2 March 1-15, 2015 MESSAGE BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB LIM GUAN ENG IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRESENTATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PENANG SEN

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1 HOT FUN IN THE AIR pg 6-7 槟政府移交 2015 制度化拨款 pg 1 buletin FREE Competency Accountability Transparency March 1-15, Top 3 for investments Story by Chan Lilian A WHOPPING 109% increase in investment in 2014 compared to the previous year. That is the impressive figure Penang recorded when investments leapt from RM3.91 billion in 2013 to RM8.16 billion. Out of that figure, RM5.1 billion came from foreign investments. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made the announcement in a press conference in Komtar on Feb 27 as members of the exco shared the wonderful news. Penang is the third state with the highest investment after Johor and Sarawak. Lim pointed out that the major sector is the electronics and electrical (E&E) sector. This proves we are strong in the E&E sector as a main player in the supply chain. This is a sign of sustainable progress. What is important is the quality investment we are getting. We should not just see the numbers but also the high value, high quality investments we received. Lim thanked investpenang general manager Loo Lee Lian who was at the press conference and also several government agencies like the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) for all their efforts in drawing investments to the state. We hope we can continue with this success, he said. Meanwhile, Lim who was at the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) Chinese New Year open house, told the crowd: Investments in Penang has increased to RM48 billion within six years between , compared The numbers speak for themselves. This graph shows the total investments before 2008 and after 2008 when Pakatan Rakyat took over. to the six years previously, that is which was only RM24 billion. A list of the latest main investments are: a) Haemonetics Malaysia Sdn Bhd with an investment of RM150 million. The company is the global pioneer in blood management systems and started production at the plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Park recently. b) In February, Toshiba Medical System Manufacturing Asia also had the company s official plant opening. The company invested RM50 million for the manufacturing of ultrasound medical diagnostics in Bayan Lepas Industrial Park. c) Seagate, in line with its latest project investment amounting to RM1 billion, will soon begin work on the manufacturing of a new generation of HDD (computer hard drives). d) PDC and investpenang also promote the innovation and creative sector through the Creative Animation Triggers (CAT) at the Wisma Yeap Chor Ee heritage building.

2 2 March 1-15, 2015 MESSAGE BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB LIM GUAN ENG IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRESENTATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PENANG SENIOR CITIZENS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME FOR SENIORS AGED 60 YEARS AND ABOVE SINCE 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat Government of Penang has administered the state based on the principles of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT), which resulted in a clean administration with budget surpluses every year. This success has enabled the state government to implement a variety of golden RM1,000 to the family of deceased senior citizens, single mothers and OKUs as well as all public university entrance students. The state government has spent a total of RM million on all the Penang Golden Programmes from 2008 to The breakdown of the allocation is as follows: Lim with some of the senior citizens from Air Putih. No. Programme Allocation (RM) (2008 to 2014) 1 Senior citizens and their heirs 90,993,100 2 Golden Students 15,269,100 3 Single mothers and their heirs 3,998,200 4 Golden Child 9,358,800 5 OKU (Welfare Department) 2,716,100 6 Golden Mothers 4,014,800 Total 126,350,100 financial contribution programmes as part of its efforts to acknowledge and look after the welfare of its citizens. Annually, the state government contributes RM100 to each senior citizen who is 60 years of age or above; disabled persons (OKU), single mothers and golden mothers that do not work but look after the family. In addition, the state government also gives a contribution of RM100 to all Year 1 & 4 and Form 1 & 4 students under the Golden Student Scheme; RM200 through the Golden Child Programme and The Penang state government will deliver a contribution of RM100 to all registered senior citizens under the Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme. The contributions for Phase One in 2015 involves a total allocation of RM15.69 million and this disbursement will be made from March 9 to 20. The breakdown of the total registered recipients of the Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme for Phase One in 2015 according to district as at Feb 9 is as follows: District Total (People) North East District 64,237 South West District 19,607 Seberang Perai North 33,381 Sebarang Perai Central 26,981 Seberang Perai South 12,738 Total 156,944 This is an anti-corruption dividend for the Rakyat! A clean CAT administration has enabled the Pakatan Rakyat state government to accumulate budget surpluses for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013 amounting to RM453 million compared to RM373.6 million during the period of 50 years before This shows the sterling financial performance under six (6) years of the Pakatan Rakyat state government compared to the previous 50 years. Through the success of the Pakatan Rakyat state government in combating corruption, golden cash programmes that benefit the rakyat such as these will be continued. The Pakatan Rakyat state government guarantees that these golden cash programmes will be implemented every year because we believe that a clean administration as practised by the state government will ensure the continuance of these contributions. Thank you. YAB LIM GUAN ENG CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG Mother s love vital for family s happiness CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng said mothers play a pertinent part in the well-being of a family. Without the contribution and care from a mother, there will be less happiness in a family. In view of this, the state government wishes to take care of women since they can contribute greatly to the welfare of the family in particular and the nation in general. Penang Mammogram 2015 represents a health campaign by the state government which has appointed BP Healthcare as the organiser and Penang Women s Development Corporation (PWDC), Penang Sihat and Pink Penang as support groups to breast cancer sufferers in Penang, Lim told a press conference during the signing ceremony for the Penang Mammogram 2015 programme with BP Healthcare recently. Statistics show that 19 out of 10,000 deaths in the world are due to breast cancer. We realise that one out of 20 women in the country face the risk of getting breast cancer in their lives, which works out to some 700,000 headcount, state exco member for Health Dr. Afif Bahardin said. The Penang Mammogram 2015, which started on Feb 28, will be on for three years at a cost of RM3 million. This free mammogram screening will be available for registered Penang women voters aged 35 years and above. The candidates for the screening will be identified by Women;s Brigade from their respective constituency. The mammogram service is expected to benefit a total of 23,280 participants. Under this programme, women will be given transport to receive their mammogram screening and also attend health talks. It will be carried out on Saturdays and Sundays. If it proves to be successful, the state government is ready to extend the programme to working days. This initiative for Penang Mammogram 2015 is an effort to show that the state government loves Penang women, Lim added. For more info contact: Pink Penang at , Penang Women Development Centre at , BP Diagnostic Centre at or Penang State Health Office (MMK Kesihatan) at Dr. Afif explaining to media how the free mammogram programme works.

