia outside the Patani Road police station after the party had lodged a report

Penang mulls luxury property charge

How do we curb mounting speculation in the property market? Can the Penang state government do anything to stop any over-heating and cross-subsidise affordable public housing?

Penang Hill Railway breakdown: An insider’s view

The recent flurry of comments in the press following an incident that temporarily knocked out the Penang Hill railway has prompted its operations manager, Ahmad Chik, to respond.

Utusan Malaysia at it again

Utusan Malaysia is at it again. Faced with declining circulation and a buoyant opposition coalition after Sarawak, the Umno-owned paper resorts to stirring the pot and trying to create ill-will among Malaysians.

House prices soar beyond reach of many

Housing prices in Penang and the rest of Malaysia are soaring beyond the reach of many Malaysians. While many property developers and speculators are laughing their way to the bank, many ordinary workers are struggling to buy their first homes.

Singapore elections: The day after

Farish Noor in Singapore shares with us his thoughts on a landmark general election.

Live – Singapore election results

Live updates and public reaction via twitter on the Singapore election results. Voting closed at 8.00pm and results are due from 9.30pm.