It looks as if the high-end housing glut has churned out some natural brilliance among certain quarters. (There, I said the g-word: glut, glut, glut…)
Charity art exhibition in KL
Helping to lend publicity to this event:
As part of its fundraising activities, the Society of the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) will be holding an art exhibition.
Two migrant workers killed at Juru construction site
Two migrant workers have been killed at a factory construction site in Juru when the frame of a roof fell on them, once again highlighting safety concerns involving construction workers.
This is what Pulau Jerejak might look like in a few years
There goes Jerejak Island. This is what “Queens Island Condo & Villa” on the eco-heritage haven of Pulau Jerejak will look like, according to the Ideal Property website.
Bukit Kukus probe: Take stern action against MBPP, other wrongdoers
So what action is going to be taken against the MBPP? Is they can’t oversee or manage a small road project, what hope is there when they build the monster six-lane Pan Island Link project along and beneath the hill slopes of Penang.
And why isn’t investigation report being made public? Meanwhile, check out this CAP statement
The Consumers Association of Penang calls for stern action to be taken against the wrongdoers who have been found responsible for the fatal landslide tragedy at the construction site of the paired road project at Jalan Bukit Kukus on 17 October.
Where are all the cars? Comparing Singapore with Malaysia
Some time ago, representatives of an established foreign university with linkages to Malaysia travelled to a few places around the country to guage what kind of a demand there would be for an urban planning course, which they thought could be introduced here. I heard they dropped the idea as there didn’t seem to be much of a clamour for such a planning course.
Najib trying to do a makeover
Just before the Cameron Highlands by-election, it became apparent that former Prime Minister Najib “apa malu, Bossku” Razak was trying to re-invent himself, presumably to try and save himself and Umno from oblivion.
Paltry fine for 1MDB auditors just a rap on the knuckles
This statement by Aliran puts the spotlight on the 1MDB auditors, who appear to have got off rather lightly.
Happy New Year to all readers!
Wishing all readers all the best in the coming year as we journey towards a more sustainable future in the new Malaysia.
Affordable housing: Relaxation of rules – whose interest does it serve?
The housing glut – the G-word few want to say – in Penang has once again come under the spotlight.
Bukit Kukus road: Strong response to lifting of stop-work order
Who will bear responsibility for any future tragedy along this controversial hill road? Let’s not even talk about the mega Pan Island Link project that will tunnel through and hug risky hill slopes.
Property overhang in Penang higher than London’s?
Much concern in London over the wrong kind of housing being built: London’s stock of unsold homes soared to 2,374 at 30 September 2018 from 1,595 at the end of 2017. That’s the highest on record.
Learn from Pakatan Harapan’s defeat in Cameron Highlands
What are the lessons to be learned from the Cameron Highlands parliamentary by-election defeat for Pakatan Harapan today?
Najib’s disastrous legacy: Suffocating federal government debt
Of late, former Prime Minister Najib Razak has been trying hard to re-invent himself – singing on social media, riding pillion on a superbike, being seen eating out in public places – especially in the run-up to the Cameron Highlands by-election on 26 January 2019.
But Malaysians should not forget the legacy of his administration so easily. Take a look at these latest figures:
The ‘war’ on trees
This tree made me marvel at the resilience of Nature. It was one among a row of trees that were hacked down to make way for thoughtless road-widening.
Jakarta bus rapid transit consultant creates a stir in Penang
A funny thing happened in Penang last week. Think City organised a talk by Yoga Adiwinarto, the Indonesia country director of the Institute of Transport and Development Planning (ITDP), on 16 January – with unexpected results.
One filmmaker raps about his dream for Penang – but is anyone listening?
Independent film producer Andrew Ng has produced this video of what is going in Penang.
Three major challenges for the new Malaysia in the coming year
Here we are in 2019. We made it through a tumultuous 2018 and major regime change.
Three articles to read this weekend
I usually spend some time sifting through thought-provoking analyses and commentaries. I find I learn more about Malaysia that way than by reading new reports. One of the great things about the new Malaysia – even if not everything is going our way – is that we are seeing more openness in critical thinking – and this is coming out in various writings in the media.
Why a street-level public transport system is suitable for Penang
Dr Lim Mah Hui has come up with another rejoinder for those fascinated with ultra-expensive six-lane elevated and underground highways and elevated light rail transit for Penang.