3 March 1-15, Penang Hill s added attraction Story by Chan Lilian Pix by Alissala Thian VISITORS to Penang Hill can now have a fabulous, breath-taking view of the island and mainland from the newly opened Viewing Deck which is 750 metres above sea level. Opened on Feb 8, the deck has three tiers and a garden and is part of Phase 2 of the upgrading project at the Upper Station. The construction cost of Phase 2 is RM9.05 million. A third parcel, which consists of the lift, museum gallery and a cafe is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of next March. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, exco member Chow Kon Yeow and several other assemblymembers were at the opening ceremony recently. All these new facilities are purposely planned and built to cater for the increasing number of tourists coming up to Penang Hill, Lim told the guests. From Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) statistics, tourist arrivals has increased steadily from 600,000 in 2011 to 1.2 million in 2012 and 1.23 million in Last year the figure exceeded the 1.36 million mark, with this year s figure expected to reach 1.45 million. These will be balanced development because much of the ecosystem, the natural surroundings, the fauna and flora will be preserved, bearing in mind that the tourists come to enjoy the natural heritage, the cool fresh air of Penang Hill. Our vision is to make Penang Hill the hill resort of choice in Malaysia and Southeast Asia even. he added. The new attraction at Penang Hill which is the Viewing Deck will give visitors a fantastic view of the island and mainland. Bridging the old and new ITS peculiar shape has resulted in a few monikers being attached to it. Some call it an octopus or spider while others prefer to label it simply as sotong (squid) bridge but no doubt that its strategic location at the crossroads linking Jalan Penang, Jalan Burma and Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong has made the overhead bridge an iconic infrastructure within George Town and more so within the vicinity of Komtar. Since its inception in 1993 at a cost of RM 1.25 million, the condition of the bridge has deteriorated over the years and as such, its feasibility and rate of use by the public has been subjected to scrutiny by both the state government and the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP). Checks by MPPP has shown the bridge s dire state of affairs where it has become a convenient makeshift abode for the homeless and worse still, snatch thefts are common while the seclusion of the hidden corners around the bridge especially during the night have made it a perfect striking spot for robbers. A press conference was held on May 10, 2013 to seek public opinion on the suggestion at the time to demolish the bridge and to replace it with a pedestrian crossing. Within a one-month period from May 14 until June 14, 2013, a total of 138 responses were received via , telephone and even written letters in which 96 respondents did not agree to demolish it while only 42 agreed. Considering the bridge s origin, a decision was finally made by the state government to upgrade An artist s impression of the Octopus bridge. it and the project believed to take 9 to 12 months for completion was officially launched on Feb 5 at a ceremony at Komtar Walk. Considering the opinion of the majority of Penangites to maintain the bridge, the state government has decided to retain the infrastructure and to upgrade it with a lift and escalator to curb jaywalking and incidents of snatch thefts on it, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the official launch which was also attended by MPPP president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail, exco for Works, Utilities and Transport Lim Hock Seng, Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik and Komtar assemblymember Teh Lai Heng. The state government has received a proposal from Syarikat Ensignia Construction Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of IGB Corporation Berhad, that has willingly sponsored the upgrading works. The total upgrading expenditure is RM 6million but Ensignia is willing to sponsor the amount as part of its corporate social responsibility, Lim added.

