Latest news with #Cheok
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
M'sian thanks e-hailing driver for helping her father reach home
A Malaysian woman's post about an e-hailing driver's kindness has melted hearts online, showing how even the smallest gestures can mean the world. In a Threads post, @cornflakesmadu_ shared how she had booked a Grab ride for her father, who walks slowly and uses a cane. To prepare the driver, she informed him beforehand so he could be patient. 'Small gesture counts. I ordered Grab for abah (dad) to go home today. Told the driver abah walks slowly because he uses a walking stick,' she wrote. The driver, Cheok Kah Yeong, not only waited patiently but also kept her updated during the journey. ALSO READ: Kind e-hailing driver goes extra mile after payment issue 'He updated me when abah got into the car and again after he was dropped off at home. He even said 'bye-bye' at the end,' she shared. She ended her post with a heartfelt message: 'To Mr Cheok Kah Yeong, I thank you so much for this kind gesture. May your gas always be full and may you always get good customers.' The wholesome story quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of comments praising Cheok's compassion and professionalism. READ MORE: M'sian e-hailing driver helps Chinese national 'Cried a bit looking at the last photo. It's always the littlest things,' wrote one user. 'Love this post so much. So much goodness all around. Alhamdulillah your dad also arrived home safely, and the driver was so courteous,' said 'I am in tears. Thank you, kind man Mr Cheok Kah Yeong!' added niexakeir. Others also praised the driver's respectful attitude, with some tagging @grabmy to commend his actions. 'Kudos to your driver,' said peroduapuchongjayajeffery.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
M'sian thanks kind e-hailing driver for helping her father reach home safely
A Malaysian woman's post about an e-hailing driver's kindness has melted hearts online, showing how even the smallest gestures can mean the world. In a Threads post, @cornflakesmadu_ shared how she had booked a Grab ride for her father, who walks slowly and uses a cane. To prepare the driver, she informed him beforehand so he could be patient. 'Small gesture counts. I ordered Grab for abah (dad) to go home today. Told the driver abah walks slowly because he uses a walking stick,' she wrote. The driver, Cheok Kah Yeong, not only waited patiently but also kept her updated during the journey. 'He updated me when abah got into the car and again after he was dropped off at home. He even said 'bye-bye' at the end,' she shared. She ended her post with a heartfelt message: 'To Mr Cheok Kah Yeong, I thank you so much for this kind gesture. May your gas always be full and may you always get good customers.' The wholesome story quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of comments praising Cheok's compassion and professionalism. 'Cried a bit looking at the last photo. It's always the littlest things,' wrote one user. 'Love this post so much. So much goodness all around. Alhamdulillah your dad also arrived home safely, and the driver was so courteous,' said 'I am in tears. Thank you, kind man Mr Cheok Kah Yeong!' added niexakeir. Others also praised the driver's respectful attitude, with some tagging @grabmy to commend his actions. 'Kudos to your driver,' said peroduapuchongjayajeffery.
The Star
06-07-2025
- The Star
Investigation launched after several animals found dead at Penang Hill
GEORGE TOWN: Several animals, including dogs and cats, were found dead at Penang Hill, prompting an investigation. Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng reported that seven dogs, two cats, and five birds have been discovered dead at various locations on the hill. "There might be more; we are still looking," he said when contacted. Cheok stated that the PHC has lodged reports with the police, Veterinary Services Department, and Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). In a statement on Facebook, Penang Hill indicated that the animals are believed to have been poisoned. "Using poison to eliminate stray animals is unacceptable and is punishable under the Penal Code (Act 574) and/or Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772) with imprisonment, a fine, or both," it said. Penang Hill also urged members of the public with information to come forward.
