Latest news with #Penangites
The Star
14 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Dearer durians due to unfavourable weather, smaller harvest
Wong (third from right) checking out the varieties of durian supplied by a Balik Pulau vendor at the event. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star WITH strong demand and unfavourable weather resulting in more costly durians this year, indulging in the thorny fruit can burn a hole in the pocket. This makes community durian parties – like the one organised by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng – a great opportunity to feast to the heart's content. A Balik Pulau farm supplied roughly 450kg of the 'King of Fruits' for the event that was held at the Penang Youth Centre hall in Acheh Street, George Town. Around 150 guests attended, including community leaders, government agency officials, city councillors and local media. Among them were the constituency's women and family development committee members Yun Chiew Eng, 58, Rose Gooi, 57, and Lim Hooi Chin, 48. Yun said durian parties were something she enjoyed attending every year, not just to sample the pungent treats but also for the atmosphere and camaraderie. 'It's very lau juak (merriment) as they say in Hokkien. 'As the farms collaborate directly with the service centre, the durians supplied are always of good quality,' she said. 'One can eat a lot and try many different varieties without having to worry about the price,' Yun added. Gooi expressed similar thoughts and said every piece she had on the day was tasty. 'I enjoyed the occasion. 'It's nice tucking in with good friends,' she added in between taking selfies with the durians. This is the second year that Wong's service centre hosted a durian party as a gesture of thanks to all those serving the local community. 'Penangites love their durians. So, what better way to show our appreciation? 'Many growers have said harvests would be smaller this season. 'We wanted to make sure everyone got the chance to sample the best fruits before the season was over,' said Wong. He said a secondary aim was to promote Penang durians from local growers to the wider public and foreign tourists. To address the issue of durians from other states and neighbouring countries like Thailand being misrepresented as Penang durians by unscrupulous vendors, the state agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee launched a Track and Trace system for durians at the start of June. 'This will ensure our local growers are not sidelined and consumers can have confidence in Penang durians,' Wong said of the initiative.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Penang honours 17 for service, excellence
IT WAS a dazzling evening of elegance and celebration as over 400 distinguished guests from Malaysia and abroad gathered for the INPenang International Awards 2025. The biennial black-tie gala dinner, often regarded as the most prestigious social gathering in Penang, was held at the St Giles Wembley Hotel, George Town. Dignitaries, business leaders, philanthropists, cultural figures and members of the media were impeccably dressed in formal attire as tributes were paid to achievements rooted in Penang. In his welcoming speech, awards founder and president Datuk Ch'ng Huck Teng remarked how Penang's social landscape had evolved over the years. 'Years ago, people would tell me that Penangites would not dress up for formal dining. 'Today, we are here all dressed in black, showing how far we've come. This is truly Penang's grandest night,' he said, drawing applause from the crowd. The INPenang International Awards honour Penang-born individuals and organisations founded or based in the state. Nominees have made outstanding contributions to society. This year, 17 recipients were recognised for their excellence, innovation and service to the community. Among the top honours of the night was the INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award that was presented to Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong. Lim is the Mercato, TMC and Gama group executive chairman, and president of the Malaysian Retailers Association. His decades of leadership and dedication in shaping the local and national retail landscape were lauded with a standing ovation. Another highlight of the evening was the INPenang International Outstanding Achievers Award that was conferred on Hong Kong-based Value Partners Group honorary chairman and non-executive director Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye. The Penang-born global fund manager was recognised for his contributions in the international financial sector. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who officiated the event, took the opportunity to highlight Penang's growing role on the world stage, especially in the high-tech manufacturing sector. 'Penang is now a semiconductor hub of the world, contributing 7% to the global supply. 'This is the time to shine a global spotlight on the 'Made in Penang' brand,' said Sim. He also outlined major infrastructure projects to boost connectivity and tourism in the state. These include the expansion of the Penang International Airport, the upcoming cable car system and the long-awaited Light Rail Transit project. One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the charity auction of two pieces of exclusive fine jewellery. These were from the Heirloom Series presented by One East Museum and Gallery in George Town, and had been created specially for the awards. The first piece, titled 'Heritage Mosaic', was a dazzling tribute to Penang's rich cultural legacy. It featured intertwined Pinang trees crafted from diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The second piece, an 18K gold masterpiece inspired by the Malaysian wau, was adorned with luminous sapphires and 38 diamonds. Both pieces captivated the audience with their detail and meaning. Also present were state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendra and Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai. Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan were also present. The awards ceremony was organised by CHTNetwork, with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation as event partner, Affin Invikta as the main sponsor, and supported by The Hour Glass, AirAsia, vivo, Aim Max Media, UB Group and One East Museum.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Cambodia Airways launches direct Phnom Penh-Penang flights