4 4 March 1-15, 2015 Thousands at Chief Minister s open house Story by Victor Seow and Nazleen Najeeb Pix by Shum Jian Wei Story by Danny Ooi Pix by Law Suun Ting THOUSANDS thronged the streets of George Town s heritage enclave to enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Penangites Chinese New Year Celebration 2015 held recently. The environment was made merrier with Chinese lanterns hung up throughout the area, paper cuttings of auspicious legendary figures, door couplets with characters showing good luck and good fortune signs. The crowded streets came alive with music and songs filling the air as visitors took in the sight. A special theme song crafted for the celebration themed Penangites Celebrate Chinese New Year was aired non-stop following a dance choreographed to the tune, was staged at the opening of the event. The beat of the merry making continued with street and Chinese cultural shows that included a Chinese orchestra, lion dance on stilts, dragon dance, Chinese Yo-Yo and wushu. Booths offering food fare of the various Chinese dialect groups and local delicacies were a hit and operators of the 100-odd stalls were doing brisk business throughout the event. Visitors also took the opportunity to visit the People from all walks of life thronged the Open House to greet members of the state administration. THE main hall of the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) was a scene of bustling activities, cultural performances and frequent exchanges of well wishes among the thousands of guests who turned up on Feb 19. Many were dressed in red, the colour befitting the festive season and joyous event for the day and the giving of mandarin oranges was a common sight, signifying mutual acceptance of luck and wealth for the new year. Such was the auspicious spectacle of the Penang Chief Minister s Chinese New Year Open House at SPICE to usher in the new Year of the Goat. Standing at the main entrance to give the guests a warm welcome was none other than the host himself, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and his wife Betty Chew, both in red attire to suit the occasion. It was one of the moments in everyday life in Penang where its people could get up and close with the Chief Minister - with the only difference being, with the added festive flavour, the mood was one of minimal formality which provided the perfect opportunity for the mingling between people from all walks of life with public officials and civil servants. Some thousands of locals and foreigners turned up and helped themselves to the lavish spread before them which included belacan fried chicken, koey teow, popiah, fruits, tomato rice, roast chicken and vegetarian delicacies. Besides the usual lion dance performances by Jelutong Lion Dance Association and a combination of Malay and Chinese cultural dance performances, the main cast of My Papa Rich came all the way from Singapore for a special appearance to promote their movie. Let us welcome the thriving new year as this year represents solidarity and harmony, said Lim in his speech. We must stand firm and work hard to prosper together, he added. Lim also expressed his gratitude to all communities for their great support to his administration. Among the dignitaries present to welcome the Year of the Goat were Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Exco members, assemblymembers and Members of Parliament. George Town comes alive for CNY 20 clan houses and clan temples in the Unesco heritage enclave. Traditional arts of yesteryear were exhibited with shows of the dying arts being the centre of attraction in King Street, Bishop Street, Penang Street, Chulia Street, Armenian Street and Cannon Street. Meanwhile, self-employed foot therapist Toh Hon Kwong, 63, said he was thrilled with the celebration which offered many interesting sights to see and experience. This is my fifth year at the celebration. I love to take in the festive atmosphere and also watch the dragon dance on stilts, added Toh, who came from mainland Prai. Organising chairman Ng Wei Aik said the annual affair had a bigger area to provide a better and more conducive atmosphere. Formerly the event was held mainly at Armenian Street, Acheh Street and Cannon Street, and last year, we shifted the event to the financial district, he said. Ng, who is also Tanjong MP, said Penang hopes to make the event a trademark of the state by renaming it Penangites Chinese New Year Celebration. The two-day celebration organised by the state government and the Penang Chinese Clan Council, was sponsored by Eastern & Oriental Berhad and Star Cruises. ART EXHIBITION THE Alliance Francaise de Penang will hold an exclusive female art exhibition from March 13 (from 6pm) to March 21 at The Star, Pitt St. The exhibition is held in conjunction with International Women s Day and proceeds from the sales of the paintings will benefit the Women s Centre for Change. The Star Pitt St. is open from 9am to 6pm. Details, visit com. CHARITY VISIT PENANG Parents will be organising a visit to Penang Cheshire Home on March 14, from 9.30am to 1pm. Suggested contributions for those who wish to participate would be cash (ang pow for children), food and helping to serve the disabled. Call Winnie at to register. NEW PREMISES CHARIS Hospice will be opening its new premises at 26 & 28, Lintang Paya Terubong 3, Penang, on March 14 from 9am to 11am. All are welcome. Details, call / AEROBICS DANCE PENANG Fitness Association is holding aerobics dance exercise classes from 8am to 9am on Sundays, and from 6pm to 7pm on Wednesdays at the Penang Municipal Park (Youth Park). Those interested in becoming instructors can discuss with Jeorge Subramaniam at the Sunday class. Details, call Jeorge at FREE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TAMAN Sri Nibong Residents Association has free community activities for all Penangites. There are free line dancing, aerobics, English for Adults, strum & sing guitar lessons and ping-pong. Call the respective persons-in-charge in the link below if you are interested to join any of these activities. (Link: COUNSELLING HELP4U, an initiative of the Penang Education Council, provides confidential, anonymous and free counselling for young people aged between 13 and 25 who need help on issues related to their studies, family, relationship and others. For more information, visit or call (weekdays 1.30pm to 5.30pm). WCC SERVICES THE Women s Centre for Change located at 241, Jalan Burmah (next tp PTPL College) provides free and confidential services through its hotline, , face-to-face counselling and shelter for women in crisis. Details, wcc@wccpenang.org or call MARTIAL ARTS CLASS YMCA Penang is conducting wing chun martial arts classes on Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. For details, call or EXERCISE SESSION BAYAN Baru Rukun Tetangga will hold free aerobics session from 6pm to 7pm on Mondays and free line dancing sessions from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays at the Medan Bayan Pasir children s playground in Bayan Baru. Call Jeorge Subramaniam ( ) for details about the aerobics session and Joselyn Chin ( ) for line dancing.

