By Rosli Khan and Anil Netto
The population of Penang Island, standing at around 800,000, is simply too small to justify an elevated light rail transit (LRT) system, which is typically meant for cities with over three million people.
Even when factoring in the daily arrivals of business travellers and tourists at the airport, the demand is likely to fall short.
It doesn’t come close to the daily population of two million mentioned by Penang state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari in his recent interview with Astro Awani. The population of the entire state, including vast parts of mainland Penang outside the LRT catchment pool, is just 1.7 million. Full article on Aliran website
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Penang LRT thoroughly analysed – five reasons why the state government is all aboard the elevated LRT system.
https://thesun.my/opinion-news/penang-lrt-study-thoroughly-analysed-LB12571569
Need to hear from both sides ART vs LRT.
Penangites will be thankful for LRT once RON95 subsidy is removed down the road.
The opinion of Dr. Rosli Khan – Partner and Managing Director , MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants vs the opinion of Zairil khir johari – state exco for infrastrusture , transport and digital, Penang.
” Consider This: Penang LRT — Stay the Course or Switch Tracks? ”
Federal government pays for it. What’s there to complain?
Enlighten us. From where does the Federal government get the money to pay for it, in this case the Penang LRT project?
CLUELESS? federal can print, borrow or taken from you by more tax. Afterall LRT belong to a rakyat 8. rakyat pays
Simon Mohan, the singer of Indian ethnicity who used to sing in Chinese and even released an album in Mandarin in the 1990s, has passed away. RIP Simon.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/11/indian-crooner-of-chinese-songs-simon-mohan-dies
Divide and rule. Some people just love the trend of growing ignorance, misunderstanding, intolerance, hatred and selective privilege.
Simon Mohan is really true Malaysian uniting races with his songs.
Meantime, over at South China Sea, Philippines is the sole Asean country standing up and battling against the big bully. The other Asean countries, do they care?
” Chinese sailors wield sticks, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines’
By AFP – June 20, 2024 @ 12:45pm
https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2024/06/1065934/chinese-sailors-wield-sticks-axe-disputed-sea-clash-philippines
What bully? Pinoys cant afford sticks? You can support them by sending them. Pinoy can bully Malaysia. You called yourself rakyat of Malaysia when they laid claims to North Borneo and their terrorists used to cross into North Borneo like balek kampong. A friend in Navy said, their fingers are in the triggers when they see any boats in Philippines direction
Philippine, a member of the Asean Nation, has a right to defend their land and sea against aggression, which in this case happens to be communist China.
As they say, give an inch and lose the whole nine yards.
Rakyat – We should send you to world court to fight the Batu puteh island case. Why Batu Puteh island is 8 miles from Johor and 23 miles from Singapore belongs to Singapore. The 2 neighbouring islands further south closer to Singapore belongs to Malaysia. With you, sure win for Malaysia. Semua boleh
Container fish farm (Aqualita) in Tampines Singapore:
https://youtube.com/watch?si=0sLyB27CV9VRcq2V&v=uLQWPvy43z0&feature=youtu.be
It breeds Jade Perch, high in Omega-3 oil.
First batch of the fish from this container farm harvested for sale to residents.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/first-batch-of-freshwater-fish-harvested-from-tampines-container-farm
” Putrajaya, not state, will decide on Penang LRT, says Loke ”
Predeep Nambiar dd 11 Jun 2024, 03:40 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/06/11/putrajaya-not-state-will-decide-on-penang-lrt-says-loke/
“Federal gov’t takes over Penang LRT Mutiara Line project from state gov’t – Anthony Loke”
dd 2024-03-29
https://www.malaysiachinainsight.com/2024/03/29/federal-govt-takes-over-penang-lrt-mutiara-line-project-from-state-govt-anthony-loke/
Rakyat, even you tear your attap house and build new one, there must be public consultation and display in the newspapers to see any objections. Even you remarried or newly married, the MC will ask any objection. You want to be Augustine – say everything is irrelevant?
