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Car Charging Facilities in G Hotel Kelawai by Auto Bavaria

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Auto Bavaria launched their latest BMW i Charging Facility at G Hotel Kelawai, Penang.

G Hotel Kelawai now houses 2 BMW charging stations with the newest “i” brand identity and features that occupies a total built up space of 256 square feet at Basement 1 carpark of the hotel.

Launching of the charging facility on 27 August 2019 was officiated with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the General Manager of G Hotel, Michael Hanratty, Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria, Wong Loke Win and Head of Sales of Auto Bavaria, Wong Kim Kooi.

In conjunction with the launch of the charging ports, Auto Bavaria also delivered its first BMW i3s in Malaysia. Wong Loke Win, the Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Penang said, “Today marks another
milestone for us at Auto Bavaria as the sole distributor of BMW i in Malaysia. We are extremely excited to deliver our first BMW i3s to Mr. Lim Chau Wei. Lim and his family members who are loyal supporters of BMW, have a futurist mindset in choosing to be early adopters of future mobility.”

According to Auto Bavaria “Sustainable mobility thrives when there is an effective combination of three factors: customer demand, facilities and innovative partnerships. Our collaboration with G Hotel Kelawai, is the third BMW i charging facility in the Northern region after St. Giles Hotel, Queensbay Mall and we are optimistic about the future of BMW i brand in Malaysia.” said Wong Kim Kooi, Head of Sales of Auto Bavaria.

As said by the General Manager of G Hotel, Micheal, “Eco-consciousness is quickly penetrating into the hospitality industry because of the increase demand for green energy and initiatives”.

G Hotel Kelawai supports companies with Go Green initiatives like BMW because the hotel realises that millennial guests are looking for sustainable and authentic experiences when they travel. Guests can now recharge their electric or hybrid cars while getting recharged themselves during their stay at G Hotel Kelawai.

About G Hotel

G Hotel Gurney, revamped & adorned with designer living, stamps its mark as an icon along the bustling Gurney Drive. With 312 ultra chic rooms, it is an urban oasis prime for both discerning business & leisure travellers. The adjacent G Hotel Kelawai offers 208 rooms that are uniquely designed for guests to be inspired to work or play by day or mix & mingle by night. With both hotels located at an ideal location, to the right the famous Batu Ferringhi beach, to the left
UNESCO World Heritage sites, right in the centre sandwiched between 2 shopping malls & Gurney Drive hawker eateries, 40 minutes drive to the airport & Penang Bridge, it’s just about
everything Penang has to offer is right at your doorstep for unimaginable convenience.

Modern & contemporary with free high-speed Wi-Fi, 24 hours well-equipped gymnasium, breathtaking view from the rooftop infinity pool, Sky Bar for your tantalising pleasure and up-to-date banqueting facilities, both award winning G Hotels is the place to explore, discover & enjoy.

G HOTEL GURNEY
168A Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang, Malaysia 2 Persiaran Maktab, 10250 Penang, Malaysia
Tel. 604 238 0000
Fax. 604 238 0088
Tel. 604 219 0000
Fax. 604 219 0101

Email. g4u@ghotel.com.my
www.ghotel.com.my

Indie Music In Penang Is Alive And Well

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This article was originally posted here...

The indie music scene in the Klang Valley may dominate the news and hog the limelight, but Penang has always offered fare that’s left of the centre. There’s something about an island that caters to a degree of uniqueness, and that sentiment is not lost on the Pearl Of The Orient.

Indonesia’s punk merchants Marjinal ramp up the rock at Soundmaker Studio, described as the only venue to accept any and all forms of music. Photo: Cole Yew

Penang has time-honoured pedigree and a rich tradition of spawning great musicians, right back from its pre-war days, so technically, it should be no surprise that the music makers there are frolicking in a scene brimming with good fortune. Alas, that isn’t quite the tale.

Kelvyn Yeang, guitarist for Ocean Of Fire and organiser of the renowned annual indie music festival IndiePG, reckons that while the scene up north has a distinct identity, it is slowly but surely shrinking.

“There used to be many metal, punk, post rock and progressive bands. Now, what remains is a few consistently active ones for each genre,” he says.

According to Cole Yew, co-founder of Soundmaker Studio and guitarist for Hui Se Di Dai, who sees it differently, multi-band gigs continue to excite listeners there, but the days of 15 bands on a single bill have now been trimmed to five to eight per show. He puts that down to

the audience being spoilt for choice, given the increase in the number of shows.

