PROVINCE WELLESLEY/ SEBERANG PRAI thread

[TYW]

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0389_resize.JPG?5643
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0390_resize.JPG?9014

[TYW]

Province Wellesley's tallest in the making.....

PARK VIEW TOWER - 28 STORIES

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0391_resize.JPG?7033
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0392_resize.JPG?5244
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0393_resize.JPG?9739http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0394_resize.JPG?9022
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0395_resize.JPG?5047

[TYW]

Problem
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0401_resize.JPG?346

Solution - BUTTERWORTH OUTER RING ROAD (BORR)

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0400_resize.JPG?2859
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0403_resize.JPG?1808
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0396_resize.JPG?1498
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0398_resize.JPG?3598

[TYW]

PENANG PORT
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0399_resize.JPG?4644
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0402_resize.JPG?46
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0397_resize.JPG?4289
the burnt down building in the ferry terminal on the left:(

[TYW]

some pics i posted in the other thread
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619Butterworth_3_.jpeg?5104

more here---->http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=97072

[TYW]

BANDAR PERDA

MPSP Building
http://www.mpsp.gov.my/images/index_r3_c1.jpg
completed if i'm not mistaken

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619Wisma_TNB_1_.jpeg?59
Wisma TNB

a thread i created sometime ago http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=1590955#post1590955

[Pablo]

TYW>the MPSP Builidng is almost complete..i think it is 90% completed. This building loooks tall although it has only 16 floors:eek:

[Pablo]

i think the government should improve Butterworth tourism..in butterworth there is only 1 interesting place for tourist to visit------>Bird Park...So kesian. Hope there will be some companies built a theme park which is like sunway lagoon or Bukit Merah in Butterworth. I know the government try to improve the eco-tourism in penang...like pulau jerejak, and the eco-tourism will have very bright future for penang. But, building a theme park is not bad too, at least teenager can have some fun..hehehehe

[TYW]

i think the government should improve Butterworth tourism..in butterworth there is only 1 interesting place for tourist to visit------>Bird Park...So kesian. Hope there will be some companies built a theme park which is like sunway lagoon or Bukit Merah in Butterworth. I know the government try to improve the eco-tourism in penang...like pulau jerejak, and the eco-tourism will have very bright future for penang. But, building a theme park is not bad too, at least teenager can have some fun..hehehehe

Bandar Perda will have those

International standard hotels from the most indigenous hotel chains of the Asean region, the region's biggest mall with its three-in-one concept of retail, theme park, convention centre, an ultra modern hospital and an integrated bus and taxi terminals.

from here
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=1590955#post1590955

[baqthier]

Does Seberang Perai have any historical buildings or shophouses?

[TYW]

Does Seberang Perai have any historical buildings or shophouses?

lots of shop houses but not many historical buildings i guess. ask Pablo!!

[Pablo]

lots of shop houses but not many historical buildings i guess. ask Pablo!!


Why ask me...u tot my history is very good ah..

err...lets me think..I don't know:D.haven't heard 1 of it b4 hahahaha...gotta ask my father:lol::lol::lol:

[Pablo]

Bandar Perda will have those



from here
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=1590955#post1590955


Is that themepark like Sunway lagoon or Bukit Merah? :)

[TYW]

Why ask me...u tot my history is very good ah..

err...lets me think..I don't know:D.haven't heard 1 of it b4 hahahaha...gotta ask my father:lol::lol::lol:

u perli me ar?? yr history always get 70++ while i can't even pass :bash:

i ask u coz u always go there mah

[TYW]

Is that themepark like Sunway lagoon or Bukit Merah? :)

dunno. ask the developer, aseania. it's office is in Jalan Masjid Negeri, near our school:D

[TYW]

ASEANIA MALL, BANDAR PERDA

http://www.aseania.com.my/graphic/bp-mall.jpg

more info and pics posted here---->http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=1742706#post1742706

[THT-United]

Lets hope that the theme park in Bandar Perda is a Six Flags... They have the most SHIOK rollercoasters in the world!

[dtkoh]

Does Seberang Perai have any historical buildings or shophouses?

There are some historical shophouses near the old jetty, but most are in ruined and very bad condition. I think it wil get demolished soon

[TYW]

Lets hope that the theme park in Bandar Perda is a Six Flags... They have the most SHIOK rollercoasters in the world!

i hope so too but i don't think it will be six flags:(

[baqthier]

View from Prangin
http://photojuice.topcities.com/photo/penang/Img2002-12-20_0021.jpg

[TYW]

Pulau Cassia township Penang’s 3rd cyber city

By David Tan in Penang
THE third and the largest township in Penang, Bandar Baru Pulau Cassia, is in the process of being created in southern Seberang Prai. Bandar Baru Pulau Cassia, to be developed over a period of 15 to 20 years, will be the third township in Penang after Bayan Baru and Seberang Jaya, both of which were initiated in the 1970s.

The township is located on a 6,326-acre site, of which 2,989 acres have been used or allocated for infrastructure projects, leaving the remaining 3,337 acres for mixed development.

(The Bayan Baru and Seberang Jaya townships are sited, respectively, on 3,617 acres and 1,123 acres.)

Henry Butcher Malaysia deputy president Teoh Poh Huat told StarBiz that Bandar Baru Pulau Cassia, because of its size, could accommodate a wide range of infrastructure support, lifestyle amenities, eco-tourism products, and landscape designs.

The Bandar Baru Pulau Cassia township blueprint, unveiled to the press recently by the Penang Development Corp (PDC), is designed to accommodate the development of a jetty and marina, eco-tourism facilities, a fisherman wharf, a water theme park, a maritime museum, an electronic bazaar, a gold bazaar, an equestrian club, a 27-hole golf course, a duty-free enterprise park, an Islamic civilisation centre, a town centre, higher learning institutions, and an integrated transportation centre.

The new township is planned to be the third “Cyber City” in 2008 after Bayan Lepas and Bertam.

The PDC will develop some 30,000 properties, of which there will be 9,000 low-cost and 4,500 medium-cost properties.

PDC chairman and Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said that on top of low- and medium-cost homes, the corporation would develop bungalows, terrace houses, country homes, ranch homes and canal homes for the new township.

“By the time the township is fully developed, there will be a population of about 150,000,” he said. He, however, declined to reveal its gross development cost.

Teoh said the Equine group, the developer of the first phase of the township known as Crescentia Park, had adopted “a correct pricing strategy” for its initial 1,239 low- and medium-cost residential properties to be launched soon.

The 450-acre Crescentia Park, with a gross development value of RM700mil, is undertaken by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate company of the Equine group.

The subsequent phases of Crescentia Park will comprise higher-end properties such as townhouses, terrace, semi-detached, and bungalow houses.

The low-cost houses are priced at RM42,000 each, while the medium-cost ones at RM70,000.

Teoh said because it was still a new housing estate, the prices of the properties were below the current sale value of existing houses in the nearby towns of Bukit Tambun and Simpang Ampat.

“Crescentia Park is located within a stone's throw of these two townships, where property prices have appreciated over the years. In Bukit Tambun and Simpang Ampat, the prices of existing low-cost terrace properties are tagged at RM55,000, compared with the original sale price of RM25,000 about 10 years ago.

“For medium-cost properties, the prices of the existing ones are now tagged at between RM80,000 and RM90,000, compared with the original prices of about RM60,000 five years ago.

“The semi-detached houses are now worth between RM280,000 and RM300,000, against the original price of about RM220,000 four years ago.

“For bungalow houses, the current selling price is RM500,000, compared with the original price of about RM400,000 four years ago. The prices of residential properties in Crescentia Park, therefore, have room for appreciation,” he said.

Teoh added that Crescentia Park would draw investments from home seekers from the island, Seberang Prai and as far as north Perak, who did not mind commuting on the highway.

“Crescentia Park would also attract existing home owners who want to upgrade their lifestyle,” he said.

Equine group executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim Soo Kit said it would approach the Crescentia Park project by developing residential properties first, and subsequently commercial units.

“Our strategy is to create a population first so that there would be business opportunities for the commercial premises to be developed subsequently.

“Eventually, there will be something like 70% residential properties and 30% commercial units. We do not want to have a situation where there is a mismatch in the supply and demand of commercial properties,” he added.

[Pablo]

A water theme park..not bad huh...:D

[TYW]

A water theme park..not bad huh...:D

maybe an underwater world as well!! i read it somewhere else:D

[TYW]

Batu Kawan plan (sorry for the poor quality - camera shake)
http://img59.exs.cx/img59/1823/batukawan14kz.jpg
the whole Batu Kawan island - 2nd largest island in Penang

http://img59.exs.cx/img59/5176/batukawan23wo.jpg
the turf club will be here

http://img59.exs.cx/img59/9122/batukawan36cw.jpg
2nd link connected to batu kawan

http://img59.exs.cx/img59/7058/batukawan47kt.jpg
the existing stadium

[TYW]

pic from Penang turf Club website
http://img127.exs.cx/img127/7566/kawan6kk.jpg
"In an EGM held on 25 November 2002 at the Club's premises, the vast majority (78%) of the Ordinary Members voted in favour to relocate the Penang Turf Club to Batu Kawan. An international class state-of-the-art racecourse will be built at the new site to mark Penang Turf Club's entry into the international racing league which will in turn promote tourism in Penang regarding all things equestrian. Pic below shows part of the proposed new racecourse designed by HOK, international specialists in racecourse designs."