” Penang’s LRT decision, the result of comprehensive evaluation ” by Joshua Woo ( assemblyman for Pulau Tikus and director of the Penang Infrastructure Corporation) dd 11 Jun 2024, 12:21 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/06/11/penangs-lrt-decision-the-result-of-comprehensive-evaluation/
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A rebuttal on why the state wants to use LRT instead of ART and other rail modes of transport.
Meantime, MOT / AL has also informed ( sounded to ) the state that Penang LRT is federally owned, not state-owned. Therefore, any changes to the LRT project plan will be initiated by the federal government and not the state.
Additionally, I suppose funding must also be coming from the Federal government.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/29/penang-mrt-corp-explore-low-to-medium-capacity-lrt-system/
KL MRT is how many Billions? Where federal gomen gets the $$$? It is easy for Federal to borrow than state. To pay, Malaysians all pay. If State, Penang Kias pays. Who is clueless?
Yes, all Malaysians pay. But clueless along with gullible voters like you voted for this government. So, why this silly complain about them when they are doing their job which the clueless along with gullible voters want?
If Penang kias want to pay for it and want state to do the LRT project, why let Federal government take over the project? Are you clueless to understand this?
Rakyat 8 you want to pay for it or not? You can initiate it. You gather and form a party.
So again, your point ? Because my question is simple, ” If Penang kias want to pay for it and want state to do the LRT project, why let Federal government take over the project? Are you clueless to understand this?”
You clueless again. How Penang kias going to pay? Where do they get the $$$ from? They cant go and print the money and photocopy is an offence. They sell the reclaimed island and you said is over developed and fisher men kbkb.
Oh so, now you ask how Penang kias are going to pay. And then senget to money , photocopy and from there swing to reclamation island to fishermen kbkb.
“Putrajaya, not state, will decide on Penang LRT, says Loke” by Predeep Nambiar dd 11 Jun 2024, 03:40 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/06/11/putrajaya-not-state-will-decide-on-penang-lrt-says-loke/
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>>> Question is, why is the federal and state government so hung up on using LRT for Penang state. What is their reason?
In Johor, they have decided to do away with LRT saying it is too expensive and are looking into ART .
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/07/official-johor-preparing-autonomous-transit-proposal-for-putrajaya/132899
who is clueless? Penang is not Johor and Johor is not Penang.
Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) planned in 2016 has been cancelled as it is unable to tackle traffic congestion issues in Johor – about 25% or 13.79km of the IMBRT route had to be shared with other vehicles on the road.
Iskandar is a new town – not jalan Terbau or Wong Ah Fook.
Shriek so familiar with JB’s Jln Wong Ah Fook. Must be going there to exchange Singapore dollar for Ringgit.
May be Shriek can give a guided tour for Rakyat at Ah Fook to appreciate the wonders there.
Its alright, Mike. I can get a guided tour from YouTube. With Shriek guided tour and explanation, I might just get all confused and end up not knowing anything.
Who is real clueless, confused and in fact no know anything and trying to use very big words like rain harvesting and water transfer.
Iskandar Johor has 5 flagship zones:
Flagship A: Johor Bahru City Center.
Flagship B : Nusajaya.
Flagship C : Western Gate Development.
Flagship D : Eastern Gate Development.
Flagship E : Senai – Skudai
Jln Tebrau and Wong Ah Food are in flagship zone A.
Clueless comment ? Definitely, ” Penang is not Johor and Johor is not Penang”. But what has this got to do with the subject on hand ? Can you elaborate ?
>>> In Cyberjaya, they are also looking into ART transportation.
https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2021/09/02/cyberjaya-is-testing-new-art-line-could-it-be-the-future-of-malaysias-public-transport/
“Local governments in Johor Bahru and Kuching, Sarawak have also shown interest in the ART system, and it is also said to come recommended by the Transport Ministry’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) as a viable means of public transit.”