“The scene has grown in terms of the number of genres out there now, with gigs featuring post rock, blues, hip hop, electro DJs, dream pop, art rock/pop, post metal, metal core, death metal, hard rock and punk,” he reveals.

Ksatriya reckons that Penangs indie music scene is an ideal business model away from getting it all right. Photo: Alexa Sheryl

Ksatriya reckons that Penang’s indie music scene is an ideal business model away from getting it all right. Photo: Alexa Sheryl

He does concede that while the number of shows may have increased, attendance has dwindled, with a gig averaging 150 punters four years ago, to about 50 per event now.

He tips his hat to punk and metal bands, whom he feels have made the strongest connection with music fans in Penang.

The island’s smaller music circle has enabled musicians to push the envelope and experiment more, so feels spoken word proponent Danny Mahesh (Ksatriya). He throws an interesting point to ponder, believing that language is the deciding factor in what the audiences there choose to listen to.

“In general, most Malaysians listen to a wide variety of genres, but prefer listening to music in their mother tongue or the language they are most comfortable speaking in,” he observes.

A music scene thrives when it has a healthy live scene, and even with its more modest demographic, the island is still bristling with live opportunities, if for more commercial pursuits. But for something with more indie pedigree, Soundmaker Studio seems to be a name readily offered by industry players, a studio that also functions as a live venue. It’s that single space that welcomes any and every kind of music.

“Soundmaker is probably the only true indie platform in Penang right now, one which is completely free from the reins of genre restriction,” Yeang offers an honest assessment. “When it comes to the punk scene, Soundmaker is an institution,” echoes Ksatriya.

China House is mentioned with equal reverence, an eatery renowned for its grub and good music. “Art bistros like China House reintroduced original performances.

Now, smaller venues like The Big Fat Hen are also exploring how original live music and performances can work with their business model,” Ksatriya divulges.

Another hot spot is the Hin Bus Depot, an art space open to any and all kinds of sonic expression, Yew offers. He also throws in a good word for PenangPAC.

The dining and club scene, which also opens its doors to original local music, includes establishments like Talk Talk Wine Bar and Inch Food Bar. Clearly, lacking in performance stages isn’t the most debilitating malaise to afflict the scene, though growth has yet to register at a larger scale.

What is ailing it, though, remains how the live scene operates, which ultimately contributes to how it is viewed. At the end of the day, bands and artistes are left scrounging for an audience.

“We have this chicken and egg scenario where venues and organisers want big followings before they’ll feature original music, or even anything that’s not standard fare,” Ksatriya opines.

He rightly points out that to garner a following, artistes need to play, so the scratched record mantra continues with complaints about Malaysians not supporting original music, but at the same time, it’s not placed front and centre to be appreciated.

“People need to have more faith in homegrown acts and not always favour Hotel California over well-written songs by our own talents. I have organised enough indie shows to know that the standard of musicianship of local acts has come a long way,” shares Yeang.

Money matters

Professionalism is a catch-22 situation, as Ksatriya points out. “Very few people can afford to make playing music their profession, hence, they are part-timers or hobbyists, which isn’t a problem on its own. But a healthy music industry needs professional people … experienced and effective managers, promoters and organisers,” Ksatriya offers.

Basically, professionals are needed to take the scene and music industry to the next level, but the industry needs to be nurtured and grown before it can accommodate and attract professionals.

The biggest stumbling block remains an economic one. So, if no revenue stream is created, the industry’s health is bound to be affected. Forget Penang, the story is the same in the Klang Valley, or any other part. The malady is always that music doesn’t make money, but the global model paints a very different picture.

“The world music festival scene in Europe and Britain, for example, is very successful. It’s a huge and very profitable business. That success offers dividends, in terms of talent and artistic expression, job opportunities and more,” argues Ksatriya.

According to him, the failure of the federal and state governments to successfully tap the potential of our arts, cultural and music industries has consigned all solutions to be backyard, DIY methods put together by people closest to the scene.

“They work very hard and some of the approaches are interesting, but the scope is obviously limited,” he informs.