HOK website (no info about the turf club though. hope fully i'm not cock-eyed)
http://www.hok.com/

[Pablo]

Wah look abit weird its design...but still look great:cool:

[TYW]

Wah look abit weird its design...but still look great:cool:

this proves that the lady last night didn't know what she was talking about:D

[Pablo]

this proves that the lady last night didn't know what she was talking about:D

haiyo..she is just a sales girl only ma..But i can c she is so hard-working, non-stop explain to the customers about the development of that area;)

[TYW]

haiyo..she is just a sales girl only ma..But i can c she is so hard-working, non-stop explain to the customers about the development of that area;)

he he.....yeah, true:D:D

[TYW]

some pictures i found in Pbase
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/tanyw/26521241.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/tanyw/3214976.jpg

[TYW]

penang skyline from the mainland
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/tanyw/31497025.jpg

[baqthier]

http://img127.exs.cx/img127/7566/kawan6kk.jpg
WOW! How I wish some other buildings in KL could look like this!

[TYW]

http://img127.exs.cx/img127/7566/kawan6kk.jpg
WOW! How I wish some other buildings in KL could look like this!

KL have more beautiful buildings like that lah!!!!

[TYW]

Monday April 4, 2005

Highway Auto City beats the norm
BY DAVID TAN IN PENANG

HIGHWAY Auto City, located at the Juru interchange of the North-South Expressway (NSE), is currently one of the most successful one-stop centres in the country known for its automotive operations and food and beverage outlets.

Its success runs against the conventional belief that for a retail property scheme to thrive, it has to be located within a densely populated residential area.

Highway Auto City is located in the Prai Industrial Estate, surrounded by factories.

In the late 90s, when the country’s economy crawled at a snail’s pace due to the impact of the Asian financial crisis, few businessmen would have dared to consider establishing retail properties on a remote spot at the Juru interchange of the NSE.

If they had wanted to, Seberang Jaya or Jalan Prai Baru would have been the preferred choice.

Golden Highway Auto City Sdn Bhd managing director Gary Teoh, a businessman with an engineering background, however thought otherwise.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/4/4/business/b_pg17gary.jpg
From left: Gary Teoh with Penang Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah, Lotus Asia-Pacific GM Oh Kah Beng and Proton Edar northern region manager Lim Bok Wah at the Lotus Advance Technology Exhibition held recently at the Highway Auto City.

“We had vacant land at the crossroads of the Juru interchange in Prai Industrial Estate and we wanted to do something with it. We believed in starting a meaningful and valuable commercial project at the Juru Interchange of the NSE.

“Initially, we had a very difficult time in persuading and convincing the local businessmen on the island and mainland to do business at the site. They did not buy the idea that a business has the potential to grow there.”

Some even condemned the idea. “They pointed out that even in prime areas in Prai, there were already thousands of commercial and industrial properties which had been left uncompleted and abandoned as a result of the 1997 Asian financial crisis,” he said.

Despite the discouraging feedback, Teoh decided to go on, against all odds.

“We continued speaking to entrepreneurs and explored many types of businesses, but we were not able to find the appropriate business which has the potential to thrive in the area.

“Our search carried on till the middle of 2001. That was when we had our break. We considered the automotive industry, which was badly hit by the 1997 recession,” he said.

Experts from the automotive industry pointed out that the site, given its location, was suited for the 3S – showroom, service and spare-parts business.

“Because it is located at the NSE, such a business centre would draw the attention of the thousand of motorists using the highway,” he added.

At that time, there was no automotive hub in the country with a well-planned out integrated scheme that provided the 3S services under one roof.

“So we had to do our own planning. We first had to get confirmation on the type of car companies that wanted to take up space in our project.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/4/4/business/b_pg17highway.jpg
Highway Auto City is strategically located next to the North-South Expressway

“It was not easy at first. Car companies in Kuala Lumpur were more receptive to the idea of establishing their business at the Juru interchange than the companies in Penang.

“After getting confirmation from them, we designed the centre and the retail lots according to their needs,” he said.

Teoh said that after getting the car companies to come in, they then realised that such a centre would also require food and beverage outlets.

“One of the first food and beverage outlets that agreed to come in was McDonald's. They were looking for a suitable location to set up a drive-through outlet.”

After McDonald's, other food and beverage outlets such as Secret Recipe, Shelaiton, Coffee Bean, Sri Ayutthaya Thai Restaurant, and Pelita followed.

The first phase of Highway Auto City was completed in 2003 on a 7-acre site and the second phase in 2004 on five acres. The gross development value for the entire project is RM30mil.

The built-up areas of the retail units are between 1,500 and 8,000 sq ft.

There are 26 well-known automobile brands and 12 food and beverage outlets at Highway Auto City, which is also equipped with more than 500 parking bays.

Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Bhd and Bumiputra-Commerce Finance Bhd are also located there.

To promote Highway Auto City, the management uses it as a venue for events and road shows organised by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

For example, Highway Auto City has collaborated with SIC to promote international races and events such as the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix (F1), Japan GT and MotoGP.

It has also organised large auto fairs and carnivals, with each event attracting about 50,000 visitors and achieving sales of between RM15mil and RM20mil.

“We were surprised at the success of Highway Auto City. An important aspect of the success is that Highway Auto City serves very well as a social meeting place for businessmen,” Teoh added.

Highway Auto City’s success has prompted Teoh to consider launching the third phase later this year using the 24-acre land next to it.

“We are looking to have more automobile companies to come in Phase 3, increase the range and variety of food and beverage outlets, and have more banking facilities,” he said.

VPC Alliance (Pg) Sdn Bhd director Kelvin Tan Keat Lim said the current rentals – RM1 to RM2.60 per sq ft – for Highway Auto City was very competitive.

“The rental is about the same as those of the retail lots in Seberang Jaya and two to three times less than for the retail space in Megamall Pinang in Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya.

“At Auto City, in addition to the competitive rental rates, you also get maximum exposure for your business, as the location is at the crossroads of the NSE.

“We expect the rental in Highway Auto City to increase in the next three years as the economy grows stronger,” he said.

Tan added that Highway Auto City would compete with Seberang Jaya or other retail properties in Seberang Prai, as there was a shortage of similar centres with automobile companies and food and beverage outlets.

According to Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd director Azmi Omar, due to the limited supply of retail units in Highway Auto City, the rental rates may increase slightly.

Azmi said Highway Auto City was designed to cater to the needs of low-rise shop-houses and shop-offices, targeting the automotive industry as well as food and beverage businesses.

“Thus it will not provide competition to Seberang Jaya, which is designed as a self-contained township, supported by commercial, educational, residential, and industrial properties,” he added.

[TYW]

Tuesday April 26, 2005

Hunza unit developing Putra Bertam township

BY SYLVIA LOOI IN KEPALA BATAS

BANDAR Kepala Batas Sdn Bhd (BKBSB) is developing 740 houses, condominium units and shop offices costing a total of RM80mil under phase 2B and phase 4 of Bandar Putra Bertam in Kepala Batas.

BKBSB is a 70:30 joint venture between Hunza Properties Bhd and Yayasan Bumiputra Pulau Pinang Bhd.

Hunza executive chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong said phase 1 and phase 2A, comprising 1,900 residential and commercial units, had been completed.

“Take-up rates at the two phases have been encouraging with bumiputras accounting for 55% of the total sales,” he said after the launch of the RM1.1mil Putra Villas clubhouse by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah.

On Putra Villas condo, Khor said construction had started and was expected to be completed by year-end.

“Since its soft launch, the 300 units of Kondo Putra Villas have received encouraging response,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/4/26/business/p8murtaza.jpg
BKBSB director Datuk Syed Murtaza (far right) and Datuk Khor Teng Tong (far left) explaining the development pla of phase 2B and 4 of Bandar Putra Bertam to Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah (third from left).

He said Putra Villas, designed as double-storey condominium units with individual strata title for each floor, was the first project of its kind in the North Seberang Prai district.

He said Putra Villas offered security measures such as guardhouse, card access and surveillance system, closed-circuit television as well as perimeter fencing.

In his speech, Rashid said Yayasan Bumiputra Pulau Pinang Bhd’s involvement in the project showed how Government and the private sector could work together in an optimal manner.

“Gone are the days when Kepala Batas used to be an undeveloped area. There are plans for Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Advanced Medical and Dentistry Institute, Mara Junior Science College, a multi-discipline boarding school and Universiti Terbuka Malaysia to be built here,” he said.

[TYW]

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Wheel clamping operation kicks off
By ZARINAH DAUD

MOTORISTS in Seberang Prai, Penang, have been forewarned.

Park haphazardly or obstruct traffic and you’ll find your car wheels clamped.

Yesterday, Seberang Prai Muni-cipal Council enforcement officers went on their rounds along busy streets to show they meant business.

The exercise was to have been effective on May 1 but the council had given a three-day reprieve to allow motorists to get used to the new ruling. The move is to deter the public from parking their vehicles indiscriminately and hindering traffic flow.

Until 3pm yesterday, only one case of clamping was reported at the Taman Selat commercial centre in Butterworth.

http://penang.thestar.com.my/content/news/2005/5/5/tyre.jpg
Seberang Prai Municipal Council enforcement officers clamping the wheel of a car which was parked illegally at a busy street in Butterworth. The car owner was let off with a warning.

Word had spread around that enforcement officers were in the area. On hearing this, vehicle owners immediately rushed out from several banks nearby to move their cars and park them at designated lots.

The officers, led by Md Noor Abd Hamid, blew the whistle thrice as warnings to errant moto-rists. Within minutes, the ‘No Par-king’ area, which was earlier full, became almost deserted.

However, a Proton Saga owner, who turned up late, found one of his car wheels clamped.

The unidentified owner apolo-gised for illegally parking his car and was eventually let off with a warning.

Later, enforcement officers clamped a black multipurpose vehicle bearing a Kuala Lumpur number plate. The officers left a notice on the windscreen as the owner had failed to turn up after the three whistles.