Who is clueless as to what is LRT and ART? Same as rain harvesting. As harvesting, a container is required to hold what is harvested. Yet not willing to buy a tangki to contain the rainwater
Clueless as usual. LRT and ART transportation, that is what we are discussing here, now…. Rain water harvesting already mentioned – better to factor in housing design. How difficult is that to do?
Know how to talk, talk talk only. Renewable energy already mentioned in 2008 in this blog, only now want to talk about implementing. That is how very slow this state is, in its thinking.
No.1 in cluelessly overdeveloping the tiny island, un-holistically.
yes, they are transport. Bull cart and bechah orso transport. But you want something suitable for Penang. Penang is not Johor. Talking about bad appearance for mono pole. What about Solar panels, wind mills and foremost, you spend so much time on net that TNB has to relay cables to your house. Next and when you are going to bring out about portable power storage?
Using a bicycle is also a form of transportation that is suitable for use in many parts of Penang Island. But are we discussing ART vs LRT? Do you understand, or are you still confused or maybe just plain clueless.
Regarding the unsightly concrete electric pylons, show us an image anywhere in the world where concrete electric pylons are protruding from the sea, with electric cables hanging from them, build along a water bridge?
Question is which is most effective. You say is ART or LRT. But in city area is bechah as they are sustainable creating employment for seniors like you and increase tourism. HK is the narrow body tram. Penang icon will be the bechah in the urban and bullock cart in rural which ART and LRT cant serve
” Question is which is most effective ” Yes, that is right. Which type of transportation is most suitable for a tiny island like Penang while preserving its heritage, its natural beauty – green hills, sandy white beaches, etc and its delicious heritage ‘hawker’ food.
Johor Baru ART system is elevated, not on ground?
https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2024/05/1050658/johor-baru-elevated-art-system-have-32-stations
“Learn about dodos, geological wonders and Hinduism in Mauritius, the Rainbow nation” by Sandip Hor dd Tuesday, 02 Jul 202411:00 AM MYT
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/travel/2024/07/02/learn-about-dodos-geological-wonders-and-hinduism-in-mauritius-the-rainbow-nation
========
It seems Mauritius retains its natural beauty more compared to the island of Penang. Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches, lush green mountains, and beautiful landscape, while Penang has become more developed with more urbanization and infrastructure.
Mauritius also has a greater variety of unique flora and fauna, as well as marine life, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Beautiful island of Penang, on the other hand, has seen more of its natural habitats replaced by buildings and roads ( concrete, brick, mortar and tar ) over the years. (2)
“Penang should no longer be associated with racial sentiments, Chinese has been in leadership role since Merdeka – Steven Sim” by Wala Abdul Muiz
dd 02 Jul 2024 08:55am
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/219297/focus/politics/penang-should-no-longer-be-associated-with-racial-sentiments-chinese-has-been-in-leadership-role-since-merdeka—steven-sim
“Who will be the next PM? Mahathir says we are seeking a “giant”, reform the power first” by Tasnim Lokman and Ashwin Kumar dd 01 Jul 2024 08:50am
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/219256/focus/exclusives/who-will-be-the-next-pm-mahathir-says-we-are-seeking-a-quotgiantquot
========
Oh my goodness! You people are asking the wrong person. Every person he chose in the past was a disaster.
He himself has admitted that he is not good in choosing the right people. So, why ask TMM?
Boy, some people really do have short memories.
PH candidate Joohari unveils 4-point manifesto for Sungai Bakap
FMT Reporters dd 30 Jun 2024, 08:05 AM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/06/30/ph-candidate-joohari-unveils-4-point-manifesto-for-sungai-bakap/
========
Politicians standard operating manifesto for any elections, be it the ruling coalition or the Opposition coalition. Promises made in election manifestoes usually do not take place after an election or by election is over and all these comes with the support of leaders who no longer have the trust of the Rakyat.