The Star
17-06-2025
- The Star
Penang Hill's living legacy to the fore in July festival
Three-day event one of few worldwide held in biosphere reserve THE Penang Hill Festival (PHF), an event that uplifts the soul thanks to its unique settings that beautifully intertwine the state's natural and cultural heritage, is back for its sixth edition. Held among the island's lush inland peaks, the festival slated for July 18 to 20 promises to be the most dynamic one yet – with three full days of exploration, education and entertainment lined up for visitors of all ages. There will be eight interactive workshops, 32 indoor and outdoor activities, seven exhibitions, 22 expert speakers and guides, eight performances and 17 nature-and-heritage discovery walks. Organiser Penang Hill Corporation's (PHC) aim is for the activities to spark deeper public appreciation for the hill's natural wonders, storied past and cultural richness. PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said roughly 25,000 local and international visitors were expected at this year's edition. 'We strive to elevate the festival experience each year through meaningful partnerships and interactive programmes that foster stronger connections to Penang Hill. 'Whether you are attending an insightful talk, joining a heritage walk or soaking in the vibrant festival atmosphere, there is something for all,' he said in a press conference at Komtar. Many do not realise that Penang Hill is not a single hill. Rather, it refers to a collection of granitic ranges that make up the island's hinterland. A significant portion of it was gazetted under the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve in 2021 by Unesco, which describes such sites as 'learning places for sustainable development'. This makes PHF one of the few festivals in the world to take place in a biosphere reserve. The reserve covers 12,481ha, with 7,285ha being on land. This corresponds to roughly 25% of the island's northeast district. The remaining 5,196ha are in marine waters. Collectively, the reserve is home to over 2,000 flora and more than 500 fauna species. 'More than just a festival, PHF will open the door to Penang Hill's extraordinary wonders. 'It is a place that is home to a century-old funicular railway, vibrant cultural activities and lush greenery teeming with biodiversity. 'Beyond the festivities, we also hope the programme will inspire more people to preserve and conserve not just the hill, but nature at large,' said Cheok. He urged festival visitors to embrace the event's eco-conscious spirit by choosing public transport and arriving early for scheduled activities. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai reaffirmed the festival's importance by describing it as a living tribute to Penang Hill's enduring legacy. 'PHF celebrates the unique blend of nature, history and culture that defines the hills, while encouraging community participation and environmental responsibility. 'Each year, it strengthens our bond with the iconic site, connecting people through shared stories, learning experiences, and collective appreciation,' said Wong. Many of the festival's activities are free, but others require a token registration fee to cover costs. Cool highlights Notably, the festival's main event 'Music on the Hill – East Meets West' will have a new venue this year – the Bellevue Hotel. Starting 3.30pm on July 20, it will feature diverse rhythms from groups such as the Northern Jazz Unit of Penang Jazz Society, the Penang Dhol Blasters and Wak Long Music and Art Centre. Adding flair to proceedings will be the modern artistry of the Shuang Chinese orchestra and homegrown angklung ensemble Persona Ritma. Prior to that, there will be various insightful talks and panel discussions, each featuring a line-up of esteemed speakers and experts. This includes 'Guardians of Green: Conserving the Flora and Fungi of Penang Hill' at 4.30pm on July 18 at Edgecliff Gallery@Penang Hill. Participants can delve into the amazing yet often-overlooked species of fungi, orchids and herbs found on the hill, and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect them. 'Man and the Biosphere Reserve: Who Needs Whom More' − scheduled for 2.30pm on July 19 at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace −promises to be equally thought-provoking. This session will lay out in detail how the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve supports life and our profound responsibility in protecting and preserving its invaluable resources. Visitors may also be interested to check out the exhibition titled 'A Visual Journey of Penang Hill' open from 9am to 6pm on all three days at Gate House Bel Retiro. Its rich imagery highlights the hill's tapestry of flora and fauna, PHC's tireless efforts to conserve the hill, as well as the 100th anniversary celebrations of the funicular railway in 2023. Another interesting exhibition is 'Artistic Expression through Philately', also open from 9am to 6pm daily at Level 1 of Penang Hill Station (upper station). Using postage stamps, Penang-based philatelist Gary Wan Nyin Keat creates awe-inspiring artworks that also reveal motifs of the Penang Hill funicular, the Penang Bridge, Snake Temple and other local landmarks when viewed under UV light. Nature exploration Popular during the festival