Yeang insists that as long as he and his team are still around, indie musicians in Malaysia will have a chance to showcase their talent at the annual IndiePG music festival. Photo: Brigitte Rozario

Kelvyn Yeang insists that as long as he and his team are still around, indie musicians in Malaysia will have a chance to showcase their talent at the annual IndiePG music festival. Photo: Brigitte Rozario

Any burgeoning art scene is going to have to lean on its state or federal governments before it can crawl, sprout legs and eventually start to run on its own. As long as that isn’t happening, an uphill battle beckons.

No concrete plans have been laid, but Yew has wind that there’s fair weather beyond the horizon. “I’ve heard some good news that the state government is allocating a bigger budget for the art industry’s development. We’ll have to wait and see how things go and hope for the best. If all goes well, their new vision will benefit all of us and not just a select few,” he says.

Yeang is grateful for the corporate sector’s sponsorship, with his IndiePG initiative benefiting from the likes of Music World, PenangPAC, Hurley, Clarion, Roland and more, all of whom have been firm supporters of the indie scene in Penang.

The arts and cultural industry has great potential to be a cash cow for the nation, and in various shapes and forms over the years, efforts have been made to place greater emphasis, but nothing sustained has ever been achieved.

Ksatriya concurs: “Some countries have progressed to having arts and culture contribute a significant amount to their GDP, and these aren’t just post-industrial nations.” He feels industrial nations (or what used to be termed “developing nations”) stand to gain the most from arts and cultural export.

Like in the Klang Valley, attempts are slowly but surely being made. Buskers no longer have to up and run at the sight of municipal officers … designated spots have been allocated for them to hawk their talent. Penang municipal is doing likewise, and that can only bode well for the scene and its longevity.

Talent exchanges

As for the music itself, there’s no discounting that western music heavily influences pop culture in Asia, and likewise Malaysia, but the interpretation of it up north gives it a unique identity.

Cole Yew has seen the indie scene grow, noting that it now includes more genres than it used to. Photo: Cole Yew

Cole Yew has seen the indie scene grow, noting that it now includes more genres than it used to. Photo: Cole Yew

“I believe musicians here have never been trendy. They play what they feel like playing … they all have their own sound,” says Yeang, conceding that the bands in the Klang Valley have an aggressive style of marketing themselves that Penang bands could learn from.

Ksatriya reckons that Penang’s economic transition is making it lean into creative industries as an alternative to manufacturing, thus influencing culture and popular tastes.

Compared to the Klang Valley, which is more fragmented due to language, he sees Penang as more homogeneous. “If you’re a Hokkien language performer, you’re potentially reaching out close to half a million people over a much smaller area. With some clever distribution, you can acquire a large listenership,” he says.

A greater synergy between both Klang Valley and Penang’s indie scenes is helping the overall industry grow. There are more exchange initiatives which have allowed bands from both regions to head in opposite directions to search for better fortunes.

Like Gene Simmons once said, “If your music doesn’t work in one place, find another where it does.”

“My team and I have been forging relationships with many acts from out of Penang and will continue to do so. We are always ready to provide a great platform for a band from out of town,” professes Yeang, hoping the favour will be returned.

Yew singles out Soundmaker Studio, Rumah Api and Live Fact (both in the Klang Valley) as hotbeds for talent exchanges. “The organisers from Penang and KL are actually connected and have been collaborating for quite a while now, hosting tour shows together,” he says, intimating that more such initiatives will be taking place from this year.

The scene on the island has changed dramatically from the days the legendary The Damn Dirty Apes and Ocean Of Fire (which still pumps its rock fury) were the buzz words. While the technology age has given access to all kinds of music aids and devices, upping the ante in terms of quality musicianship and songwriting, numbers have dwindled.

Gand's neo psychedelic leanings are fast making the band a name up north. Photo: Gand

Gand’s neo psychedelic leanings are fast making the band a name up north. Photo: Gand

“It was a cool thing to be in a band. Every other kid in town wrote songs and was in one back then. There were many bands, and a few good ones. These days, while the quality has improved, we have way less bands overall. Where are they now? Many got jaded and even quit, perhaps. And some have relocated to KL,” Yeang theorises.

“The music scene doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If a city is doing well and attracting people to move there, then the music scene can grow, too,” observes Ksatriya.

Penang’s demographic was skewed to older residents and retirees previously, but having picked itself up from urban decay in the last 10 years and jumped through hoops for revitalisation, the trend of young people moving there and making homes is expected to continue, contributing to the likelihood of a cultural shift in the next decade.