Notice how quiet Rakyat are on this by election. Probably will be the same from now till GE 16.
World over we see pretentious governments with a pretentious leaderships that relies on perceptions to convince their Rakyat of its importance rather than focusing on actual progress with tangible results. This kind of behavior only serves to breed distrust and cynicism among the Rakyat, if its not happening already. Instead of putting on a facade of importance, governments should prioritize transparency, accountability, and genuine care for the well-being of their Rakyat, a government that focuses on delivering real solutions to the problems afflicting its people. True leadership is about action, not just mere words. It is about making tough decisions and taking responsibility for the… Read more »
“Malaysia stands firm against pressure on China ties: Anwar” By Qistina Sallehuddin dd June 20, 2024 @ 1:04pm
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1065946/malaysia-stands-firm-against-pressure-china-ties-anwar
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Yes, all this is good. And they will cement this with the below. DAP, MCA and Gerakan do not have to lift a finger. How nIce.
“Malaysia, China to jointly nominate lion dance for Unesco Cultural Heritage List” dd Wednesday, 19 Jun 2024 7:13 PM MYT
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/06/19/malaysia-china-to-jointly-nominate-lion-dance-for-unesco-cultural-heritage-list/140508
Actually PRC folks are now coming to Malaysia to uncover Chinese customs and heritage practices that are lost during cultural revolution.
We still maintain customs and traditions of the 1800s and early 1900s but we too lost them. we eat mcdonalds, roti, laksa. and hardly eat red and black kueh or chinese biscuits which are replaced by cakes during wedding. No more Tai Kum Chia to follow the bride and teach her how to address relatives.
Alamak, what is this? Are you still maintaining the traditions and customs or have you lost them? Or still keeping some of it and but have lost most of it or vice-versa. Which is it ?
Why would a communist country which did away with religion, traditions and customs, did a lot of nasty things to remove it, now wants to come here to uncover their customs and heritage practices in this era of the digital age?
“Recently, there have been numerous updates and water projects being implemented in the Southern districts of mainland Malaysia.”
Should read as ” the southern districts of mainland Penang”
“Perak-Penang water transfer scheme a priority for government, says Anwar” dd 16 Jun 2024 12:34PM https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/102419/perak-penang-water-transfer-scheme-a-priority-for-government-says-anwar ======== Recently, there have been numerous updates and water projects being implemented in the Southern districts of mainland Malaysia. This sudden surge of attention towards resolving water issues in the area has raised questions – could it be due to the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election? The locals have been voicing their concerns about this issue for years but very little news on the progress if was any. This seems to be a typical Barisan Nasional election strategy, where important issues are only highlighted and implemented… Read more »
RAYKAT – you are a senior as you claimed. you can have instant maggie, coffee but not water. You are real clueless about water supply. A scheme may cost thousands to millions.rm and take years to plan and construct. You happy if they build a big tangki or pumping station if front of your house or to evit you to build the pipeline?
I definitely wouldn’t want you to be the MP or a State assembly man or both in my constitution or district. A man with a thousand excuses.
You dont want be but you want yourself to be ADUN or MP. You have been raising so many issues and even question the Speaker and PM. We want you to be ADUN or MP!!!
Sorry, no can do. That boat has left the port. Now just waiting for the transit boat to transit.
Rakyat, here talks about land transport LRT or ART. You senget again talking about sampan? You think of your past – Alliance party?
What do you think you were talking about in your reply dd 24 Jun 2024 7.52pm to Rakyat. I don’t see you talking anything about LRT or ART.
A hypocrite is someone who pretends to have virtues, morals, or beliefs that they do not actually possess or adhere to. They may say one thing but do another, often displaying a lack of sincerity or integrity.
should read as , ” in my constituency ” not constitution.
Yes, it will cost a lot of money but will take not years to plan and construction is suppose to be gradual, a continues process including maintenances which also involves preventing leaks.