5 March 1-15, Joyous occasion to meet up Story by Danny Ooi Pix by Law Suun Ting SOME 200 guests were feted to a luncheon during the Chinese New Year Open House organised by the Penang Senior Citizens Association on February 28. Among those present were Air Itam assemblymember Wong Hon Wai, Penang Malays Association (Pemenang) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Yusoff Latiff, association president Cheah Chooi Aik and its members. In his speech, Wong said Chinese New Year like other celebrations is a joyous and memorable occasion to meet up with old friends and also to make new ones. It is also a very conducive time to exchange good wishes and greet one another for the new year. Besides having various delicious food, guests were treated to a lion dance and the appearance of the God Of Prosperity as a show of good tidings for the Chinese New Year. Wong (centre) and other guests coming together for a group photograph. Rayer holds festive do From left Lim Kok Wah, chairman of the Island Park Village Security and Development Committee, Dr. Tan Seang Aun, its secretary, Chow and Rayer at the reception. SERI Delima assemblymember RSN Rayer hosted a Chinese New Year Open House for the Island Park residents at the Japanese Garden on Feb 25. The Japanese Garden, which is a popular recreation spot for joggers, youths, senior citizens and children, was lit up with 5,000 red lanterns. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and exco member Chow Kon Yeow joined the 500-plus guests at the dinner function. In his speech, Chow commended the work done by Rayer. Rayer is the kind of person who believes in Deliver As Promised (DAP) and he has done a great job for the people of Seri Delima as he is committed and very dedicated, Chow said. I recently checked our Pakatan Rakyat 2013 election manifesto and I found that many of them have indeed been fulfilled, some being implemented and I am sure by the end of our term, all will be delivered as promised, Chow added. Meanwhile, Lim received roaring applause from the guests and an astounding YES when he asked them: The state government is ever ready to fight for the people. Are you ready to support us? Lim explained to them the debt figures revealed by the World Bank which stood at RM1.4 trillion and if the amount is divided among the 28 million Malaysians, it means each person has a debt of RM50,000. Lim also pointed out the upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the talk on the rise in ferry fares which will greet the people in 2015 but assured them the state will continue to work for the people. Getting a taste of Balik Pulau Explorer STATE exco members Chong Eng and Chow Kon Yeow, together with municipal councillors and members of the media, were recently taken on a 5km ride to get a feel of the Balik Pulau Explorer event to be held on May 2. Starting off from the Audi Dream Farm which is about 1.5km from the Balik Pulau sports complex, the group made its way through nearby villages surrounded by paddy fields and lush greenery and returned to the starting point some one hour later. Among those who also joined the ride were Cleaner & Greener sports and recreation manager Edric Beh, Penang Cycling Association (PCA) acting president Mohd Ibrahim Marican, its deputy president Roslan Othman and secretary Mohamed Ismail. Exco for Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Chong Eng said the Balik Pulau Explorer event allows participants to appreciate the natural environment of Balik Pulau. It is also geared to be in line with the state s motto of Cleaner, Greener and Healthier Penang and to introduce Chow (third from left), Chong Eng (fourth from left), Beh (right) and other riders starting off on the trial Balik Pulau Explorer ride. the scenic places to tourists, she added. She hopes other non-governmental organisations will follow in the footsteps of Cleaner & Greener Sports in organizing similar riding campaigns to promote public awareness to love the environment and create a greener public realm. Meanwhile, Beh said in line with the state s initiative of a Cleaner, Greener and Healthier Penang, Cleaner & Greener Sports encourages people to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of using cars for short trips. For more information on the Balik Pulau Explorer & Monster Climb 2015, contact Cleaner & Greener Sports at Lot 1-10, The Gallery, Kompleks Perniagaan Seri Damai, Medan Batu Lanchang (Tel: ) or register online at penangevents.com.my

6 6 March 1-15, 2015 A fiesta too hot to forget A breath-taking view of one which glows in the dark. Story by Victor Seow Pix by Shum Jian-Wei and Ahmad Adil Muhamad THE rising temperatures whenever the hydrogen-filled blasters fired shots of hot air into the balloon was a clear indication of the weather conditions endured by those who were at Padang Polo on Feb 21 and 22 for the 2015 Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. People started gathering as early as 6.30am at the grounds where the event was held. Despite the hot and humid weather, the spirits and enthusiasm of those who turned up were not dampened. Some came out of curiosity while others came for a peek but most, if not all, were driven by an inexplicable anxiety to have a taste of this one-of-a-kind hot air balloon ride experience brought for the first time to Penang under the auspices of the state government with the cooperation of Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Penang Global Tourism. As each balloon rose higher and higher until they scaled the maximum permitted height of 60 ft, the similarly raised adrenaline levels of the participants, perched in the basket attached to each balloon, and their facial expressions were evidence of the undeniable excitement which had set in. Besides the usual photo snapping and hand waving to friends who remained on the ground, the joy and laughter among the participants meant that once again a successful programme organised and implemented within a mere idea 150 days had made its mark in the ever fun-filled Penang Tourism Calendar of Events for Come to where the freedom is! said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the launch of the colourful event on the night of Feb 21. With all balloons fired up just like a lantern, Lim added the spectacular event marked a continuous enjoyment Penang has to offer throughout the Year of Festivals The balloon ride brought the Fabulous February Fiesta to a thrilling end. Also present at the launch were Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Institute CEO Dr Lim Kim Hwa and Penang Hill Corporation general manager Dr Lawrence Khoo. Earlier in the day, State Exco for Tourism Development and Culture Danny Law Heng Kiang officiated the event by taking the first available hot air balloon ride with his family. He also commended Penang Global Tourism for its success in making the hot air balloon ride a reality in spite of its lack of previous experience in such events and the time constraint to meet the Chinese New Year deadline. This Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the many events which are in store for the year and is the state government s continuous effort to brand Penang as the place to be in There are a host of other programmes specially for Chinese New Year which will last till Chap Goh Meh. And many more exciting ones till the end of the year. Law told members of the press. Ooi briefed the press on other fun activities in store for the twoday programme. Apart from the tethered balloon ride, we also have the cold inflation balloon which allows everyone to walk into the balloon interior for photo opportunities. And not to forget, we have three tethered ones in which the balloons resemble Trump, Darth Vader and Humpty Dumpty. And to cater to as many people as possible, we also have familyfriendly activities such as fun inflatable playgrounds, creative workshops, archery, photography competition, colouring contest, paramotor performance, remote plane and helicopter show and others, Ooi said. Ooi added that there were altogether 15 hot air balloons for the programme in which the tethered ones were at Padang Polo while the free-flying ones were placed at the Penang Municipal Park. In order to ease the traffic A favourite choice with Star Wars fans. flow as well as parking spaces, free shuttle bus services were also provided by the state from three different pick-up points on the island to Padang Polo namely; Jetty/Komtar, Tesco Tanjung Tokong and Queensbay Mall. Besides attracting the locals, the event also had visitors who were balloonists from the United States, South Korea, Canada, United Kingdom and Belgium. Getting the balloon ready for its lift off. Different shapes and colours catering to the different tastes of visitors.