Md Noor said there was no ex-cuse for motorists to park their vehicles illegally from now on.

“Our enforcement officers will take stern measures and motor-ists are advised to stick to the rules,” he warned, adding that the first day of operation was to educate the public.

The clamping operations, from 8am to 9pm daily, is enforced under Ordinance 16 of the council's Traffic Ordinance (Coupon Car Parking Area) 1995.

Apart from paying a fine of RM50 to have the clamps re-moved, they are liable to be fined a further RM30 for indiscriminate parking.

Those who failed to remove their cars by 6pm in major commercial areas on working days would have their vehicles towed to the council’s depot in Perma-tang Tengah near Sungai Puyu.

Council president Md Aris Ariffin said the council had designated five areas in Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam as “clamping zones”. They were in Jalan Bagan Luar and Taman Selat, both in Butterworth, and Chai Leng Park, Megamal Pinang and Jalan Tem-bikai, all in Bukit Mertajam.

He said the move was necessary because too many motorists were fond of parking their vehicles outside parking bays and blocking traffic.

He added that the council, un-der the Road Transport Act 1987, was allowed to clamp vehicles that caused traffic obstruction within a radius of 9m from the nearest designated car parking lot.

“The clamping zone will be ex-tended to other areas if the pilot project is effective. A notice will be placed near the clamped vehicle for the owner.

“This method is similar to the operations conducted by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Shah Alam City Council enforcement units,” he said.

[Magician]

Batu Kawan is an island? ahaha I dunno

[SEED]

i've been to bukit mertajam(wrong spellin??) somewhere in butterworth.. not a bad place yo.. pretti nice town wit some pre-war houses.. but that waz long time ago hehe.. anyway.. why dont that Hunza guy forget bout buildin another mall in Gurney to rival wit Gurney Plaza.. why dont he save up some of his money and build one in butterworth?? not a bad location.. the population there is risin rite?? not a bad place for invesment too rite?? are the land there cheap?? wat u guys think??

[TYW]

Batu Kawan is an island? ahaha I dunno

yeah!! i used to not know also he he....

it is seperated from the mainland by a river (or whatever that is called). kinda like a delta thing:D

[TYW]

i've been to bukit mertajam(wrong spellin??) somewhere in butterworth.. not a bad place yo.. pretti nice town wit some pre-war houses.. but that waz long time ago hehe.. anyway.. why dont that Hunza guy forget bout buildin another mall in Gurney to rival wit Gurney Plaza.. why dont he save up some of his money and build one in butterworth?? not a bad location.. the population there is risin rite?? not a bad place for invesment too rite?? are the land there cheap?? wat u guys think??

1st of all, it is the right spelling;) but Bukit Mertajam (BM) is not in Butterworth it is another town by itself. BM is on the east of Butterworth. Now, i think Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam are kinda connected, like a metro:D they are the biggest towns in mainland Penang. in between them are other smaller towns like Bukit Tengah, Prai and Bandar Perda.

about the mall stuff, ASEANIA (developer of Bandar Perda) is gonna build a mall in Bandar Perda. no news about it though but i've posted it in the previous pages :

ASEANIA MALL, BANDAR PERDA

http://www.aseania.com.my/graphic/bp-mall.jpg

more info and pics posted here---->http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=1742706#post1742706

[SEED]

yeh i already read bout that ASEANIA stuff in the previous post.. i waz talkin bout why not or if Hunza build a mall over Butterworth(near the jetty) instead of Gurney.. thats why i ask wat u guys think? kinda lousy idea but.. :lol: since Butterworth need tourist..

[nazrey]

Seberang Prai a big tourism potential
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
By ANTHONY TAN



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p32Byram.jpg

The mangrove swamp at Byram along
Sungai Krian is teeming with wildlife and birds for nature lovers.


Seberang Prai has great potential for eco and agro-tourism, according to the Penang Structure Plan (2005-2020) survey report.

Identifying attractions such as the Mengkuang Dam, mangrove forests in Byram, bird-watching opportunities at Penaga Beach, and stop-over of migratory birds in Batu Kawan, the report stated that the tourism industry in Seberang Prai had to be developed to tap this potential.

It said there was an imbalance in the number of tourism products between the island and mainland because many potential attractions in Seberang Prai had yet to be fully developed.

Potential attractions included Kuala Muda, Pulau Aman, and Kepala Batas where a water theme park had been planned.

The report said less than 10% of tourists who came to Penang island visited attractions on the mainland, adding that many foreign tourists interviewed did not know about Seberang Prai.

It said that excursions to the mainland were limited to golf or half-day trips to visit the Seberang Jaya bird park, according to most travel agencies.

It also said some existing mainland attractions such as beaches and home stay programmes needed to be upgraded with proper supporting facilities for the comfort of tourists.

The report suggested that the ferry terminal, Butterworth train station, Bayan Lepas airport, Swettenham Pier and Penang Bridge be upgraded and properly maintained as these entry points gave tourists their first impressions of Penang.

It also said the temporary Butter-worth bus station, which consists of roadside stalls and temporary shelters, was uncomfortable for passengers during hot and rainy days.

The report projected that 33,220 hotel rooms with 56,474 beds would be needed in 2020 to cater for the influx of tourists during peak seasons.

It expected arrivals to surpass six million tourists in 2020 based on an annual 2.5% growth, with 60% comprising foreigners and the rest Malaysians.

It said committed projects included the cable car from Penang Hill to Teluk Bahang and Youth Park, upgrading of Beach Street and Pantai Bersih, construction of Teluk Bahang Reptile Park and Phase Two of the Relau Metropolitan Park.

The report is on display during office hours until May 24 at Komtar (Level Three), Penang Municipal Council, Seberang Prai Municipal Council, Seberang Jaya library, all five district offices and the Town and Country Planning Department at Komtar’s 57th floor.

[TYW]

yeh i already read bout that ASEANIA stuff in the previous post.. i waz talkin bout why not or if Hunza build a mall over Butterworth(near the jetty) instead of Gurney.. thats why i ask wat u guys think? kinda lousy idea but.. :lol: since Butterworth need tourist..

Butterworth is gonna get a mall too!! it is under the Harbour Place project:D

ok, ok, back to the question. actually i have no idea. i have not been to any malls in Province Wellesley for a very long time. haven't even been to Megamall Pinang (it is the biggest mall in Penang). IMO, Province Wellesley's demand for malls aren't as high as in Penang Island. And with those malls proposed by ASEANIA and PJ Development (Harbour Place) i think that is sufficient for the time being. Besides, many people from Province Wellesley and neighboring Perak, Kedah and Perlis comes to Penang Island to shop. so, i guess another mall in Penang island will be supported by these people also.

well, this is my opinion, don't know the real situation:(

[SEED]

wow! i never knew that people will come so far from Perak and Kedah just to do their shoppin in penang.. now i understand why penang island built soo many malls.. and now i understand the meanin of that ASEANIA project.. thx for answearin ma question men! :okay:

[TYW]

wow! i never knew that people will come so far from Perak and Kedah just to do their shoppin in penang.. now i understand why penang island built soo many malls.. and now i understand the meanin of that ASEANIA project.. thx for answearin ma question men! :okay:

glad to answer them;)

[TYW]

Sunday, May 15, 2005

State to look into toll woe

The state government will consider views from local residents before imposing toll on part of the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway near Butterworth.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah said the state government would do its best to help residents, especially those in Seberang Jaya, who would be directly affected by toll collection.

He however said the affected stretch, from Jalan Heng Choon Thean to the Seberang Jaya roundabout, was now under the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) concessionaire.

“The state government understands the residents' predicament and we will highlight their grouses to the state traffic committee and the Public Works Department.

“The proposed toll collection will affect local residents and due consideration should be given to them before toll is collected,” he said after presenting keys to house buyers of Taman Pauh Damai here yesterday.

About 494 house buyers received keys to their apartments that have been completed a year ahead of schedule.

Abdul Rashid was asked to comment on complaints by Seberang Jaya residents who objected to toll collection on the highway stretch that they have been using without paying any fee for 10 years.

The residents argued that the toll collection would be “unfair” because there was no alternative road for them to use.

[TYW]

Friday, May 13, 2005

Escalator for ferry terminal

A two-way escalator will soon be built at the Butterworth ferry terminal for the convenience of foot passengers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) general manager (marine services) Capt Seow Yong Him said the company had budgeted RM600,000 for the project.

He said construction was scheduled to start next month and to be completed in two months, adding that the escalator was expected to be operational by year-end.

He also said four public toilets would be built at the same terminal at a cost of RM70,000, with work expected to start next month.

Capt Seow said the average waiting time for a ferry had been reduced from 10 minutes to eight minutes after PPSB increased the number of ferries from six to seven during peak hours and from five to six during non-peak hours. Peak hours are from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 6pm.

On the impact of the increase in ferry fares from May 1, he said the number of cars using the service had dropped from an average of 3,800 before the increase to 3,500.

He, however, said PPSB had anticipated the drop as 300 cars were not regular users.

Capt Seow said the number of foot passengers and other types of vehicles using the service remained unchanged despite the fare increase.

Since May 1, the fares were increased by up to 100% from 60 sen to RM1.20 for foot passengers, 70 sen to RM1.40 for bicycles, RM7 to RM7.70 for cars, and RM1.40 to RM2 for motorcycles. Lorries, vans and buses are charged RM13.20, up from RM12.