Mentorship programme

Moving forward for the industry simply comes down to more well-planned opportunities for indie musicians. “We really need more platforms and organisation. We need people who care enough for the music to come forward and do something … anything,” states Yeang, reasoning that artistes must also play an active role in putting themselves out there.

Yew is of the opinion that greater freedom from the authorities and more funding would do the scene a world of good.

A business model that works for venues, organisers and performers is imperative, and Ksatriya simply couldn’t bang home that point more.

“We need to start initiating comprehensive measures, like incubator programmes, training, knowledge and skills transfer and exploring national, regional and international markets,” he says. Hard graft is the order of the day, and he feels that should create a healthy and vibrant industry.

For his part, he manages the Say It Like You Mean It (SILYMI) mentorship programme with some friends, a free and voluntary movement which teaches up-and-coming musicians to hone their craft and make money from it.

Penang’s struggles aren’t exclusive, not by any stretch of the imagination. But what it has going for itself is a rich heritage and a fertile ground for breeding the next generation of talented indie acts. There’s a long way to go yet, but positive vibes seem to be rumbling from below, and it seems like only a matter of time before it bubbles over.

Romancing Penang

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This article was originally posted here.

RETIRING in Penang was an easy decision for Japanese nationality Kazunori Koga, 65.

RETIRING in Penang (image credit)

It came as no surprise to him when George Town was picked as the sixth ‘Best place to retire abroad in 2016’ by CNN Money.

For Koga, who has been living in Malaysia since last May, George Town has much to offer in terms of heritage, nature and hospitality.

“My wife and I first lived in Kuala Lumpur for six weeks but the pollution was too much. Our friends then recommended we take a trip to Penang. We did it and instantly fell in love with the place.

“You can say it was love at first sight,” he joked when met at his apartment in Gurney Drive recently.

With his French wife Caroline, 60, Koga plans to fully utilise their Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa, which lasts for 10 years.

He had also written a book in Japanese about his visits to 81 countries, and said Penang was one-of-a-kind.

Another pair of foreign retirees, British citizen R. Jayaram, 68, and his wife have made Penang their home for the last 11 years.

“The growing community of hashing, among other things, are some of the things I love about life here,” he said.

RETIRING in Penang (credit image)

The former manager of an airline catering company said Penang had some of the best places for trekking, naming Penang Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill as his favourites.

Supporting groups like Coconut Club have helped many foreign retirees to settle down here.

Its branch manager Yukiko Hashizume said the biggest problem for most foreigners is the language barrier.

“We cater mostly to the Japanese and help them with housing arrangements, banking and registering their children into schools,” she said.

Hashizume said the club, which has been in existence for 15 years, currently has more than 400 active members.

On Jan 6, a CNN Money report by Katie Lobosco dubbed the northern state as the sixth best spot out of 10 to retire this year.

The list’s top five were Algarve (Portugal), Cayo (Belize), Medellin (Colombia), Pau (France) and Abruzzo (Italy).

Penang’s First Museum Cafe Opens Next Month

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This article was originally posted here...

Penang's first museum-themed cafe will officially open on March 1 at Jalan Bayan Lepas in George Town, Penang.

Penang Coffee (credit image)

Muzium Kafe is a family business owned by One Glory SA Venture registered under the Companies Commission of Malaysia. It is a combination of a restaurant and a museum.

Each section of the café introduces its own category of Malaysian history, which includes the sultans, heroes of Malaya, the prime ministers and a special room known as "Bilik Diraja" for VIPs.

Muzium Kafe owner Mohamad Shafiq Amin Arif said not many people understood the concept and he wanted them to learn and appreciate Malaysian history in a relaxing and enjoyable way.

"The main idea of opening a museum café like this is to educate the people of Malaysia, especially the youngsters, on the history of our sultans and rulers of Malaya so that they will have a better understanding of the history as well as respect for the royal institution.

"We want the people to enjoy learning the history of our country as well as to enjoy the leisure services we offer," he said. – Bernama, February 19, 2016.

Penang Turns To Smart Mapping To Deliver Improved Services

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This article was originally posted here...

Singapore may be talking up a

smart nation

of late, but many others around the region are also rolling out technologies to improve the quality of services that are delivered to its residents.

Penang Smart Mapping (image credit)

In Penang, an application known as e-Peta now provides actionable information on areas such as land use, businesses, traffic and public transport to decision makers.

This information is invaluable for timely mobilisation of resources to areas of need, while providing a clear picture of the ground for supporting social development projects.