So, what have they been doing for the past sixty years? It should have been seriously looked into from the late seventies.
very good question. where were you? What have you been doing until now kbkb?
Why, you think its too late to talk about it or ask questions on the matter ? Also, to remind you, due to TMM’s thoughtful policy of no censorship to the internet, we are able to talk about all these issues today.
Maintaining our water resources should have been seriously looked into starting in the late seventies when they began transitioning from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy.
Urban rain water can be processed for piping back to people. But that would mean consulting and interacting with ordinary people. Does not suit tuans (masters) in air-con offices dependent on contractors and foreign labour, who only make site visits in expensive vehicles for show.
Indeed so. Not to mention shamelessly holding multiple positions in various state agencies and earning obscene salaries, meeting allowances, bonuses, executive fees and maybe some free this and free that, etc etc etc.
Then, go on to say, Rakyat misuse or waste clean water and using that as an excuse to raise water rates while in their own backyard, they are wasting about 35 to 40% of clean processed water due to poor maintenance. They turn blind to this and are quiet about it, most times.
Billions in Rakyat tax money lost or wasted due to this negligence.
Penang is a hilly island surrounded by seas. How to maintain unless you recycle what came out from you or you want to drink saline water?
Penang is a hilly island surrounded by sea, Yes, that is correct. But you are being pretentious, when asking this question about water maintenance and leakage.
For example, the Penang PIA expansion project seems to be stagnant with no recent updates.
It appears that progress and updates only occurs when a member of parliament transitions followed by a call for a by-election, prompting state and federal authorities to come together and flood the Rakyat with information and implementation on whatever projects that otherwise seems, lost or forgotten.
Old BN habits are hard to change, isn’t it?
Rakyat, you should be happy – no concrete jungle, noise and dust pollution
” Khalid says MCA, a loser should not fight for Kota Lama seat” By FocusM dd 27 mins ago. https://focusmalaysia.my/khalid-says-mca-a-loser-should-not-fight-for-kota-lama-seat/ ======== Why is Amanah so worked up about? Why call MCA a loser? MCA’s education program and university provides education for thousands of young Malaysians, in addition to MCA’s other programs. Tell us Rakyat, what has Amanah done so far? If MCA wants to contest in Kota Lama, it is their prerogative. It is their money they will use to contest the seat, not Amanah’s money. If MCA loses, they will lose their own money. So, why is Amanah so bothered? Amanah… Read more »
Rakyat 8 – Now talk about Kelantan and Chinatown kota lama – Isnt it senget or try again to justify yourself?
… If MCA wants to contest in Kota Lama, what is wrong with that? It is a democratic country.
If and only if. If Rakyat wants to be more than writing here and if run for Adun or MP, if we support him. If he wins, if we throw a big party for him. Only if if is if.
“Anthony Loke: Cabinet agrees to approve development proposal for Penang Mutiara LRT Line project, set to begin this year” By Anis Zalani dd Friday, 29 Mar 2024 3:40 PM MYT
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/29/anthony-loke-cabinet-agrees-to-approve-development-proposal-for-penang-mutiara-lrt-line-project-set-to-begin-this-year/126187
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Should the Penang Exco for Transport be giving statements to changes to LRT specifications since the LRT project has been taken over by the Federal government and has appointed MRT Corp as the project developer and asset owner.
“He also added that the government has appointed MRT Corp as the project developer and asset owner.” What does this statement mean?
“TNB’s landmark monopole transmission towers parallel with Penang Bridge to be completed in November” By Opalyn Mok dd Friday, 14 Jun 2024 3:02 PM MYT https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/06/14/tnbs-landmark-monopole-transmission-towers-parallel-with-penang-bridge-to-be-completed-in-november/139746 ======== ” The primary objective of this monopole transmission tower project is to strengthen the island’s power supply via overhead line transmission” >>> Island now propagated as an island of concrete, brick and mortar factories. To support these factories, have to bring in more and more foreign workers, have to build more dormitories to house them, have to divert precious clean water to factories until some parts of the state can’t get regular supply of clean water. In addition,… Read more »
rakyat – now from rain harvest, you senget to electricity. You very shiok now? You spend many hours on computer and internet? They dont need electricity to run? Why dont you install solar panels or wind mill in your house? BTW, they look very beautiful?
