Latest news with #CheokLayLeng
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Police report lodged after dogs, cats found dead at Penang Hill
Some of the dogs and birds that were found dead at Penang Hill this morning. (Facebook pic) GEORGE TOWN : Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has lodged a police report after the discovery of several dead animals, including dogs, cats, and birds, at various locations across Penang Hill. PHC general manager Cheok Lay Leng said the carcasses of seven dogs, three cats and five birds were found at multiple locations this morning, with some in open areas and spotted by the public. 'There might be more. We are still looking. We found food spread along the jeep track and a few locations,' he told FMT. 'We suspect the main targets are the stray dogs. There have been claims by hikers and visitors in recent weeks that they were bitten by strays.' Cheok said the agency will also lodge formal reports with the veterinary services department and the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) on Tuesday, besides conducting its own internal probe. Earlier today, Penang Hill posted on its Facebook page that the animals were 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.
Malay Mail
17 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Dead dogs, cats and birds found on Penang Hill as PHC lodges police report
GEORGE TOWN, July 7 — Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has lodged a police report following the discovery of several dead animals—including dogs, cats and birds—at various locations across Penang Hill. According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), PHC general manager Cheok Lay Leng said the carcasses of seven dogs, three cats and five birds were found this morning, scattered in open areas and spotted by members of the public. 'There might be more. We are still looking. We found food spread along jeep track and a few locations,' he was quoted as saying. 'We suspect the main targets are the stray dogs. There have been claims by hikers and visitors in recent weeks that they were bitten by strays.' Cheok said PHC will also file formal complaints with the veterinary services department and the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) on Tuesday. The agency is also conducting its own internal investigation. Earlier today, Penang Hill posted on its official Facebook page that the animals were 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,' the post stated.
The Star
19 hours ago
- 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
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang Hill's RM20m food court project set to begin construction in July
GEORGE TOWN, May 8 — Construction of a new RM20 million food court on Penang Hill is slated to begin in July or early August following the demolition of the existing structure, which is currently underway. Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said demolition of the old Astaka is progressing and is now 60 per cent complete. 'We aim to complete demolition before July so that construction of the new food complex can commence by July or August,' he told Malay Mail in an interview. Phase one of the Astaka redevelopment, which involved constructing a temporary food court for hawkers, was completed in February. 'The hawkers have already moved into the temporary food court. Phase two, which involves tearing down the old Astaka, is now in progress,' he said. The old Astaka is currently being demolished. Cheok explained that the old structure could not be restored due to its deteriorated condition, including leaks, making complete demolition necessary. 'We also need to carry out slope stabilisation work to ensure safety, as the site is located on the slopes of the hill. This can only be done after the old structure is removed,' he said. The new food court is designed to accommodate more visitors, with capacity doubled to about 600 people at any one time compared to the old Astaka. 'The new structure will be built to last and cater to a larger crowd,' he added. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the food court targeted to open to the public by December 2026. The completion is set to coincide with the ongoing cable car project, which Cheok said would enhance the appeal of Penang Hill. 'We hope these projects will provide more attractions for visitors to Penang Hill,' he said.