Developed in 2014 by the Penang Geographic Information Centre (PEGIS), e-Peta integrates data from various government departments, which can be displayed as layers on a dynamic map.

These algorithms are made possible by the location technologies provided by geospatial information firm Esri Malaysia.

e-Peta’s versatility is seen in its wide application by both the government and community advocates.

Its Town Planning & Development Department, Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council have combined e-Peta and GIS to design sustainable structural layouts in the city.

Pusat Urus Zakat, an alms collection organisation, has also worked with Penang Women’s Development Corporation to map out the various locations of childcare centres in the state.

e-Peta has seen an increase in users since its launch, with 26,559 log-ins alone during 2015.

Currently, 90 per cent of e-Peta users are public servants employed by the Malaysian Federal Government or Penang State agencies, but there are plans for more members of the public to contribute to this database.

Esri-Malaysia (image credit)

“What made e-Peta so successful and interesting is its collaborative nature. When you make it easier for stakeholders to engage with one another and share data, it not only improves organisational productivity and efficiency, but it also helps facilitate the creation of next-generation services,” said Lai Chee Siew, CEO of Esri Malaysia.

The collaborative aspect of smart mapping is essential to its success, for more possible use cases can be imagined with a larger amount of data and brains behind them.

Singapore is off to a good start as well, with its OneMap and data.gov.sg portals providing rich amounts of government data that can be visualized in multiple ways in layers, much like e-Peta.

Such data is also available in the form of an open source Application Program Interface (API), for use by developers to re-package and deliver relevant information.

The next step, perhaps, is to allow non-governmental bodies with the expertise to contribute to the pool of raw data, such as what Pusat Urus Zakat and Penang Women’s Development Corporation has done in asset mapping the community in Penang.

The Soap Cellar: Everything You Need For Your Skin And Made In Penang!

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This article was originally posted here...

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 21 — A strawberry cake. A Yule log cake. Lollipops. Cupcakes and slices of colourful cakes on a wooden counter, filling the whole space with the delicious fragrance of berries, vanilla and something unmistakably sweet.

Unfortunately, these sweet-smelling “desserts” are not edible because they are actually handmade soaps crafted by Penang couple Daniel Khoo and Candy Chan.

Fancy some soapy cake...these are handcrafted soaps for special occasions.Fancy some soapy cake...these are handcrafted soaps for special occasions.Khoo and Chan started dabbling in soap-making as a past-time several years ago when they used to give the soaps out to friends and relatives as gifts. Due to the popularity of their soaps, they decided to make more and sell.

They set up a small shop in Tanjung Bungah here, filling only a few small shelves with handmade soaps as a start and before long, The Soap Cellar, has become an exclusive handmade soap and skincare product supplier to hotels, companies and customers from all over the world through their website and shop.

The Soap Cellar started out small but before long, it now has a full range of skincare and hair care products along with raw materials.The Soap Cellar started out small but before long, it now has a full range of skincare and hair care products along with raw materials.Today, the couple has two soap-making companies; one is The Soap Cellar which is their retail shop and another, Global Organics Personal Care, which is the supplier for hotels and corporations.

“We also custom-make skincare products such as soaps, creams and lotions as door gifts for corporate events, weddings and parties,” Chan said.

The rare African black soap that is good for sensitive skin (left). Chan mixing up a batch of soap to be poured into the mould (right).The rare African black soap that is good for sensitive skin (left). Chan mixing up a batch of soap to be poured into the mould (right).The Soap Cellar today not only sells specialty soaps but also a full range of skincare from facial wash to lotions, creams, clay masks and bath salts, all personally mixed and made by both Chan and Khoo.

Khoo, who grew up in England, imported most of the certified natural ingredients for all his products from England. Though they have the usual scented glycerin soaps, The Soap Cellar is particularly known for their shea butter-based soaps and products.

The making of raspberry-shaped soap.The making of raspberry-shaped soap.The shea butter soaps are available in a dizzying array of natural scents from decadent mulled wine to delicious rich chocolate mint to the refreshing bright scent of olives or eucalyptus.

Shea butter is a rich moisturising ingredient used in body lotions to moisturise and soften the skin so soaps made using it as one of the main ingredients means luxuriously smooth soaps that are moisturising, aromatic and gentle on the skin. The shop has over 50 different types of these shea butter handmade soaps.