are the nature and heritage discovery treks conducted by experienced and knowledgeable guides. The 'Talk and Walk: Viaduct Trail' on July 18 starts at 8.30am and will take participants on a 7.5km trek through lush flora, with a break at Nature Green Farm to learn about eco-friendly farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and organic wicking-bed agriculture. Next up is the 'Talk and Walk: Moniot Trail' at 8.30am on July 19. This spans 7km along the hill's oldest track, first created by the British in 1825 for horse-drawn carriages. The 'Talk and Walk: Crag Heritage Trail' at 8.30am on July 20 is only 3km and includes a visit to The Crag, a cherished hill landmark. Participants will gain insights into the 19th century structure's history – from its time as a sanitarium to a hotel, a boarding school and even a filming backdrop for the 1992 movie Indochine and the 2014 British TV series Indian Summers. On July 19 at 3pm, the Mushroom Exploration will show how fungi play vital roles in forest ecosystems. The Night Exploration later the same day at 7.30pm will allow one to experience the rainforest in a different light and perhaps even encounter some of its nocturnal inhabitants. For young children, there is a specially tailored Junior Rainforest Exploration at 9am on July 20. Hands-on activities such as seeding and tree planting are sure to fill them with joy. Each child will also receive a copy of Nature Trail Companion 2, a guidebook sponsored by PHC, to nurture their love for nature. The meeting point for all walks is in front of the Angsana Stage atop Penang Hill, near the main square (Dataran Bukit Bendera). Pre-registration is required for all sessions. Shutterbugs can sign up for the Bird Photography Workshop at 8am on July 19 at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace. Another session on Nature and Macro Photography takes place at 8am on July 20 at the same venue. Participants should bring their own tripods and filters. For the full list of programmes or to register, visit
Malay Mail
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Penang Hill cable car project on track, first tower set for June
GEORGE TOWN, May 5 — Construction of the Penang Hill cable car project is progressing as scheduled, with the first ropeway tower expected to be erected by the end of June this year. Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said caisson piling works are ongoing at all four main project sites, which include the cable car stations and a multi-storey car park. 'There are three stations for the cable car: the Garden station, the Turn station, and the Hill station,' he told Malay Mail in a recent April interview. The project is currently 6.5 per cent complete, and Cheok expressed optimism that the first tower would be erected in June. Caisson piling, which serves as the foundation for the ropeway towers, is progressing steadily, with 12 out of 33 caisson points completed along the cable car alignment. 'The towers are being fabricated off-site and will be delivered to the project locations progressively,' Cheok said. To minimise environmental impact, PHC has reduced the number of towers on Penang Hill to 15, with five located within the forest reserve and the remaining 10 outside it. 'There are three towers near the Hill station, four at the Turn station, and three at the Garden station. We've taken measures to preserve as much of the forest as possible,' he added. Construction works for the cable car project ongoing at a steady pace at the Hill Station on Penang Hill. — Picture courtesy of Penang Hill Corporation He emphasised the importance of proper alignment for the ropeway towers and gondolas to ensure a smooth ride for passengers. Multi-storey car park and environmental measures The project also includes a multi-storey car park at the site of the old food court near the Botanic Gardens, which has been cleared and demolished. 'Ground preparation and environmental protection measures are already in place at the site,' Cheok said. The car park is a crucial component of the project, providing much-needed parking for visitors. Monitoring and public updates Although the project is being developed by Hartasuma Sdn Bhd under a public-private partnership (PPP), PHC is closely monitoring its progress to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. 'Safety reminders and vehicle movement notices have been issued to keep the public informed about construction activities,' Cheok said, adding that construction vehicles will be operating along Jalan Kebun Bunga, the Jeep track, and the Summit Road. An artist's impression of the multi-storey carpark. — Picture courtesy of Penang Hill Corporation About the project The RM245 million project was awarded to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, a pioneer in the local rail industry, in December 2022. The project is being implemented under a 30-year concession agreement to design, finance, build, operate, and transfer the cable car system. The targeted completion date for the cable car system is the end of 2026, with operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027, following stringent safety checks and system readiness. 'This project will offer visitors a new way to experience Penang Hill while adhering to the highest safety standards,' Cheok said.