7 March 1-15, Organisers explain crash landing Story by Danny Ooi Pix by Law Suun Ting IT was not a crash landing. Derek Hancock, the pilot of the hot air balloon that landed at the Mount Erksine cemetery ground in Air Itam, said the supposed crash landing as reported in the local media was in fact a regular landing. There was no more suitable place at the time of landing, he told a press conference at Komtar on Feb 23. Also present were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) recreation, tourism and international communication director Mohamed Akbar Mustapha, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Izzati Khairudin and balloonist Filip Audenaert The Penang Turf Club field was the best alternative place to land, but we were not allowed to do so, Hancock added. The balloon which took off from the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta site on Feb 19 caused a stir among the public when it crash landed at the cemetery in Air Itam. Curious passers-by rushed to the scene when they saw the balloon landing at the wrong place. Photos of the crash landed balloon immediately went viral on social media sites. Hancock commented that public s perception about hot air balloons is not always right. We wish to educate the public about the issue, he stressed during the press conference. Ooi explained that all the three balloons landed safely within the 3.7km clearance radius of the take-off location at the Penang Municipal Park. All three enjoyed a smooth flight and landing. The balloonists chose the best possible clear space within ABT Jaya Holdings Sdn Bhd 6833 Jalan Bagan Jermal Butterworth No. Tel : No. Fax : Golden Virtue Capital Sdn. Bhd D'Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri Bandar Bayan Baru Bayan Lepas Pulau Pinang No. Tel : No. Fax : Cendana Realty Sdn Bhd 184B, Jalan Raja Uda Pusat Perniagaan Raja Uda Butterworth No. Tel : No. Fax : Lai Keat Development Sdn Bhd Blk Jalan Gangsa Greenlane Height Pulau Pinang No. Tel : No. Fax : Bertam Properties Sdn Bhd No. 1 Jalan Dagangan 1 Pusat Bandar Bertam Perdana Kepala Batas No. Tel : No. Fax : the radius mentioned for their landing on the island, he said, adding that the balloon landed on a pathway in a cemetery and not on any graves. Meanwhile, Mohamed Akbar said there were no reports lodged with the Fire and Rescue Department, the police and hospital about the crash landing issue. Di Atas Lot , , dan , Mukim 7 Seberang Perai Selatan Pulau Pinang. Di Atas Lot dan 13514, Mukim 12 Jalan Mahsuri/Persiaran Mahsuri Daerah Barat Daya Pulau Pinang. Di Atas Lot , Seksyen 4, Bandar Butterworth, Seberang Perai Utara Pulau Pinang. Di Atas Lot 879, Mukim 1, Seberang Perai Selatan Pulau Pinang. Di Atas Lot , Bertam Perdana 3, Fasa 3 Kepala Batas Seberang Perai Utara Pulau Pinang. Taman Sungai Jawi The Arena (Arena Curve, Arena Residence & Arena Suite) The Platinum Taman Puteri Emas (Fasa 1) Keladi Bussiness Point (Fasa 3) Rumah Teres 2 Tingkat Rumah Berkembar 2 Tingkat Rumah Kedai 2 Tingkat Kedai/Pejabat 2 Tingkat Kedai/Pejabat 3 Tingkat Office Suite Rumah Berkembar 2 ½ Tingkat Rumah Teres 2 Tingkat Kedai/Pejabat 2 Tingkat Hancook : It was not a crash landing. BAHAGIAN PERUMAHAN, PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI PULAU PINANG. SENARAI LOT-LOT BUMIPUTERA UNTUK DIJUAL BIL NAMA PEMAJU LOKASI NAMA PROJEK JENIS PEMAJUAN HARGA SEUNIT RM250, RM308, RM388, RM416, RM398, RM1,023, RM1,400, RM1,363, RM2,438, RM337, RM1,200, RM1,140, RM370, RM351, RM383, RM443, HARGA SELEPAS POTONGAN 5% RM237, RM292, RM368, RM395, RM378, RM972, RM1,330, RM1,295, RM2,316, RM320, RM364, RM421, BAKI UNIT KUOTA BUMIPUTERA PEGAWAI PERHUBUNGAN Lean Kay Hiang Chin Choy Leng Rizana binti Abu Bakar Sim Lay Kun Mohd Fahmi bin Mohtar

8 8 March 1-15, 2015 Step closer to home ownership Story and pix by Victor Seow THE 2015 Malaysia Property Exhibition (Mapex) was held from Feb 21 to 24 with the theme A New Year, A New Home, reflecting the commitment and the efforts of the state government in making home ownership among Penangites, especially for first time buyers, something realistic and attainable. The state government places great emphasis to help the low income group to own a home. The cost of living has risen and the impact of the GST to be implemented on April 1 has already been felt by consumers since its announcement in 2013, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said in his speech. Having this as a state policy is the reason behind the allocation of RM500 million by the state government towards the Public Housing Fund to build 22,545 public and affordable housing units in all five districts of Penang. Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) Penang chairman Datuk Jerry Chan noted, in his welcoming speech the milestone achieved by Rehda in becoming the leading voice of the real estate and housing industry. Rehda has been engaging the state government and government agencies to resolve the challenges faced by the industry in the face of economic uncertainties as well as rising construction and compliance costs. The real estate and housing industry shares the state government s vision and mission of Lim (third from left) and his exco members having a closer look at some of the properties exhibited. providing adequate, quality and affordable housing for the people, said Chan. Towards the end of the official opening ceremony for Mapex 2015, a cheque presentation was held as part of Rehda s corporate social responsibility programme. Two cheques amounting to RM 10,000 each were presented to Persatuan Kanakkanak Cerebral Palsy (Spastik) Pulau Pinang and Gan En Zhi Jia Bhd. Also present at the exhibition were State exco members Jagdeep Singh Deo and Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim and director of Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) Sdn Bhd Dr. Teoh Poh Huat. Build more affordable housing, developers urged PENANG exco for Housing, Town and Country Planning Jagdeep Singh Deo said he was extremely pleased with the overwhelming response to the state government s affordable housing project at Jalan SP Chelliah, George Town. With this response, private developers should also engage in 100% affordable housing projects, he said in his speech during the registration roadshow at D Piazza Mall in Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, recently. The day-long event organised by Chelliah Park City developer, Zubicon Sdn Bhd, saw an endless stream of house buyers who came to check out the various types of houses offered. Jagdeep said Penangites should grab the opportunity to own affordable homes in George Town since the state had allowed applicants to choose the project they were interested in. He added that the state had received about 4,000 applications for affordable homes in the state. The market is there, especially with the impending implementation of Goods and Services Tax, he added. Meanwhile, Zubicon managing director Lim Beng Keong said the project with the Penang Development Corporation would have 883 units with built-up size of 800sq ft priced at RM200,000, 165 units of 900sq ft (RM300,000) and 275 units of 1,000sq ft (RM400,000). The response is overwhelming and the state government has released the names of 770 applicants to us for this project. Imagine owning a unit in the inner city of George Town by paying only RM250 per sq ft for the 800sq ft units. Normally it will cost between RM550 and RM600 per sq ft. This is definitely a good deal, he said A ground-breaking ceremony for Chelliah Park City will be held on March 6 at 10am at the housing site at Jalan SP Chelliah. The crowd checking out the housing available at Chelliah Park City during the roadshow held at D Piazza Mall. - Pix courtesy of Jagdeep Singh Deo

9 March 1-15, Stop passing the buck on PR1MA, Putrajaya told Story by Chan Lilian Pix by Alissala Thian AMIDST the joyous Chinese New Year celebrations, exco member for Housing and Town & Country Planning Jagdeep Singh Deo hit out at the dismal failure by the federal government to provide affordable housing to Penangites. Jagdeep was at the Sri Tanjong flats, Jalan Perak, on Feb 28 to hand out 200 hampers to the needy. He held a press conference to update on the latest development on Penang housing and the plans to turn the open space next to Sri Tanjong flat into a pocket park. Jagdeep described the Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia (PR1MA) programme as pathetic. To date, 9,858 units of affordable housing that have been submitted by the private sector to the Penang state government for approval. This is wholly unlike the pathetic status of the implementation of the alleged plans by the federal government to build affordable housing under (PR1MA) programme, he said. The state government has made its top priority the provision of affordable housing to Penangites. In this regard, the state government, together with Penang Development Corporation, has 12 affordable housing projects in the pipeline which will see a total of 22,545 low-cost, low-medium cost and affordable housing being built in Penang. It should be noted that a total of 4,545 units to be completed by Housing Roadshow THE public is invited to attend the Mission Home-Possible roadshow organised by the Penang Housing Department, which began last year, and which will continue in 2015, as follows: No. Parliament Constitutency Venue Date 1 Bukit Bendera Gurney Plaza, March 21 (Saturday) Persiaran Gurney 2 Bukit Gelugor TESCO E-Gate April 11 (Saturday) 3 Batu Kawan / Nibong Tebal PDC Sales Gallery, April 11 (Saturday) Batu Kawan 4 Balik Pulau Pasar Awam Balik Pulau April 18 (Saturday) 5 Tasek Gelugor / Kepala Batas MYDIN Bertam April 18 (Saturday) These roadshows will showcase the various projects being undertaken by the state government and the public can also register if they are interested in the said projects. the state government by 2018 does not take into account the number of low-cost, low-medium cost and affordable housing units to be built by the private sector which is expected to equal the number during the same period. This would mean an anticipated total of approximately 9,000 units of low and low-medium cost units will be ready by 2018 for eligible Penangites, he said. It should also be further noted that this does not include the further sum of approximately 18,000 more units of low, low-medium cost and affordable housing units which are in the pipeline to be built by the state government which we anticipate, will be matched by the private sector, he said. The total number such low, lowmedium cost and affordable housing units that are in store for Penangites would therefore be, approximately, some 45,000 units. Further, it should be noted that this is on top of the 20,079 of low and low-medium cost units that have been built in Penang since In