[TYW]

北海外环公路赶工　大桥料10月建竣
2005-5-13 22:49:30

报导:陈怡铭摄影:陈怡铭

在北海区内取得迅速发展之时,基本设施,尤其是高速公路的建设更显得重要,这是因为北海区是一个集工业发展及港口为一体的发展中心,货物流量的迅速足以决定北海未来20年的发展计划。

也因为这一个原因,北海外环公路在6年前已经开始兴建,这一个耗资巨大的发展工程,是联邦政府为疏缓区内交通阻塞继续恶化的庞大基建工程计划。

环市高速公路计划分4阶段进行

这项横跨威中和威北两县的环市高速公路计划,整个工程共分成4个阶段进行,即第一阶段分成1A和1B的工程,是从北赖新路到北赖旧街场一带,第二阶段则从巴眼达南至北岸箱运码头,第三阶段是从北岸箱运码头到巴眼亚占,而第四阶段才从巴眼亚占至双溪赖。

简单的话,整条北海外环公路工程,是从北赖美嘉广场前的北赖新路开始,然后一路兴建到北海糖厂附近,再建一座大桥横跨北赖河,由巴眼达南延伸至北海巴士总站和新睦大厦之间的空地,接着沿着海岸线朝巴眼亚占北上,折往双溪浮油市镇,直至一直到双溪赖南北大道收费站为止。

这一项耗资巨大的道路发展工程,从一开始动工至今,都传出不少的问题,其中包括受影响居民的搬迁问题,征用土地问题,至动工之后所引发的各种交通问题,每一项都严重影响到附近受影响的居民,甚至连部份在发展计划旁的商店也深受影响。

北赖路大桥料明年全面通车

目前,该项道路计划所面对的最大难题就是已经在1999年开始动工,预定在3年后完成的北赖路大桥工程至今还未完成。目前,该段桥梁只完成75巴仙,预料将会在今年10月竣工,明年才可全面通车。

北海将成“大道收费城”

北海外环公路同时也是一条收费的大道计划,其收费站则会设立在该座大桥前、北海巴眼惹玛一带,以及北海王俊畅路通往诗布朗再也的高速公路,相信在建竣之后,将导致北海成为一座“大道收费城”,同时也可能使到部份道路面对严重的交通阻塞情况重演。

随着这项庞大基建工程的展开,经为北海一带的居民带来很大的影响,而且影响层面深远,由于工程施工,导致北海许多交通都必须改道,有些受征地影响的居民也被迫搬迁,让路发展工程,使北海市区衍生许多发展的后遗症问题。

北海外环公路对于北海市民来说,是一条喜乐参半的发展计划,市民们无不希望这一条大道路能够为北海塑造新生命,却又担心大道的收费加重了市民们的负担。

无论如何,每一位北海市民都希望,北海外环公路能够早日通车!

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/kwyp_news/2005/5/13/image/bw2005513_8.jpg
■ 北赖桥的衔接工程至今还未完成。

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/kwyp_news/2005/5/13/image/bw2005513_9.jpg
■ 北海外环公路建筑工程日夜赶工,以期能够在今年内完成。

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/kwyp_news/2005/5/13/image/bw2005513_10.jpg
■ 已经开始使用的北海王俊畅路通往诗布朗再也的路段也将设立北海外环公路的收费站。

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/kwyp_news/2005/5/13/image/bw2005513_11.jpg
■ 北海外环公路第一阶段已经开始通车。

[TYW]

for those non chinese readers, here's my lousy summary.

the article is about BORR (Butterworth Outer Ring Road). It is expected to be completed in October and opened next year.

the complaints are that it is a tolled highway and it may cause some traffic complications.

errr....chinese readers dun laugh at me if i say anything wrong :D

[Pablo]

The bridge is so high..it is very near to my grandma new house, i think about 2 km to the bridge. I even can c the bridge from my grandma house..but the construction is super slow:(

[Pablo]

wow! i never knew that people will come so far from Perak and Kedah just to do their shoppin in penang.. now i understand why penang island built soo many malls.. and now i understand the meanin of that ASEANIA project.. thx for answearin ma question men! :okay:

U know, when i worked in Prangin Mall as a part time job, 1 of my colleague's friend tarvel from Alor Setar to Penang just for shopping..:eek:

[SEED]

^^Pablo.. wah.. dont they hav a mall in Alor Setar? and those BORR looks great men! :eek: i like that cable-stay bridge yo.. for pedestrians or cars?

[TYW]

^^Pablo.. wah.. dont they hav a mall in Alor Setar? and those BORR looks great men! :eek: i like that cable-stay bridge yo.. for pedestrians or cars?

alor setar does have malls!! in fact, a new mall has just opened a few months ago:D

that cable-stayed brige is for cars. why build a pedestrian bridge in a highway project??:lol:

[SEED]

why build a pedestrian bridge in a highway project??:lol:

no.. that bridge looks like some ofda pedestrian bridge over here.. and itz kinda skiny in that pic soo i tot thats a pedestrian bridge hehe :lol:

[TYW]

no.. that bridge looks like some ofda pedestrian bridge over here.. and itz kinda skiny in that pic soo i tot thats a pedestrian bridge hehe :lol:

yeah, it looks kinda skinny he he.... looks like a 4 lane bridge

[nazrey]

A mix that worked just right
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Photos by MUSTAFA AHMAD
By ZARINAH DAUD



WALKING around the RM2bil Bandar Perda near Bukit Mertajam gives one the feeling of being in a foreign land or a different era.

Visitors need not step out of Seberang Jaya to marvel at the rich architecture of Europe, the Middle East or India as familiar facades have emerged within the new township.

A giant arch greets visitors at the main entrance along Jalan Permatang Rawa. Upon entering the township, they will see the spanking new and elegant Wisma TNB.

Rich in aesthetics, the buildings in Bandar Perda are a fusion of classical designs reflecting Roman, Greek, Mogul and neo-classical era.

It is hard to imagine that the township was once the site of an idle padi field. After the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) acquired the 183ha site, the project was privatised to Aseania Development in the mid-1990s.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/6/p22omar.jpg

Omar: I travelled to Europe,
India and the Middle East for ideas.



The developer has since transformed the area into one of the fastest growing townships in the northern region.

Aseania Development managing director Datuk Omar Faudzar said Perda wanted the new township to be different and he had suggested that the buildings be modelled after classical designs.

“I travelled to Europe, India and the Middle East for ideas and the company decided to have Moorish architecture as the main feature.

“I want people to appreciate the evolution of the world’s greatest architecture and they can see all these designs in Bandar Perda.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/6/p22central.jpg

The newly-completed
Central Seberang Prai police headquarters.



“We apply the mix-and-match concept by infusing all the classical designs into one, and our clients are happy with the results.

“The buildings have numerous pillars, arches and domes and these characteristics make them stand out from other designs,” he said.

The company had originally planned to build residential houses but the economic slowdown forced them to make some adaptations.

Instead of constructing landed property, the developer built apartments and sold land parcels to government agencies to build their own offices.

Among the first to come in were Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the Inland Revenue Board, Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) and the police.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/6/p22bulding.jpg

The new MPSP building
at Bandar Perda.



Omar said the company designed and built the RM35mil Wisma TNB that combined Moorish and Greek architecture.

“I got the idea for the building when I travelled to Italy and Turkey. I told my artist who translated my vision into a drawing.

“The architect made some changes to the design and I am glad to say that my client is happy with the building.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/6/p22beverages.jpg

de'Rendezvous food and entertainment centre
comes complete with a central pedestrian mall



“As for other buildings, I got some ideas from movies or magazines. Each building must have a character to distinguish it from the rest.

“I am glad to say that the mix-and-match concept has worked out well and did not create mismatches,” he added.

Besides Wisma TNB, other impressive buildings include the RM65mil MPSP headquarters, central Seberang Prai (SPT) district police headquarters and SPT district Fire and Rescue department office.

Apart from government offices, the company also constructed commercial complexes and all its units costing from RM150,000 to RM550,000 have been sold.

And to brighten up the night scene, Aseania Development recently completed the de’Rendezvous food and entertainment centre to attract bigger crowds.

[SEED]

men! :eek: that MPSP buildin looks great yo! and the police headquaters are much better lookin then those on Penang island! thx Nazrey! :cool:

[TYW]

i was looking for that article a few weeks ago......

gotta go to Bandar Perda one day to take pics

[TYW]

Butterworth's tallest building - Park View Tower (the one on the right)

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/8821/butterworth69wo.jpg

[TYW]

TALL bridge in Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR)

at the bottom right
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6417/butterworth72nx.jpg

[TYW]

http://image10.webshots.com/10/8/21/64/140682164eSKmNF_ph.jpg

[TYW]

http://image46.webshots.com/46/2/51/45/318825145HRnKRC_fs.jpg

[TYW]

http://image42.webshots.com/42/2/55/93/318825593QPbIKv_fs.jpg

[TYW]

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/41/butterworth90hd.jpg

[TYW]

love this brochure :D

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3627/imgp0037resize1cf.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8940/imgp0038resize4cs.jpg

[TYW]

Friday January 6, 2006



New RM83m landmark

BY DERRICK VINESH

THE view of Butterworth town and George Town is simply breathtaking from the 16th floor of the newly opened Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) headquarters in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam.

The floor, which has an open-air circular-shaped balcony, also offers a bird’s eye view of the Bukit Mertajam hill, the Bandar Perda township and the lush paddy fields nearby.

A banquet hall with full glass paneling is also on this floor - offering guests a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Council president Datuk Md Aris Ariffin said the RM83mil disabled-friendly building with a built-up area of 26,100 sq m, would be occupied by 10 departments in stages. The move started yesterday.

“All counter services will be shifted from the present building in Jalan Dato Ahmad Said, Butterworth to the new building on March 3.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2006/1/6/north/mpp.jpg
The dome-shaped chamber of the RM83mil Seberang Prai Municipal Council headquarters at Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, serves as the place where meetings are held and important decisions made.