Yes, I can senget from rainwater harvesting to renewable energy to transportation, etc etc etc. How is this a problem to you?
No problem but to remind you in case you also walk or drive senget. It endanger not only you but others. They have family too.
Then go on to blame our Rakyat for water wastage and raise the water rates. 40% of the processed clean water goes to waste due to poor maintenance by water agencies. ( CAP silent on this but busy on targeted subsidies ) “It will boost foreign direct investments and the state’s economy,” >>> What about the limited land and water? Maybe reclaim more land from the sea and beg for more water from neighboring states? Is it sustainable? For how long? “Once completed, the project will enhance the island’s power supply and is set to emerge as a new tourist attraction, adding vibrancy and a… Read more »
Rakyat 8, you forgot you live in kampongs, slums and you have to line up in the public tap to get water. You also take bath there or enjoy the scene. Water consumption per head is low and every drop is precious at that time. The jamban is bucket with no flushing water. As we develop water consumption increases. Now you just pressed button … or push the handle …
So, what are you trying to say? What is your point here?
clueless? water consumption per person has gone up. every can fly and can have water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing cars, clothes, flushing just with a push of button or turn the handle. when you are 80 years ago, if you are not rich, you have to do your job in a public tap and share with everyone
Now with a push of a button, one can do this and that which eighty years ago one could not. Okay, discovery of the century. So again, your point?
“Ramasamy comes to the defence of Penang state EXCO Zairil; ticks off Anthony Loke as “rude and abrasive” https://focusmalaysia.my/ramasamy-comes-to-the-defence-of-penang-state-exco-zaril-ticks-off-anthony-loke-as-rude-and-abrasive/ ======== >>> Don’t see anything wrong with what MOT/Anthony Loke has said. He was being polite and was showing courtesy when he made the statement ( “The Penang exco, WITH DUE RESPECT, has no locus standi to announce the specifications of the project,”). He was only right to say that the Penang exco does not have the authority or proper standing to announce any changes to the specifications of the project since the Federal government has taken over LRT project and has officially decided to… Read more »
Rakyat 8, Who are the end users? Ministers, VIPs, Putrajaya residents? $$ comes from Ministers, VIPs? LRT is built where? In their homes? Who is clueless?
Clueless is you.
LRT was initiated during Ex CM time and was officially launched on August 12, 2017.
But now under the current CM, LRT is the under the control of MOF. How did that happen? Or, why did that happen? And what is Penang State role in the LRT project now?
Believe, to avoid having contradictory statements and confusion, MOT told the local Exco to stop giving statement. What is wrong with that?
Rakyat who is clueless? Who initiate the LRT? Who hijack the project? Did Federal made a transport study in the first place? The state asked Federal to garantee the loan but refuse, Federal appointed HK MRT -why no tender and you cluess and no kbkb? Powers are all centralised. Why you keep quiet, clueless and dont ask Federal to take responsibility of Water Supply too? .
Money is from MOF but Penang kias and lang living in Penang and the project is in Penang has no say? They know the streets and roads well. They did the town planning not someone from Putrajaya. In the past, Penang is the only city that has trolley bus and trams.
” and the project is in Penang has no say ? ” Alright, alright. I take it that you are upset because Penang state has ‘ lost ‘ the LRT project to the Federal, in which case, you should go and ask your CM on the matter.
The state has not given any explanation as to why it surrendered the LRT project to the Federal. The state leadership is DAP people, MOT is DAP people, Federal leadership and MOF is PKR people, all of whom are in the PH coalition.