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The Star
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Making every ringgit count
Welcomed relief: Residents waiting their turn to buy groceries at the Jualan Rahmah programme at Greenlane Heights, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Shoppers queued with baskets in hand, drawn by prices they had not seen in some time – RM3.90 for instant noodles, RM16.80 for 850gm packs of milk powder, RM11 for a whole chicken (almost 1.4kg) and much more. About 40 such essential items were up for grabs at the Jualan Rahmah programme at Greenlane Heights, organised by Seri Delima service centre and Greenlane Heights Village Community Management Council (MPKK). Residents from the neighbourhood were seen leaving with bags of groceries, bought at a discount. Vijayan Raj, 43, a security guard, said he regularly looks out for locations hosting Jualan Rahmah, where household essential items are sold cheaper than at regular retail shops. 'Jualan Rahmah has helped me cope with the spike in daily expenses. The prices here are much cheaper than in the shops,' he added. At the event yesterday he said that with his modest earnings and increasing household expenses, the initiative provides a much-needed cushion, especially when purchasing basic food items and necessities. Tan Teik Lun, 37, said he always finds ways to come to the Jualan Rahmah programme to buy essential items. 'Imagine buying 500gm of potatoes for only RM1, I will not be able to get this price at the morning market or even the grocery store,' said the father of two, who works at a car accessories shop. He also hopes the government will expand the programme to more communities, especially lower-income urban and semi-urban families. For Azimah Kamaruddin, 47, a civil servant, she often scrolls through social media to track the latest Jualan Rahmah programme in Penang. 'I always check Facebook and Instagram to find out where the next Jualan Rahmah will be. 'Whenever it's nearby, I make sure to go. The prices are much cheaper, it makes a difference,' she said, adding that she would end up spending much less for groceries, which would normally cost her over RM100. The mother of five said the initiative helped stretch her monthly salary, especially with the rising cost of basic necessities. 'With five growing children, every Ringgit counts and programmes like Jualan Rahmah help those like me lighten the load,' she said. Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan said the Jualan Rahmah programme yesterday was the 17th edition of the initiative for the people in her constituency. 'The initiative always receives a strong response from the local community,' she added. Tan said the strategic and convenient location makes it easier for nearby residents who prefer walking to the event. She said the programme was held two to three times a month at several locations in her constituency to help the community save on groceries. Describing the programme as a success, Tan said it will continue to be held from time to time to benefit more communities. She explained that the discounts offered during the sales are fully absorbed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) through government subsidies, enabling consumers to enjoy lower prices without burdening the traders. 'This is part of the government's commitment to ease the cost of living, especially for the B40 and M40 groups,' she added. Launched on Jan 11, 2023, the programme introduced by KPDN, aimed at offering daily necessities at discounts ranging from 10% to 30% below local market prices. It is part of the ministry's broader Payung Rahmah initiative to ease the financial burden on Malaysians. The initiative provides discounts of 10% to 30% below market prices at major supermarkets and hypermarkets, with priority given to locations with high low-income populations. The programme is nationwide, spanning all 222 parliamentary constituencies, and includes a wide range of items from food to personal care and school supplies.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Indian settlements hoping for access to traditional village benefits
Rajiv: More than 300 traditional villages in Selangor are eligible for ministry allocations. A PROPOSAL will be submitted to the Selangor government to gazette several Indian settlements as traditional villages to give them access to certain benefits. Five to 10 settlements have been identified, including in areas such as Klang and Kuala Selangor under the proposal by assemblymen Rajiv Rishyakaran (Bukit Gasing), Preakas Sampunathan (Kota Kemuning) and Gunaraj George (Sentosa). Rajiv said there were more than 300 traditional villages in Selangor that were eligible for allocations from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry. He said traditional villages were managed by a Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and led by a village chief. 'The allocations provided by the ministry must be applied for through MPKK. 'However, these Indian settlements, which mostly consist of private lots, don't qualify as they are either not part of a bigger group or have set up residents associations. 'But there is a dire need for better infrastructure such as road and drainage at these places.' Rajiv said this during a press conference along with the other two assemblymen on the sidelines of the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam. On a separate matter, Rajiv said there was a need for Tamil-speaking officers at state-level to explain the various government programmes available to the B40 community. He said there had been numerous complaints from the Indian community about the lack of access to state programmes, such as affordable housing, microcredit schemes as well as technical and vocational education and training. 'Some Indians struggle to understand the information provided due to their limited proficiency in Malay. 'They need assistance to understand the programmes and to complete the application forms. 'While we do assist individuals who come to our service centres, such support should be made available at state-level to ensure a wider reach,' he said. He said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was verbally informed about the proposal, and gave an assurance that he would look into the matter.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Better days ahead for dining landmark