“About 500 of our total 1,971 employees will occupy this building. The remaining ones, mainly from the enforcement unit, special squad and counter staff will remain in our branch office in Jalan Betek, Bukit Mertajam.

“We will rent out the Jalan Dato Ahmad Said building,” he said after chairing the council’s 379th full council meeting at Dewan Kenanga chamber at the new building recently.

The dome-shaped chamber, with Roman pillars and a ceil-ing that resembles a spaceship, has a five-tier gallery and a giant 1.8m-high DVD projector screen. This is where meetings are held.

Besides the chamber and an auditorium, a one-stop centre will also be located on the ground floor, where representatives from all 10 departments will be stationed to provide counter services to the public.

Apart from six private consultation rooms to discuss official matters with council officers, there will also be 396 car parking lots and two drive-in counters for easy payment of bills.

The council president’s office is on the 15th floor, while the various departments will oc-cupy the first to the 14th floors.

A cafetaria, surau, clinic and kindergarten for children of staff are on the mezzanine floor.

The building’s project manager Muhammad Afandy Ab-dullah from HPRC Consulting Group (M) Sdn Bhd said Moorish and Islamic motifs were used for the building’s external and internal designs.

“It has three main zones - the administrative block for the public, the tower for the executive offices and the chamber for the legislative offices.

“It is the first building on the mainland to be equipped with an intelligent building management system (IBMS) that can easily detect structural defects and operational malfunction,” he said.

[baqthier]

wow 16 floors not bad :D

[TYW]

January 10, 2006 11:23 AM

Work On Penang Dental College To Start Soon

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- After meticulous planning and a two-year wait, work on the country's first standalone dental college hospital, is expected to take off soon.

Its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr S. Sharavanan said the the Higher Education Ministry granted approval for the Penang International Dental College (PIDC), to be built in Bertam, Kepala Batas, recently.

He said the college is expected to enrol the pioneer batch of 80 students for the dental degree programme later this month.

"In its first intake, the PIDC will take in a total of 160 students in two batches comprising locals and foreigners," he told Bernama.

Dr Sharavanan said they would do the first two years of their five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery Twinning Programme in Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation in Salem, South India, before returning to Penang to complete their degree at the college.

"Once these students return to Penang after completing their freshman years, the college, with places for 250 students, will be ready to receive them to continue their remaining years of study," he said.

Explaining the two-year-long wait and untiring efforts made to realise the college, which would be Malaysia's first standalone dental college and hospital, Dr Sharavanan said the college was backed by a strong Board of Governors.

They include former Agriculture Minister Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Daud as chairman and its members comprise, among others, former Director-General of Education Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin and Prof Datuk Dr Sham Sani.

"The most challenging point was getting approval from the country's dental body and complying with their stringent requirements. Having complied with that, it was a period of waiting for the ministry's greenlight," he said.

[TYW]

13-03-2006:

PLB close to clinching RM80m project
By Jimmy Yeow

Penang-based construction company PLB Engineering Bhd is believed to be close to clinching an RM80 million contract to re-develop the old bus terminal in Butterworth.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) managing director Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar confirmed that such a deal is on the card under a build, operate and transfer basis. “Penang Port, the Seberang Perai Municipal Council and the company (PLB Engineering) are keen to get the project off the ground as soon as possible.”

The Butterworth bus terminal, which was burnt down in 2003, could not be re-developed earlier due to peculiar local regulations. PPSB owns the land on which the terminal is located.

“We now have the necessary approvals from the government (to re-develop the terminal) after the amendments to the law. We are in the process of looking for an alternative site for a temporary bus terminal while the present complex located on a 1.8ha site is being re-developed,” Ahmad told FinancialDaily.

It is understood that work on the project could begin by the middle of this year. Ahmad said the new complex will be able to handle one million passengers annually.

“We are asking from the government for 30 years plus a 30-year extension of the lease of the port before going ahead with the project to make it viable,” Ahmad said.

The extension is in line with the other ports' lease agreements, he said. The port operator's initial 30 year-lease has only 18 years remaining.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said the company fuel bill is likely to go up to RM7 million or RM8 million this year after the latest round of petrol and diesel hike. “Last year our fuel bill went up by RM6 million after the government reduced the subsidies. We subsidised the state RM13 million last year to operate the ferry services linking Butterworth and George Town,” he said.

[TYW]

they gotta build this FAST!!!

just been there last Saturday, that place is like a war zone!! the size of the potholes are like ponds

[TYW]

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6533/butterworthbusterminal13tv.jpg
^^the "bus terminal"

[TYW]

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/2249/butterworthbusterminal21nd.jpg
^^potholes!!

[TYW]

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9886/butterworthbusterminal34ze.jpg
^^i wonder how many fishes died in that pond

[TYW]

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/4231/butterworthbusterminal44jt.jpg
^^ the "pasar"

[TYW]

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/7927/nbtower26ov.jpg
^^ the empty space was where the burned down building used to be

[TYW]

-SKYLINE PICS-

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/995/butterworth148zn.jpg
^^ on a ferry from the island to the mainland

[TYW]

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/8849/butterworth110zl.jpg
^^ skyline with shells :D

[TYW]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4634/butterworth139fd.jpg
^^ 2 of the tallest buildings in Butterworth

[TYW]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5598/butterworth106kf.jpg
^^ Prai River Bridge

[TYW]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1625/butterworth124ao.jpg
^^ and we reach the mainland...

[TYW]

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/3305/borr12bt.jpg
^^part of the BORR

[TYW]

Bus station in deplorable state


BUTTERWORTH: Filthy surroundings and the deplorable condition of the temporary bus station at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal here has left people fuming.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/bus.JPG

Commuters and hawkers operating in the area have urged the authorities to speed up construction of a proper bus terminal.

Thousands of people, including tourists arriving from Singapore and Thailand on buses, use the Sultan Abdul Halim bus and ferry terminal every day.

The old terminal at the adjacent Penang Port Commission complex was destroyed in a fire in 2001.

Taxi driver Md Desa Hasan, 53, said he felt embarrassed whenever foreign tourists arrived from Singapore and Bangkok and complained about cleanliness there.

"We should have a proper bus station as this is a transit point for train, ferry and bus passengers and we should ensure cleanliness is maintained at all times," he said.

"You can even see rats running around the area during daytime."

Yaakob Man, 49, from Taiping, Perak, said he travels to Penang twice a week on business and was forced to use the makeshift toilets at the jetty.

He said it was about time permanent toilets were built there for the convenience of the public.

Another regular commuter, Lee Siew Mah, 54, said the open air bus station became extremely filthy whenever it rained.

She said the local council should clean up the area.

Retired civil servant R. Ramani, 59, from Sungai Petani, Kedah, said there was a lot of uncollected rubbish at the waiting area of the bus station but no one seemed bothered to clear it.

Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Datuk Md Aris Ariffin said the council had always strived to maintain cleanliness there, but it required the co-operation of everyone.

[TYW]

13-04-2006: SunInc, Dekon to develop Penang shopping complex

Sunway Holdings Incorporated Bhd (SunInc) has teamed up with Bumiputera contractor Dekon Sdn Bhd to jointly develop a RM90.3 million proposed Sunway Carnival shopping complex in Seberang Prai, Penang.

In a statement on April 13, SunInc said its wholly owned subsidiary Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd (SunCon), has entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Dekon to undertake the project comprising the rehabilitation of Sunway Carnival consisting four-storey shops and one-storey office project on a 70:30 basis.

The project was awarded to SunCon by Sunway Carnival Sdn Bhd on Dec 30, 2005.

It said SunCon aimed at tapping into the existing networks of Dekon for the sub-contractors and suppliers of raw materials near the project site for strategic procurement purpose.

[TYW]

Panorama from Megamall Pinang >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/310/skyline1214hl.jpg

[TYW]

Friday June 30, 2006

Work to start after long wait

By DAVID TAN

Work on the new RM100m bus terminal-cum-shopping complex beside the ferry terminal in Butterworth will finally take off – five years after the Penang Port Commission Complex was destroyed in a fire.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said work on the seven-storey building would begin before the end of the year.

The new complex will be located at the site of the old PPC complex, he said. It will take two years to complete, he added.

Construction of the complex had been delayed by problems related to land matters, he said.

“Part of the land is owned by the state government while another part belongs to the Federal Government.

“To complicate matters, a portion of the land has been taken for the Butter-worth Outer Ring Road project.

“But these problems will be resolved in a few months,” he said.

“Plans for the new building is ready and will be submitted to the Seberang Prai Municipal Council soon for approval,” he said.

Chan was speaking to reporters at a press conference after visiting the 2.4ha project site yesterday. Also present was PPC chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun.

The old PPC complex which housed the former bus terminal was destroyed in a fire in May 2001.

PLB Engineering is the contractor-cum-developer for the new complex.

It is learnt that the new building will have a basement car park and a pedestrian walkway on the first floor.

The bus terminal will be located on the ground floor, while shopping and food outkets will be on the second and upper floors.

[TYW]

03-07-2006: Equine Capital to develop RM375m Penang equestrian centre


Equine Capital Bhd’s (ECB) subsidiary, Exceed Concept Sdn Bhd (ECSB), has been appointed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd (ANSB) to develop an international equestrian centre in Penang in a deal worth RM375 million.

ANSB is an associate of Taman Equine (M) Sdn Bhd (TESB), which in turn is the wholly-owned subsidiary of ECB.

The equestrian centre, to be called Penang International Equestrian Centre (PIEC), will be located on a parcel of 300-acre land at Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai, Penang.