contrast, where PR1MA housing is concerned, Jagdeep is still pursing the matter. Despite several letters, there are no concrete figures of the houses to be built, where and when. Enough is enough. The federal government should stop passing the buck where the provision of affordable housing under PR1MA to Penangites is concerned! he asserted. PARTICULARS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS No. Project Name District Low Cost (units) Low Medium Cost (units) Affordable Housing (units) Total (units) 1 Teluk Kumbar DBD Jelutong DTL Lebuh Cecil DTL SP Chelliah DTL ,323 2,093 5 Sandiland DTL Bandar Cassia SPS - 3,372 8,428 11,800 7 Kampung Jawa SPU Ampang Jajar SPU ,200 9 Mak Mandin SPU Bukit Mertajam SPT Juru SPT , Ujung Batu SPU 600-1,108 1,708 GRAND TOTAL 820 7,874 13,851 22,545 CURRENT STATUS OF THE VARIOUS PROJECTS No. Project Name Total (units) COW No. of units expected to be completed onwards 1 Teluk Kumbar 694 July Jelutong 556 Dec Lebuh Cecil 348 Sept SP Chelliah 2,093 Dec 14 2,093 5 Sandiland 803 June Bandar Cassia 11,800 Dec ,760 7 Kampung Jawa 707 Nov Ampang Jajar 1,200 Nov 15 1,200 9 Mak Mandin 220 Dec Bukit Mertajam 816 Dec Juru 1,600 June 17 1, Ujung Batu 1,708 Dec 16 1,708 GRAND TOTAL 22, ,401 2,624 18,000 **COW - Commencement of Works

10 10 March 1-15, 2015 Towards a stress-free lifestyle Story by Danny Ooi Pix by Law Suun Ting COME March 22, the Stress-Free Lifestyle Carnival 2015 will be held at Jalan Padang Kota Lama, Esplanade from 7am to 2pm. The event is organised in conjunction with D Home s 10th anniversary, with support of Penang State Sports Council, Penang Amateur Athletics Association, Penang Island Municipal Council together with Delta, Foodbank4U, IHS, Sunquick, Zumba Fitness, Segi College and others. It is also endorsed by the Youth & Sports, Women, Family & Community Development Department. Although D Home started with only a few dedicated and committed committee members who were championing this worthy cause as volunteers, we have since then garnered a growing number of supporters, and we would like to thank our major donors over the years, D Home president Datuk Leslie Lee said at a press conference at Komtar on Feb 11. Lee added that the main objectives of this event among others is to bring hope and meaning in life to the mentally disabled and their care givers and to create mental health awareness in the community. Throughout these past 10 years, we Stress Free Lifestyle Carnival March 2015 (Sun) 7am 2pm Padang Kota Lama Esplanade, Penang Organised by: Lee (eighth from left) and Chong Eng (11th from left) joining organisers and sponsors for a group photograph at the press conference. Endorsed by: With the support of: MMK Youth & Sports, Women, Family & Community Development In aid of D Home Mental Health Association To bring hope and meaning in life to people with mental disabilities and their care-givers & to equip them with coping skills to live purposeful lives. How you can contribute: Cash / Cheque donation of any amount o Direct debit to Maybank account number Persatuan Minda D Home o Cheque payable to Persatuan Minda D Home Advertise in A5 size Advertisement Booklet o Half page RM100 o Full page RM200 o Back cover RM300 Sponsor a booth at RM600 per booth o Pay for a booth and let D Home arrange for someone to sell food to raise funds o Pay for a booth to promote/sell own products (must have prior approval from D Home) Sponsor Fun Walk for the disabled at RM30 per participant Purchase Food Fair Vouchers at RM30 per booklet Sign-up for Fun Walk and/or Zumba at RM30 per participant. Online registration deltaevents.com.my ** For Donation of RM100 and above, a tax-exemption receipt will be issued upon request. Event Highlights: Fun Walk (3km) Zumba Tai-Chi Food Fair (110 food stalls including Halal food) Lucky Draw Health Screening & Blood Donation Children s Colouring Contest Clowns & Sculptured Balloons Face Painting Laughter & Music Therapy Stage Performances D Home Mental Health Association 66, Lintang Bukit Jambul Bayan Lepas Penang Tel: (Ms. Kavita) dhomepg@gmail.com Web: d-home.org.my Event Contact : Ms. Sally Yeoh have seen how our programmes and services have benefitted our members and the community but because of lack of funds, we are limited in expanding our services. With more funding and the support from the state government, corporations and the public, we will be able to do much more, he said. Lee said the carnival is not just about raising funds. More importantly, it is about creating awareness on the importance of mental health and to encourage people with mental health problems to seek help as well as to reduce social discrimination against people with mental illness, he added. Meanwhile, exco for Youth & Sports, Women and Family & Community Development Chong Eng said mental, physical and social health are important in life. As we delve deeper into the interconnection between the three aspects, mental health is the most worrying in the whole well-being of an individual, community and the country. It is pertinent that the female gender take care of mental health for their well-being and happiness to mould a productive and healthy community, she added. We need to protect the dignity of mental patients and assist them to get back their self-confidence to contribute to society. Towards this end, the state government appreciates the efforts of D Home towards moulding a mentally healthy