IN THE 1980s, a small group of hawkers began setting up makeshift stalls using pushcarts along the roadside of Chai Leng Park in Butterworth, Penang. Catering primarily to the burgeoning local community, these early vendors offered simple yet flavourful streetfare that quickly became popular among residents. As development in the area accelerated, the need to organise these roadside businesses became increasingly apparent. By 1994, the hawkers were relocated to a designated 250m stretch on Lebuh Kurau 5. This move was intended to bring order to the bustling food scene. The once-mobile carts evolved into fixed stalls, which many owners gradually expanded and personalised, with some even constructing private washrooms. An artist's impression of a new single-storey food complex that will be built on an empty plot of land in Jalan Kurau. 'Over the years, we have invested a lot into making our stalls more comfortable and inviting,' said Yeoh You Seng, 70, who has been selling bak kut teh since 1996. Today, the vibrant food street, fondly known as 'Wai Sek Kai' or 'Glutton Street' in Cantonese, is home to around 100 hawkers, most of whom operate in the evenings. Each stall offers a unique rendition of beloved local dishes like char kuey teow and Hokkien mee. The variety draws regular crowds of locals and visitors alike, making it a dining landmark in Butterworth. However, the popularity of this bustling street has become a bane for residents living nearby, leading to significant traffic congestion and other challenges. Traffic congestion The Wai Sek Kai at Chai Leng Park is home to several famous stalls, such as this one selling 'lok lok'. Taman Chai Leng Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Tan Hock Chai has highlighted the issues caused by the food street's popularity. 'The heavy traffic has become a source of inconvenience for nearby residents. 'Cars are often parked along the narrow roads, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through,' he lamented. 'To ease congestion and improve conditions for both the hawkers and the community, relocating them to a proper complex with modern facilities is vital,' he said. Plans are already underway to move the hawkers to a new RM8mil purpose-built food complex in Jalan Kurau, close to the existing site. Construction of this single- storey complex has begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected soon. Seberang Perai City Council councillor AS Ponnudurai explained that the new complex would house 100 trading lots, each measuring 2.5m by 3.6m and equipped with individual sinks to ensure hygienic food preparation. Additional facilities will include public washrooms, a foyer and a dedicated entrance for visitors. Chee, a claypot chicken rice seller, says a newer place will provide better hygiene and convenience to customers. The complex is expected to be ready by 2027. 'The current hawker site, which has been in operation for over 30 years, has become increasingly overcrowded and plagued with recurring issues such as poor drainage and outdated infrastructure,' said Ponnudurai. 'The new complex will not only offer improved facilities but also feature a playground, landscaped gardens, and modern amenities. 'All these will be managed by the city council,' he added. Hawkers divided The present stretch of stalls is overcrowded and suffers from a lack of amenities, making it inconducive to hygienic food preparation. Despite the promise of modern amenities, not all hawkers are eager to move. Many have built their businesses at the current site over decades and are deeply rooted in the community. 'This place is steeped in heritage and well-known as a food haven among locals and visitors,' said Yeoh. 'Business has been good here, so instead of relocating, why not invest in repairing and upgrading what we already have?' Desserts seller Penny Ong, 60, who has been trading at the current site for nearly 30 years, shares this sentiment. 'I believe at least 80% of the stall owners prefer to stay. Business is good and this location is familiar and convenient for our customers. 'There is vacant land behind us that can be turned into parking lots, and improving the drainage and facilities here isn't difficult,' she noted. Yeoh says the food street is steeped in heritage. While acknowledging that relocation may eventually be inevitable, Ong hopes that the authorities will reconsider. 'This place has history, and we have built a loyal customer base here. I truly hope we are allowed to stay,' she added. On the other hand, some vendors see the relocation as an opportunity. Claypot chicken rice seller Chee Leck Chang views the move to the new complex as beneficial. 'I have a lot of cookware, and I hope the new place with designated lots will offer better security against theft. Ong says at least 80% of the stall owners prefer to stay. 'A newer place will also provide better hygiene and convenience to customers, as I am certain it will be more organised,' said Chee who has been running his stall for over 20 years. A drinks seller, who declined to be named, shared similar sentiments about the challenges faced by hawkers. 'Since the Covid-19 pandemic about five years ago, many traders, including myself, have resorted to using disposable utensils for ease and hygiene. 'Whether it is rice, noodles or other dishes that used to be served with reusable utensils, they now come in disposable packaging even for dine-in customers. 'Although the local council discourages this practice and despite the drawback in dining experience, it is more convenient for many of us to just dispose of everything after use,' she said. 'I do hope that the new complex will offer improved washing facilities, to reduce reliance on disposables,' she added. Ponnudurai says the new food complex will offer better facilities. Another hawker, who wished to be known only as Ong, 40, voiced his frustration about the ongoing lack of proper toilets. 'There is a toilet, but it belongs to a fellow hawker and it only opens when he is operating. 'If he is off, the toilet is locked and inaccessible. 'We often have to walk a long way to use the restroom at nearby coffeeshops,' Ong said, adding that the new food complex would offer upgraded facilities to vendors and customers. Familiarity vs new facilities Patrons of the food street are also divided over the impending move, torn between the charm of the existing street setup and the promise of better facilities at the new complex. Office clerk Usha Ayyappan, 56, who visits the hawker stalls about once a week, prefers the convenience and familiarity of the current location. 