Under the design and build agreement, ECSB will develop the buildings, infrastructure and amenities.

It is expected to be completed within 36 months from the date of approval of the building plans.

ECB said ECSB would procure a corporate guarantee from ECB for about RM46.1 million in favour of Penang Development Corporation for the purchase of Parcel four of the land, on which the equestrian centre is to be constructed by ANSB.

Meanwhile, ECB said TESB and ANSB had entered into a project management agreement to formalise the appointment of TESB as the project manager for ANSB's mixed residential and commercial development on parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B at Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai, Penang.

It said TESB, as the project manager, would be entitled to a share in profits of the mixed development project calculated at 1.75% of the total construction cost of each phase of the project.

TESB will also extend financial assistance in the form of cash advances to ANSB for an amount of up to RM15.6 million.

[TYW]

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1133/scr8274ca7vt.jpg

[TYW]

Tuesday January 16, 2007

Ring road opens for trial run No collection of toll yet

By YENG AI CHUN



BUTTERWORTH: The RM700mil Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) has been open to traffic for a trial run yesterday.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the state was waiting for the Federal government to announce the toll rates.

“I think it has finalised the toll rates,” he told reporters after officiating at the groundbreak- ing ceremony of the Toray Plastics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd MT-6 Project.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/1/16/north/p.jpg
Motorists passing through the Prai toll booth of BORR without having to pay toll yesterday.

“Butterworth is now a major hub for containers and the open- ing of the ring road will help re- duce traffic congestion in and around Butterworth town,” he said.

The 19km ring road connects Jalan Baru in Prai to Bagan Dalam, Bagan Ajam and Sungai Puyu before ending in Sungai Dua. There are three toll booths – in Prai, Sungai Nyior and Bagan Ajam.

The project, which started in 1999, was originally scheduled for completion in 2002. But it was delayed by land acquisition problems and the construction of the RM275mil bridge across the Sungai Prai.

There are three toll booths – in Prai, Sungai Nyior and Bagan Ajam.

A check by the Star showed only two lanes of the Prai toll booth were open and no toll was collected. A staff manning the booth said toll would not be collected for a month.

There were staff at the toll booth at Bagan Ajam but none at the Sungai Nyior toll booth.

The decision to impose toll has been met with objections from residents and motorists.

Residents in Taman Indera- wasih and Taman Senangin had also complained that their road link was affected by the BORR project.

[TYW]

Saturday January 20, 2007

A view to thrill motorists BORR toll plaza R&R sets to draw the crowds

By DERRICK VINESH

The beautifully landscaped R&R, which has separate parking bays for cars and heavy vehicles, offers a picturesque view of Komtar and George Town on the island.

Located along the beachfront in Bagan Jermal, the R&R has four sea-fronting mini gazebos as well 12 other gazebos, complete with tables and benches in the car park area.

The R&R also has ample public toilets, including those for the handicapped, changing rooms, a surau as well as a food court with 16 shoplots.

There is also an air-conditioned restaurant with a wide porch that overlooks the sea and a mini post office.

Dotting the food court area and restaurant are several fountains with black marble base.

Motorist Ahmad Zaki Arshad, 47, said he was impressed with the R&R’s unique blend of modern architecture combined with nature because of its natural surroundings.

“I tried out the BORR twice since its soft opening on Monday. It was a smooth and easy ride from the Penang Bridge to Bagan Ajam.

“I hope the BORR operator would not charge an exorbitant toll fare. A fare of between 50sen and 80sen per toll entry will be quite reasonable,” he said.

Another motorist M. Karthi, 43, said he hoped the government would charge a nominal toll fare of between 30sen and 50sen per entry.

“Many Seberang Jaya residents are upset because they will now have to pay toll to use an existing road stretch between Jalan Heng Choon Thian and the Seberang Jaya roundabout that now comes under the BORR.

“The government should not have allowed the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway concessionaire to sell off this stretch to the BORR concessionaire,” he said.

Bagan Ajam resident C.C. Gee said despite being toll-free for a month, the public’s initial response toward the BORR seemed rather lukewarm.

“The idea of having the BORR is noble but sadly, it was poorly planned.

“My fellow neighbours and I did not get any compensation for sacrificing the service road in front of our houses in Taman Merbau to be part of the BORR alignment.

“I recently spent RM30,000 to renovate my porch so that I can drive my car out using a back gate, as it is unsafe to use the front one,” he said.

[TYW]

Thursday January 25, 2007

Vehicles not using BORR

By DERRICK VINESH

Commercial vehicles, especially those leaving the North-Butterworth Contai-ner Terminal (NBCT) in Bagan Luar, are unlikely to use the new RM700mil Butter-worth Outer Ring Road (BORR).

The reason is there is no direct access from this BORR stretch to the Prai industrial estate.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee said motorists exiting the BORR Prai toll plaza from Bagan Dalam could not turn right into Jalan Perusahaan as the access road had now been cut off.

“This reflects poor planning by the Works Ministry,” he said.

“The authorities should get feedback from industrialists and residents before embarking on such a big project.

“BORR will not meet its objective to resolve traffic congestion, especially in the Prai industrial area, if fewer vehicles use it,” he said yesterday.

Lee said heavy vehicles would still have to use the narrow and highly congested Jalan Chain Ferry to get to Jalan Perusahaan.

“In many cases, I have noticed that when a highway cuts through an existing developed area, there is often a lack of facilities to allow traffic flow on both sides of the highway.

“This is evident in Old Prai Town where there are extremely narrow roads on both sides of the BORR stretch,” he said.

“A flyover connecting the toll plaza and Jalan Perusahaan can help,” he said.

Lee also called on the ministry to construct an access road between Jalan Todakin Sebe-rang Jaya and Jalan Gan Chai Leng in Chai Leng Park.

[TYW]

^^ so, BORR is a failure (or maybe part of it). and PORR will never be built in another 1000 years!! yay!!

[Pablo]

i think it is just some part...but i guess that problem can be solved easily...

[wmkp]

GSC to open eight-screen multiplex in mainland

GOOD news for movie buffs in the mainland! Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd (GSC) will open another eight-screen multiplex at Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Prai by end of this year.

GSC general manager Irving Chee said it would be the third in Penang after the three-year-old outlet in Gurney Plaza and the latest one in Queensbay Mall.

“We like to be where the malls are. The multiplex in Seberang Prai is expected to cost RM12 million.

“As we already have an outlet each in the south and north of the island, we now want to cater to movie-goers in the mainland,” he told newsmen at the opening of GSC Queensbay Mall yesterday.

With the opening of the RM14.5mil GSC Queensbay Mall, GSC has expanded its nationwide chain to 116 screens in 19 locations including Klang Valley, Sungai Petani, Bukit Mertajam, Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Batu Pahat, Johor Baru, Kuantan and Kota Kinabalu.

Chee said a 13-screen multiplex in KL Pavilion and a seven-screen outlet in Mid Valley Garden would open in Kuala Lumpur end of the year while another would open in Kota Kinabalu by the first half of next year.

In his speech earlier, GSC chairman Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth said: “We strive to cater to the needs of the discerning movie-goers for the ultimate movie experience.

“With the influx of big Hollywood, Hong Kong and Bollywood titles and the growing number of local movies, we feel that cinema-going will continue to remain a favourite past-time for Malaysians.”

Besides movies, GSC halls also cater for events like gala premieres, press conferences, product launch and seminars.

Queensbay Mall general manager Tony Teo said: “Our selection for GSC to operate in the mall was not a difficult one as we both shared the common vision to be the leader in our respective industry.”

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/26/north/16685502&sec=North

[cooltemper]

^^ so, BORR is a failure (or maybe part of it). and PORR will never be built in another 1000 years!! yay!!

I agree that BORR is failure. I just try to use the highway on Friday. I was shocked that from Butterworth side, it can turn into the indutrial area. But from the industrial area, people can turn into the highway.

[TYW]

Saturday February 10, 2007

Upset over project delay

By K. SUTHAKAR

THE state is unhappy over the delay in the rebuilding of the bus terminal at the former Penang Port Commission (PPC) complex in Butterworth, which was damaged in a fire six years ago.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the matter was under the purview of the Transport Ministry.

“We have repeatedly requested that the project be speeded up but this has not been done,” he told newsmen after accepting donations for flood victims in Johor in Komtar recently.

“On our part, the state has done everything possible to resolve whatever problems, but the decision over the bus terminal rests with the PPC and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB),” he said.

In May last year, it was reported that work on the RM100mil bus terminal-cum-shopping complex would take off by end of the year.

When contacted, PPC chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said he was doing his best to resolve land issues, which were delaying the project.

“Among others, we have to buy back a small piece of land that was sold to the Malaysian Highway Authority for the Butterworth Outer Ring Road project.

“This is necessary as the land is in the centre of the proposed development. The buying back of the land is now in the final stage,” he said.

He said the land would be leased to PPSB, which would then develop the site.

“I have been trying to resolve the land issues after taking over as chairman in 2005. I have been pushing the PPC administration to do the needful, “ he said.

PPSB managing director Datuk Ahmad Ibni Hajar said it had identified a contractor for the project but the agreement could not be signed till the land issues were resolved.

The PPC complex, which housed the former bus terminal, was destroyed in the fire in May 2001.

Since then, the temporary bus terminal had been operating in an area next to the complex.

Bus commuters have complained over the station’s filthy conditions and the lack of proper toilets.

[TYW]

^^ 6 years!! what are they doing??

[Pablo]

“I have been trying to resolve the land issues after taking over as chairman in 2005. I have been pushing the PPC administration to do the needful, “ he said.

I didnt c any result..or u just ''say say only''


6 years...6 years..eventhough there are many things to be solved..but i dont think it need 6 years..
cant they do things seriously!!