and more productive community, she added. For further information about the carnival, contact D Home Mental Health Association at 66, Lintang Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas (tel: Kavita; Sally Yeoh ), dhomepg@ gmail.com, or visit their website d- home.org.my. Water levels good for now PENANG Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the water in Penang dams can last for two months or more if Penang residents are prudent in their water usage. We are ok. The capacity of the Air Itam, Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang dams were recorded at 84.6%, 72.6% and respectively as of Feb 23. According to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), the supply from the three dams is expected to last between 52 and 221, he told a press conference in Komtar. At the end of February last year, the water levels of the Air Itam, Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang dams were at 67.52%, 88.21% and 44.99% respectively, Lim, who is also PBAPP chairman, said. However, I still urge the public to save water as we do not know how long the draught will last this time around, he added. Meanwhile, Lim said that PBAPP does not impose any charge for dismantling water pipes and only charges RM10 for reconnecting. He was commenting on the issue of RM35 charged respectively for disconnecting and reconnecting water pipes in Kedah, as mentioned by Kedah assembly members at the press conference.

11 March 1-15, RM100,000 for Buddhist temple Story and pix by Chan Lilian WAT Chanthararam Thai Buddhist Temple committee on Feb 28 received RM100,000 from the state government at the Thai Festival venue at Penang Times Square. Wat Chanthararam Thai Buddhist Temple in Tanah Liat, Seberang Perai, was vandalised by a mentally unstable man and the temple committee had sought help from Permatang Pauh MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Temple committee chairman Gan Kok Weng received the cheque from Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and witnessed by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, Exco Jagdeep Singh Deo and Pengkalan Kota assemblymember Lau Keng Ee at the Times Square. Also present was Thai Consul-General to Penang Chongcharoen Devahastin Na Ayudhaya Lim had in a Feb 7 press statement praised the people of Penang for the religious harmony they displayed when faced with several incidences. One of them is the Telaga Air Mosque in Butterworth where the people succeeded in helping the police to detain a man involved in the act of desecrating a mosque by throwing a package believed to contain pork into the compound. That was the third incident where places of religious worship had been desecrated and attacked. The first two incidents involved Wat Chanthararam and the Riverside Kaliamman Hindu Temple in Pokok Machang, Tasek Gelugor. Gan (left) receiving the cheque from Lim (third from left) while Chongcharoen (second from left) and Sim witness the ceremony. The state government strongly condemns such criminal attacks as barbaric. Firm and quick action must be taken against these destructive and undesirable elements who threaten religious harmony and places of religious worship. However, the people of Penang are mature enough to preserve racial and religious harmony and peace by ignoring and not being affected by the actions of these undesirable and destructive elements, he added. The state government will work actively with all parties to ensure that these attacks will not undermine the unity and stability of the multi-religious and multi-racial community in the state. Gan thanked the state government and related how several leaders, including Anwar, had assured him that the state will help. Sweet visual aid machine THEIR faces shone with the radiance of appreciation as exco member Jagdeep Singh Deo handed over the Candy 4HD to them. Sweet as it may sound but the Candy is actually a US-made visual aid machine which helps to magnify printed words, thus enlarging fonts to help its user to read. And the grateful recipients were none other than Nur Hikmah Mohd Helmy who was born with poor vision and her mother Halimah Abdul Wahab. Despite undergoing surgery when she was an infant to correct her eye impairment, Nur Hikmah s condition failed to improve. Nur Hikmah, who s now eight years old, is a top student in her Year 2 class at St. Nicholas Home. Her plight was brought to the attention of Jagdeep, who s also assemblymember for Datuk Keramat by Taman Free School Village Security and Development Committee in his constituency. I m happy to provide Nur Hikmah with this machine which enlarges fonts especially for exam papers which will be of great help for her to read. I have to mention that she s not totally blind but endowed with very poor vision. I sincerely hope her eyesight will not degenerate any further. The machine costs RM2,000 and is paid using my constituency funds. Jagdeep said at his service centre on Feb 7. Accompanying Nur Hikmah and her mother were the former s teachers at St. Nicholas, M. Sharruveena (Low Vision Assistant) and L. Thelmaa Menon (Early Intervention Programme Assistant). Thelmaa gladly demonstrated to members of the press how the machine works, which in many ways is quite similar to an electronic magnifying glass with its projected image easily adjustable to suit the needs of the user. Jagdeep helping little Nur Hikmah to test the Candy 4HD.