Deeper stain on the Pearl of Orient
Date : 19/12/2006
Headline : Deeper stain on the Pearl of the Orient
Byline : By Syed Nadzri
SOME things just don’t change about Penang. Two years after a concerted
effort was initiated to clean it up and bring back the shine to the Pearl
of the Orient, the island is still dirty. And 16 years on, the DAP hasn’t
given up its hope of capturing the state. (more…)
Komtar project still uncompleted after 30 years
DOMINATING the island’s skyline, Komtar (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) is the landmark of Penang and touted to be the icon of its urban renewal programme.
But this imposing structure now serves as a “colossal reminder” to uncompleted projects under the five-phase Komtar master plan.
For some, it is also an image of neglect and for the harsher ones, it is a reminder of how Penang has lagged behind other states.
Komtar, once the pride of Penang, is in need of a major makeover in order for it to compete with modern shopping malls.
The Komtar plan was conceived following the appointment of the state’s development arm, Penang Development Corporation, to undertake the project in 1969.
Till today, more than 30 years later, only two and a half phases have been completed. (more…)
IT has become the norm for Penangites these days to put up structures first before applying for approval.
Tanjung MP Chow Kon Yeow said the problem of illegal structures was “everywhere in town'’ which indicated that the council was weak in its enforcement.
“Many resort to putting up illegal structures because of the frustration of having to wait a year or two for approval due to red tape,” he said.
He added that it was time for the council to make the approval process shorter.
Chow was commenting on the glass box-like side entrance to the Tanjung Umno division building on Bishop Street. The council has issued a notice to the owner to demolish the illegal extension or get council approval. (more…)