[cooltemper]

If you guys happen to be at the bus terminal in butterworth, you will have the feeling of like in Afganistan or Iraq... Just get BOMBed by America and the people that waiting the bus are like those homeless or the victim or war...

One of the victim is ........ME!!!!!!! ( i always board bus to go KL and back to PG)

[Pablo]

:lol:...that sound funny...

But 1 thing i hate hate hate the most is the road..holesssssssssssssssssssss everywhere...
they dont hv the money to rebuilt it????????....

[cooltemper]

If you guys happen to be at the bus terminal in butterworth, you will have the feeling of like in Afganistan or Iraq... Just get BOMBed by America and the people that waiting the bus are like those homeless or the victim or war...

One of the victim is ........ME!!!!!!! ( i always board bus to go KL and back to PG)

[wmkp]

That's penang for you, any government linked project would take ages to start,if it starts at all. just look at the Sg Nibong express bus terminal, for many years, the island had no express bus terminal, people just waited by the roadside in KOMTAR and gelugor.Thank heavens the terminal is in operation now.

[TYW]

If you guys happen to be at the bus terminal in butterworth, you will have the feeling of like in Afganistan or Iraq... Just get BOMBed by America and the people that waiting the bus are like those homeless or the victim or war...

One of the victim is ........ME!!!!!!! ( i always board bus to go KL and back to PG)

you live in Butterworth??

I've been there a couple of times, really horrible war zone :ohno:

[Adam Tan]

ya, the there really horrible....

so many year already, still delay the project...so sad....

[Pablo]

i wonder is that the same thing happen to other states?

[cooltemper]

[QUOTE=TYW;11720536]you live in Butterworth??


Ya, i live in Butterworth.

[TYW]

[QUOTE=TYW;11720536]you live in Butterworth??


Ya, i live in Butterworth.

oh, now i recalled. i remembered there was someone living in Butterworth, but can't remember who he he....

[TYW]

Bypassing BORR
Opalyn Mok

PENANG (Feb 15, 2007): The state government will construct three roads for motorists to avoid the three toll plazas on the 12.1km Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR).

Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said work on a 300m road to connect Jalan Today to Jalan Chain Ferry through Taman Kimsar has started.

"This road cuts through private land and allow road users from Seberang Jaya to get to Bagan or Jalan Chain Ferry.

"The road is estimated cost RM2mil. It will take about three months to complete," he added.

Teng said three other measures will be taken to help Butterworth and Seberang Jaya residents avoid using BORR:

> Upgrade and widening of Jalan Sungai Nyior, Jalan Siram and Jalan Permatang Pauh to ease traffic congestion;

> Build a bridge across Perai River to connect Jalan Jelawat to Taman Bagan. This will take time as the state would need conduct a survey and design the bridge; and

> Build a 5km slip road alongside the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) for Butterworth-bound road users.

Speaking in a media conference today to reveal details of the state's plan for alternative links for motorists to avoid using the the BORR, Teng said Butterworth and Seberang Jaya residents will have to pay toll charges from Feb 20 for using Sungail Nyior Toll Plaza's 5.2km stretch despite objections from residents.

"The state government's hands are tied as the decision to impose toll was the prerogative of the federal government and the BORR concessionaire, Lingkaran Luar Butterworth Sdn Bhd.

"The only thing we can do now is to appeal to the federal government and the concessionaire to defer toll collection at the plaza until the free alternative route is ready," said Teng.

He said toll charges were agreed between the concessionaire and the federal government in 1996.

"That stretch of the road between Butterworth and Sungai Nyior is part of the BKE was toll-free when it opened in 1997.

"The federal government gave the concession to road users to use it for free until BORR was completed as per the concessionaire agreement," said Teng.

Asked whether the state government planned to request the federal government to review the concession agreement with the toll concessionaire, Teng said: "It is not easy to review the agreement which was signed in 1996. We will ask for whatever is possible from the federal government but the final decision is up to the federal government."

The BORR was opened to traffic last month. The toll rates are:

> Jalan Perai Toll Plaza (Class 1 - RM1.30; Class 2 - RM2.60; Class 3 - RM3.90; Class 4 - 70 sen; Class 5 RM1.30);

> Bagan Ajam Toll Plaza (Class 1 - RM1.20; Class 2 - RM2.40; Class 3 - RM3.60; Class 4 - 60 sen; Class 5 RM1.20); and

> Sungai Nyior Toll Plaza (Class 1 - 90 sen; Class 2 - RM1.80; Class 3 - RM2.70; Class 4 - 50 sen; Class 5 - 90 sen).

Class 1 vehicles are cars of two axles and three or four wheels, except for taxis and buses, Class 2 are vehicles with two axles and six wheels except for buses, Class 3 are vehicles with three axles or more except for buses, Class Four are all types of taxis and limousines and Class Five are all types of buses.

The BORR features six exits at Perai Lama, Inner Wharf (Dermaga Dalam), Ferry Terminal, North Butterworth Container Terminal, Bagan Ajam and Bagan Lalang.

[TYW]

old article:

Penang to build new racecourse

PENANG, 26 November 2002

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1843/penang3265328zq8.jpg
PNTC President showing a model of the Penang
International Equestrain Centre.

Penang Turf Club (PNTC) members have approved the sale of the land where the present racecourse is sited and construct a new racecourse at Batu Kawan on the Penang mainland at an Emergency General Meeting yesterday.

Of the 490 ordinary member of the Club, 383 members, or 78 percent, voted in favour of the committee’s proposal to sell the club’ s entire land bank in Jalan Batu Gantong to developer Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd for RM488mil, PNTC President Ong Eng Khuan told a news conference after the EGM.

"They also agreed for Abad Naluri to acquire a 120ha site in Batu Kawan and to construct the new racecourse and ancillary buildings for PNTC at an estimated cost of RM375mil."

Mr Ong said 61 members opposed the above resolution while there were four spoilt votes.

The second resolution — "that the club carries on the sport of horse racing at, and removes itself to, a new location at Batu Kawan after a racecourse and ancillary premises have been constructed" — was supported by 385 members while 38 objected. There was one spoilt vote.

Mr Ong said 382 members voted for the third resolution that authorised the committee to apportion and distribute a sum of RM20,000 to each and every ordinary member of Penang Turf Club for the additional cost and inconvenience of attending the races at the new location (Batu Kawan) of the racecourse. Thirty-five members opposed this resolution and there was one spoilt vote.

Work on the Penang International Equestrian Centre, as the new site will be called, is scheduled to start next year and it is expected to be ready by 2008, replacing the 64-year-old racecourse at Jalan Batu Gantong.

The new Club will have an exhibition centre, restaurants and a recreational park with an aviary and jogging tracks, as part of its social obligations.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5977/penang1266180bw3.jpg
Aerial shot of the present racecourse at Batu Gantong.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6804/penang226748bkk4.png
The grandtand at Batu Gantong.

[Pablo]

I think i saw the rendering of the new racecourse in an exhibition. But have no idea where this exhibition held:D That will be 2 years back:D

[TYW]

I think i saw the rendering of the new racecourse in an exhibition. But have no idea where this exhibition held:D That will be 2 years back:D

Pesta right?? i remembered there was an Equine booth

[Pablo]

i think is in Pesta:D

[AhChuan]

Racecourse? Is it something like horses gambling?

[TYW]

Racecourse? Is it something like horses gambling?

i guess you can say that ...:D

[AhChuan]

^^ Wah..really meh? Gambling depend on those horses is very hard lo. Dunno which horse is the faster one.

[Pablo]

^^ :lol:..u sound like never heard of it..

[AhChuan]

^^ Ya mah...Malaysians not really those kaki judi one lo....and this racecourse I think not suitable for Malaysia lo, but, if ppl here request it, ermm I cant said anything liao...

If Macau there, those miskin go judi oso la.

[cooltemper]

There are lots of jobs resulted from gambling such as Ah Long, Bookies (various kind of Bookies), runner, etc..... so actually is a kinda of industry also.

[Pablo]

^^ Ya mah...Malaysians not really those kaki judi one lo....and this racecourse I think not suitable for Malaysia lo, but, if ppl here request it, ermm I cant said anything liao...

If Macau there, those miskin go judi oso la.

I feel very comman with the turf club...i dunno, maybe i leave in Penang:D..it is very comman when ppl talk bout horse:D not only Penang hv it, Perak and Selangor have it too...i think almost every countries have racecourse
. This is an industry, so we cant say it is not suitable for Malaysia.

[TYW]

^^ i think besides gambling, it is a training site for equestrian also??

[Geminian]

well actually racecourse do provide various jobs for pople...i went to Selangor turf club sometimes for fun..actually is quite exciting but never really win any money.hehehe.
But unlike in the UK,racing is a very prestigious event like Derby Championship and every one dress like Datuk Datin to the event

[Pablo]

^^ Yupe that is true, my uncle is working in the Penang Turf Club...everyone has to dress up nicely, formal in order to go inside. It is just like a casino where the dressing must be in formal

[AhChuan]

^^ High class casinos mmg like tht lo. Dress code muz be formal de.

Wat kind of jobs do racecourse provide? If me, I dun wan to work there la, full of ppl smoking and cigarettes anyway. My heart rosak lo.

[Pablo]

^^ High class casinos mmg like tht lo. Dress code muz be formal de.

Wat kind of jobs do racecourse provide? If me, I dun wan to work there la, full of ppl smoking and cigarettes anyway. My heart rosak lo.

wat kind of job also can get there la..haha..from clean toilet, cut grass till manager and higher post:D

[travellator]

this is not Penang bridge
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Penang/IMG_0805.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Penang/IMG_0806.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Penang/IMG_0807.jpg

[TYW]

^^ what's that u/c in the last pic?? anyone knows?? cooltemper??