'The ambience here is relaxing and cosy, which is perfect for winding down with family after work. Usha fears the new food complex would charge higher rental, forcing hawkers to increase prices. 'Although parking is limited, the roadside bays are conveniently right across from the stalls. 'Right now, food prices are still reasonable, but a new complex might bring parking fees or higher stall rentals, which could affect prices,' she said. Retired civil servant N. Ananda, 72, who lives nearby, appreciates the central and visible location of the stalls. 'The whole stretch of hawker stalls is strategically located along the row and is easily seen by passersby, making it convenient to stop for food. 'I often drop by for a herbal drink, but if it moves into a food complex, it will be a hassle,' he said. Technician Alan Teh, 45, who was dining with colleagues, believes the current site is long overdue for a revamp. 'Over time, the floor and infrastructure here have deteriorated. 'Poor drainage and lack of proper facilities make it hard for hawkers to maintain cleanliness and difficult for customers to clean up after meals,' he noted. Teh, who has been frequenting the area since childhood, said that if the hawkers could not upkeep their present business premises, the new food complex would serve as a fresh start. 'Many hawkers have lost their original spark for cooking authentic local food and are now hiring foreign helpers. 'The vibrant and local atmosphere is already fading, so they may as well move to a modern, systematic location,' he said.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Char koay teow cooks set to battle for glory
War of the woks: Every cook will try to cook up a storm for their own version of char koay teow. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The search for the gold standard of char koay teow is set to begin in what will surely be a heated showdown. Come Sunday, 30 hawkers will be firing up their woks to fight for the title of Penang char koay teow champion. The rice noodle dish was once described by BBC as 'Malaysia's most famous street food' and that 'the best char koay teow can be found in Penang'. The action will kick off at 11am in front of Toi Shan Ningyang Wui Kwon, a clan temple in King Street. Each contender will whip up 40 plates of the iconic stir-fried dish. Koay Ee Teng, the vice-chairman of the Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll village community management council (MPKK) which is one of the joint organisers, said the competition would surely dish out 'heated' action and the use of 'secret' recipes and techniques. 'When it comes to flavour, every cook has their own secret weapon, so all of them will bring their own sauces and wok,' she said. 'Ingredients like prawns, eggs, bean sprouts and noodles will be provided along with a toque, apron and gas supply.' The top three winners will walk away with RM388, RM288 and RM188 respectively. There will also be two consolation prizes of RM88 each. Winners will also get certificates of recognition as a badge of honour to be displayed at their stalls. 'The real prize isn't the money. What the cooks really want is prestige,' said Koay. She added that participants in the 2023 competition saw a surge in their business afterwards. The 2023 edition saw Koh Gee How of Penang Auntie (Big Prawn) Char Koay Teow in Bukit Mertajam take the crown, with Por Leong Teik (Chulia Street) and Low Ping Kean (KK 99 Cafe, Tanjung Bungah) securing the second and third spots. This Sunday's battle is the second time that such a contest is being held. The competition is jointly organised by the MPKK of Padang Kota and Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll, and Toi Shan Ningyang Association, and promoted by Kwangtung and Tengchow Association Penang. Koay said the public is welcome to savour the food and enjoy the experience. 'It is a celebration of one of Penang's most iconic and beloved street foods,' she added.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Proposal to get open house concept recognised by Unesco
Children performing on stage during the open house. THE vibrant tradition of open houses by Malaysia's diverse communities deserves recognition as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year among others, he said, were celebrated in the spirit of harmony, togetherness and mutual respect in Malaysia. 'The tradition of hosting open houses for different festivals has been practised for nearly 50 years. This is something truly special about Malaysia, one of our greatest strengths. 'As such, this unique cultural practice can be submitted to Unesco for consideration to be inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. 'If it receives recognition, it will encourage greater participation in the open houses, further strengthening our unity,' said Chow as reported by state publisher Buletin Mutiara. He made the proposal when attending a Hari Raya open house jointly organised by the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency and the Bukit Tambun state constituency at SJK (C) Keng Koon recently. Food laid out in the buffet line at the open house. Chow, who is Batu Kawan MP, said the Penang government would not neglect social development while focusing on economic and infrastructure development. He said the state would be able to attend to the grassroots through the support of bodies such as the Village Community Management Council (MPKK), Penang Youth Committee (JBPP), Relanita (female volunteers) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK). Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who was also present, shared an update on the Ar-Rayyan Mosque in Bandar Cassia, which has now been completed at a cost of RM10mil. He said the Penang government contributed RM3.5mil to the project, with the Federal Government providing a similar amount. 'This reflects the state's inclusive approach to serving people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds,' he said. It is understood that the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) also contributed RM600,000, with individual donations amounting to RM2mil. The remaining costs were borne by the local mosque community. Goh also urged MPKK to go to the ground and provide assistance to more people.