They also have pet shampoo (left). A fragrant lavender pillow mist for better sleep and insect repellent, also mixed by Khoo and Chan (right).They also have pet shampoo (left). A fragrant lavender pillow mist for better sleep and insect repellent, also mixed by Khoo and Chan (right).“One of our specialty soaps that is hard to find in Malaysia is the organic African black soap made with organic Shea butter with organic virgin coconut oil,” Khoo said. The soap may look like a mottled brown lump but due to its ingredients, it is very rich and moisturising which Khoo claims is beneficial for those with sensitive skin issues such as eczema.

As for their skincare range, they are particularly known for their varied choices of facial clays, particularly their French Green Clay and the Ghassoul Clay, both also hard to find in Malaysia.

Lollipop soaps that smell as good as they look.Lollipop soaps that smell as good as they look.Now, the shop also caters to fellow hobbyists who want to make their own soaps, creams and lotions by providing the basic ingredients needed.

“We will also teach them how to mix the ingredients to make their own lotions and creams according to their needs,” they said.

The special corner set aside for a teenage soapmaker to sell her handmade soaps.The special corner set aside for a teenage soapmaker to sell her handmade soaps.They also sell glycerin and goats’ milk soap bases so those who want to make their own soaps can also purchase the bases along with the fragrances from them. In fact, the shop even has a small corner for a teenage soap maker to sell her handmade soaps.

Even though most of the ingredients used in their products are imported from England, one of the main draws of The Soap Cellar is their competitive pricing.

“We don’t believe in charging sky high prices for quality skincare products,” Khoo said.

The range of products that the shop carries includes essential oils, hair care, baby care and even pet shampoo.

The Soap Cellar
22, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang
Tel: 604-899 2980

Pre-War Shop Rent Too High

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This article was originally posted here...

GEORGE TOWN: A drastic increase in rentals has forced 34 tenants to move out of the 55 pre-war properties along Penang Road, Kimberley Steet and Lim Chwee Leong Road.

Pre-war houses lining a road in Penang (image credit)

The rentals have increased dramatically by 100% to 700% since Jan 1 when the new rates took effect.

Some of the monthly rentals have gone up to RM14,000 from RM2,000 (up by 700%), while others have increased to RM2,000 from RM700 (up by 285%).

“As a result, many of them have closed their businesses and moved out, leaving only 21 of the pre-war properties still occupied.

“About 50% of the tenants are involved in old trades that are responsible for the city getting listed as a Unesco World Heritage site,” George Town Heritage Action co-founder Mark Lay said in an interview yesterday.

Lay said over the past two years, the rentals in the heart of George Town have increased significantly, forcing those who could not afford them to relocate to the suburbs.

“The state government should intervene in the matter as maintaining the status of old trades in the heritage zone is the criteria for getting the Unesco World Heritage site status,” he added.

Meanwhile, Teong Hum Yem, 65, said he was considering moving out of the heritage zone as the new rental was a burden.

houses in Penang (image credit)

“I have already paid for January’s rent, which is RM4,000, an increase of 292% from RM1,368. But the coming months will be tough for me,” he said.

Teong said his grandparents had been doing business in Penang Road since the 1920s.

“I believe the properties here are owned by investors from Hong Kong, who bought them up in 1960s for a shopping mall project.

But for some reason, the project never took off.

“Six months before Jan 1, we were given letters indicating that there will be a rental increase beginning this year. Some moved out before the deadline while others, only recently,” he said.

Sharon Saw said the family had been doing business selling apparels in Penang Road since the 1960s.

She said her rental was now RM2,000, compared with RM700 before the increase.

“We want to do business here, but we can’t afford the high rent.

“Business here has been bad as tourists prefer to go for the local food rather than shop with us.

This is why we can’t afford high rent. We can hardly go anywhere as the rent in the malls are also high.

“We appeal to the state government to intervene,” she said.

RM2 Billion Investment In Penang

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This article was originally posted here...

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 19 — P Linear Technology Corporation, a US-company, has invested an additional RM2 billion in its Penang plant, said International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Penang Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (image credit)

An advanced integrated circuit manufacturer, Linear Technology, owns Linear Semiconductor Sdn Bhd.

This is a big success for the Malaysian business ecosystem, he told Malaysian journalists here yesterday.

“It is a great recognition for Malaysia as the Silicon Valley of the East,” he said.

However, he did not furnish further details of the additional investment put up by the American IT company.