GEORGE TOWN: Cambodia Airways has launched its inaugural direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang, marking a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening ties between Malaysia and Cambodia. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted the importance of the new route, especially as Malaysia holds the ASEAN Chairmanship this year. 'This flight creates a new aerial link between Penang and Cambodia, reinforcing Penang's role in the regional aviation network,' Wong said. Cambodia becomes the sixth ASEAN country with direct flights to Penang, joining Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The new route is also expected to boost Penang's MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) tourism sector. 'Better air connectivity benefits business travellers and professionals, solidifying Penang's position as a regional MICE hub,' Wong added. He noted that while Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore currently lead the ASEAN MICE market, competition is intensifying with cities like Bangkok and Jakarta investing heavily in convention infrastructure. 'Penang must leverage this momentum by expanding ASEAN connectivity and attracting high-profile events to strengthen its presence in the regional MICE ecosystem,' he said. The inaugural flight departed Phnom Penh International Airport at 8.05 am and arrived at Penang International Airport at 10.31 am, receiving a traditional water salute. The service will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau director Lee Boon Heng, representing Wong, welcomed the new route, emphasising its potential to boost tourism and economic growth. 'This flight provides Penangites easier access to Cambodia's cultural heritage and emerging travel experiences,' Lee said. Also present at the event were Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn and Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Waging war on Penang's pests
YOU cannot fine empathetic folk. Impose a RM250 littering fine on those who love to feed pigeons and they will still do it. They don't see themselves as litterbugs, but as misunderstood caretakers. For some, pigeon-feeding is morning therapy – a way to feel needed, even a form of merit-making. The flurry of flapping wings and gentle cooing offers joyful interaction with 'wildlife' in an urban world. However, the unseen consequence is that feeding leads to massive pigeon colonies hiding in old buildings and roofs. These colonies leave thick carpets of guano – acidic, ammoniacal, corrosive to concrete and steel, and breeding bacteria and mites. Pigeons are not like doves or bulbuls – they are genetically programmed to live with humans and cannot survive in the wild. To manage these urban pests, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has deployed a range of methods, including remote-controlled traps, nets, warning signs, and fines for those who feed the birds. Their efforts have shown some success, with fewer pigeons soiling roads in many areas. But for a long-term solution, pharmacological control is key, and nicarbazin may be the answer. This synthetic compound does not kill. It simply suppresses reproduction by interfering with embryo development in eggs. If pigeons ingest nicarbazin daily, their eggs will not hatch. Stop the drug, and fertility returns. It is reversible, painless and, based on scientific articles, in use in Europe and the United States. Consistent dosage is crucial; each pigeon needs about 50mg of nicarbazin daily, usually delivered by mixing a 0.5% concentration into corn kernels. The most effective system involves automated feeders at fixed sites, releasing treated corn at dawn. Pigeons and crows feeding on a walkway in Pulau Tikus Pocket Courtyard in George Town. An elderly woman who regularly feeds birds in the area has been fined several times by Penang Island City Council. — ARNOLD LOH/The Star Cities like Barcelona and New York use solar-powered units programmed to dispense food as birds begin to forage. Over time, this trains flocks to feed at these stations, achieving fertility control without trapping or killing. While MBPP has mentioned using nicarbazin, yet not one feeder exists on the island to execute this fertility control, despite evidence of its effectiveness. Then there are the crows – the ones that tear at rubbish bags and snatch food from hawker and wet market stalls. MBPP workers have shared that crow traps are ineffective for adult birds – only young ones enter, and the distressed calls of a trapped crow deter others. When crow shooters are deployed, some Penangites become so distressed that they scream and shout at the shooters, chasing them away. Could there be a better way? Crows hate erratic light, especially green laser beams. A quick online search for 'crows green laser beams' reveals solutions. Several cities now use low-power lasers, safe for human eyes but unsettling to birds, fired from rooftops or poles at roosting trees. The laser does not hurt but its unpredictable flashes make the tree feel unsafe for roosting. Penang island has thousands of large roadside trees where murders of crows roost cacophonously at dusk. Timer-operated, rainproof, rechargeable and long-lasting systems could shoot multiple green laser beams into tree canopies every 15 to 30 seconds from 7pm to 10pm. While it would take many units to wage a laser war against crows, disrupting their roosting behaviour could control their population in the long term. Neither nicarbazin nor laser beams will solve everything but they may prevent things from worsening without excessive expense.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Women's business bootcamp opens for registration
GEORGE TOWN: More women entrepreneurs, including single mothers, are urged to register as participants in the Penang Women Entrepreneurs Mentoring Programme 2025 (PenMentor2025) with the registration deadline set for July 31. Penang social development, welfare and non-Muslim affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the programme, organised by the Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC), aimed to help women gain business knowledge and expand their businesses. 'PenMentor is a programme that offers intensive training, mentoring and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2020, more than 350 participants have benefited from the programme. 'Last year, we recorded a 50% increase in average sales among participants who completed the programme, proving that the right guidance and support can deliver tangible results,' she said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported. She said PenMentor, which is now in its sixth year, would also focus on enhancing digital literacy among women entrepreneurs to help them stay competitive in the rapidly changing economy. Meanwhile, PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng said PenMentor would run for three months from August to October this year, featuring a four-day Intensive Entrepreneurship Course and six mentoring sessions. 'The mentees will be divided into sub-groups consisting of eight mentees and two mentors, who will be selected from various industry backgrounds and with about five years of experience in their respective fields.' Ong said this year's PenMentor places greater emphasis on digital marketing, with the module conducted by Digital Penang. The topics covered will include platforms like TikTok Shop, Canva and Capcut. Among the eligibility criteria is that applicants must be Penangites and Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. The registration fee is RM200 for the B40 group and RM400 for the M40 and T20 groups.