Mustapa was here to attend the US-ASEAN Summit in Sunnylands on Monday and Tuesday, the ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshow organised by the United States government on Wednesday and yesterday, as well as a business seminar at San Jose in Silicon Valley today.

He said American companies saw ASEAN as having great potential with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, a truly single market and production base with freer movement of goods and services.

Brazilian-style Wonder Goal

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Faiz Subri Scorer of the Penang Wonder Goal

Midfielder Mohamad Faiz Subri yesterday said the extraordinary swerving free-kick he scored for Penang State in the Malaysian Super League was no fluke, after the goal prompted comparisons to Roberto Carlos’ thunderbolt for Brazil against France in 1997.

Footage of the the 28-year-old scoring on Tuesday from a free-kick 35m out in the 62nd minute has gone viral and made him a sensation.

Many fans on social media compared Faiz’s wonder strike with the goal by former Brazil and Real Madrid star Carlos.

“What a goal by Faiz Subri for Penang! ... like Roberto Carlos. GK did not know to come or stay,” one Twitter user posted.

Faiz’s shot swerved from left to the top right of the net after sending the hapless Pahang State goalkeeper the wrong way.

“This is no fluke goal. My coach makes me practice the kick after the usual training. I intend to score more of such goals God willing,” Faiz said.

Recalling the moments before the goal, his second in the 4-1 win over Pahang, Faiz said: “I looked for a target area, was calm and used the outer side of my right leg to fire a powerful shot at goal.”

Roberto Carlos (Brazil)

“I am happy that I have made Malaysia proud and it is a big honor to be mentioned with the likes of legend Roberto Carlos,” he added.

Carlos scored with a notorious banana strike from a 35m free-kick with no direct sight of goal.

Faiz could now even be a contender for the coveted FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year in January next year.

“This is an award every football player longs for. I hope I will be short-listed,” he said.

Penang FA vice president Gary Nair said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng would award Faiz US$2,400 for the outstanding goal, and described it as “the most magnificent” he had seen in Malaysian football.

Lim had earlier posted on Twitter: “Definitely the best M’sian free kick goal ever n best in the world so far for 2016. Penang football team making waves.”

Compare the free kicks below:

Faiz Subri Free Kick 2016

Roberto Carlos Free Kick 1997

Roads Closed For Penang State’s Chinese New Year Festival

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This article was originally posted here...

CERTAIN roads in George Town will be closed today for the state Chinese New Year Celebration at the Esplanade in Penang.

Chinese New Year Celebration on Penang (image credit)

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik said Beach Street, Church Street, King Street, Penang Street and Union Street would be closed from 7pm followed by Light Street from 9pm.

“The setup of the canopies will begin after the closure of the six streets.

“The closure will continue until tomorrow where Jalan Padang Kota Lama and Armenian Street will also be closed from noon till midnight tomorrow.

“Since Light Street is partially closed, traffic will be rerouted to Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah,” he said.

“Hence, parking will not be allowed along there from 9pm today to midnight tomorrow to ease traffic flow there,” he told a press conference in Komtar.

Ng added that more than 1,000 parking lots would be available for the public at several places including Union Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Fort Cornwallis, Beach Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Beach Street, King Street, Weld Quay and Downing Street.

“From 6am to midnight, the CAT Free Shuttle Bus is available every 30 minutes from Prangin Mall to Chulia Street.

“Those who want to avoid driving, they can use Grab, the online taxi service (formerly known as MyTeksi), by keying in the ‘PGCNY’ promo code to enjoy a RM8 discount,” he said.

Ng urged the public to handle the animated decorative lightings in Esplanade with care as repairs were already needed even though they were set up barely two weeks ago.

Penang Chine New Year Festivities in full swing (image credit)

He said the staff held by the Sun Wukong character was damaged while another character’s decorative firecracker was missing.

“The hand of one of the characters is also missing and at least 19 lanterns needed mending. We can only engage a local repairman to try fixing it as the sifu has gone back to China after the setup was completed,” he said.

The public should handle the decorations with care when taking photos as the decorations will be up until Feb 22.

Ng added that the decorations had proven to be very popular and visitors would flock to the area even until after midnight to take photos.

It was reported that the decorations were put up for the first time as part of the state’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

The decorative lightings including characters of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals, Monkey God (Sun Wukong) and a giant red Chinese character of the word chun (spring) as well as other festive characters were put up at cost of RM315,000.