[Pablo]

that is not penang bridge, but the baby of the penang bridge...:eek: cant believe u come across this bridge too..

and TYW> that is the building beside Megamall which has been halted long time ago...but in few months ago, i believe they resume this project

[TYW]

that is not penang bridge, but the baby of the penang bridge...:eek: cant believe u come across this bridge too..

and TYW> that is the building beside Megamall which has been halted long time ago...but in few months ago, i believe they resume this project

i think i recalled a little bit about it. i think it was much shorter when i saw it...

[AhChuan]

Where is tht bridge situated? Baby penang bridge..:lol:

[TYW]

Where is tht bridge situated? Baby penang bridge..:lol:

it is called Prai River Bridge. it is in Butterworth, part of Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR), over the Prai River ;)

[cooltemper]

^^ what's that u/c in the last pic?? anyone knows?? cooltemper??

According to my friend who work as Project Engineer for that project, it should be a Hotel. That project was halted during the 1997 economy crisis.

[TYW]

According to my friend who work as Project Engineer for that project, it should be a Hotel. That project was halted during the 1997 economy crisis.

oh, that's good! Butterworth has only few hotels. but i wonder how's the demand for hotels there??

any idea how tall will be?

[AhChuan]

^^ The hotel looks kinda huge. Is the development of Seberang Prai more than the development of Penang Island?

[TYW]

^^ The hotel looks kinda huge. Is the development of Seberang Prai more than the development of Penang Island?

no, it's much slower over in the mainland. but there are more landed property developments in Province Wellesley coz there's still lots of flat land ;)

[AhChuan]

^^ Yea..you noe what...I olweys think tht Penang oni is the island and I never think got seberang prai. Hahaha...

Seberang Prai....got anything interesting places?:)

[cooltemper]

if i remember correctly, he said around 12 to 13 floor only, shorther than the Park View apartment.

[TYW]

if i remember correctly, he said around 12 to 13 floor only, shorther than the Park View apartment.

yuk!! so fat and so short?? :puke:

judging by the looks of it, it doesn't look like it has a nice design :(

[TYW]

^^ Yea..you noe what...I olweys think tht Penang oni is the island and I never think got seberang prai. Hahaha...

Seberang Prai....got anything interesting places?:)

bad boy :no: seperate Penang into two... :D

well, it has a nice view of Penang Island from it's beaches (but don't ever think of swimming in it). Penang Bird Park, Juru Auto City, some shopping malls, nice highways (much nicer than the ones on the island), Dou Mu Gong Tenple, Mengkuang Dam etc.

[Magician]

The only attraction in Butterworth for me is the Tambun Seafoods...

[AhChuan]

bad boy :no: seperate Penang into two... :D

well, it has a nice view of Penang Island from it's beaches (but don't ever think of swimming in it). Penang Bird Park, Juru Auto City, some shopping malls, nice highways (much nicer than the ones on the island), Dou Mu Gong Tenple, Mengkuang Dam etc.

Hahaha...sooorrryyyy....coz seberang prai not really famous, famous more to the mainland...

OMG....dun say any bird park...I mean, no use one...olweys I went to bird park.....I saw NOTHING. My binocular oso no use...But, I hope penang Bird Park many birds...KK's ons you really see empty...no bird, maybe all die liao..:lol:

[Pablo]

^^ Got birds la...but not very nice...cos it is actually run by private, and the government didnt sponser them 1. U can chase ostrict somemore in the bird park:lol:

[TYW]

^^ Got birds la...but not very nice...cos it is actually run by private, and the government didnt sponser them 1. U can chase ostrict somemore in the bird park:lol:

wah! can chase ostrich? so nice..ha ha.. hope it is not the other way around:lol:

BTW, is the ostrich farm in Balike Pulau still there? i've still not been there

[Pablo]

Have u been to Penang Birf Park??

i also havent been to the ostrich farm...and hv no idea where is the exact place..:D

[TYW]

Have u been to Penang Birf Park??

i also havent been to the ostrich farm...and hv no idea where is the exact place..:D

i have not been to most parts of Province Wellesley :lol:

there's simply no big reason for me to go there :(

[Pablo]

oh god....i have been to penang bird park for about 4-5 times liao..:lol::lol::lol:

[AhChuan]

^^ Then...when I come to Penang, you muz bring me to Penang Bird Park, coz you said many birds there..

[TYW]

^^ Then...when I come to Penang, you muz bring me to Penang Bird Park, coz you said many birds there..

when you come, both of us are no where to be found in Penang liao :(

unless there's a semester break or something

[AhChuan]

when you come, both of us are no where to be found in Penang liao :(

unless there's a semester break or something

Nope...bro Pablo oledy promise me liao...haha, man cannot break their promise...:naughty: :naughty:

[TYW]

new project

Province Wellesley's tallest building!!

around 40 stories x2

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/415/imgp0007zp9.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3785/imgp0008ga4.jpg

however, lousy flat design :( what to expect from such a cheap price anyway??

[AhChuan]

^^ Very tall!! So cheap!! :omg:

This highest floor oso RM 90,000 ah?? Oni for bumiputras?? Such a shit is tht...

[Magician]

^^ Very tall!! So cheap!! :omg:

This highest floor oso RM 90,000 ah?? Oni for bumiputras?? Such a shit is tht...

I guess because the state government promised to give more opportunity to lower-income bumiputras and help them in such way...

[Pablo]

^^ Very tall!! So cheap!! :omg:

This highest floor oso RM 90,000 ah?? Oni for bumiputras?? Such a shit is tht...

a tall buidling dosent means the price must be expensive;)

anyway, great to c Butterworth has 40 stories building :okay:

[AhChuan]

I guess because the state government promised to give more opportunity to lower-income bumiputras and help them in such way...

So, a little patient for non-bumiputras...haizzz...

a tall buidling dosent means the price must be expensive;)

anyway, great to c Butterworth has 40 stories building :okay:

Oh...ok, but...RM 90,000 is way too cheap la...normal price for a flat oso reach RM 100,000-RM 200,000...and this condos so tall again!!

[TYW]

So, a little patient for non-bumiputras...haizzz...



Oh...ok, but...RM 90,000 is way too cheap la...normal price for a flat oso reach RM 100,000-RM 200,000...and this condos so tall again!!

it is only about 900sq ft which is quite small. and for a building 40 stories in height, it doesn't need special skyscraper technology to buld, so the price for construction might not skyrocket. besides, it is for bumiputera and located in Province Wellesley where land is quite cheap. how expansive can they sell?:)

[Pablo]

^^ read the article, it say 110K...the advertisement always miss leading.

but 110K is still very cheap:D

[AhChuan]

it is only about 900sq ft which is quite small. and for a building 40 stories in height, it doesn't need special skyscraper technology to buld, so the price for construction might not skyrocket. besides, it is for bumiputera and located in Province Wellesley where land is quite cheap. how expansive can they sell?:)

Well, you noe....maybe around RM 200k...:D:D..make it condos stardard mah..HAHAHA...

Ceh...RM 110k..is still cheap lo...

[TYW]

Well, you noe....maybe around RM 200k...:D:D..make it condos stardard mah..HAHAHA...

Ceh...RM 110k..is still cheap lo...

haiyah, u want to see expensive condos look at those in the island lah!! you have thing like RM 2million for the cheapest unit

[AhChuan]

haiyah, u want to see expensive condos look at those in the island lah!! you have thing like RM 2million for the cheapest unit

RM 2 million!!! Tht is way too expensive!! The cove around this price?

[TYW]

RM 2 million!!! Tht is way too expensive!! The cove around this price?

too expensive? the penthouse is 6 or 7 million :lol:

the cove is "cheap" actually. around 1 million. if you calulate the price per square feet, you'll find The Cove quite cheap:yes:

and if you want to see more expensive look at those in KLCC. even money can't buy you a unit! you need good reputation

[cooltemper]

Juru Auto city

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/552/recent2ci8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3505/recent3na4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4209/recent4qh2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3212/recent5yv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4333/recent6pm6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1476/roxburyhk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4433/roxbury1db2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[AhChuan]

^^ :eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2:!!!!!

I muz visit this place!!! I LOVE the atmosphere there!!!

[TYW]

That's gotta be the 2nd phase right??

nice shots, cooltemper ;)

[Pablo]

yupe 2nd phase..love there so much, but haven been there:D

Great to c Butterworth has such a nice place:okay:

[cooltemper]

If you guys go at night, you will be surprise of the crowd.

[TYW]

Saturday April 14, 2007

Expecting high traffic volume on BORR

By YENG AI CHUN

Its operations general manager Mohd Suhaimi Mohd Jusoh said it was normal for new highways to experience low traffic volume during the initial operating stages.

“The current traffic volume is below our forecast but it will improve once the people realise the convenience of using the highway.

“We expect the traffic volume to pick up after two to three years,” he said.

Mohd Suhaimi declined to reveal the projected traffic volume forecast or the current number of vehicles using BORR.

“We cannot reveal the statistics as the Sungai Nyior stretch is toll free. It does not paint a true picture if we were to compile the statistics which includes that stretch,'' he explained.

He added that one way for BORR to attract more users was to make sure it had good services.

Mohd Suhaimi said BORR had closed circuit cameras installed along its stretches for extra security, telephones for emergencies, vehicle message electronic signboards and a patrol unit plying the highway to provide assistance.

“People would come (to BORR) once we give them good services. Besides, we are the only highway to have an R&R by the beach,'' he said, adding that the R&R was packed on weekends.

On the possibility of lower toll charges, he said:

“It is already in the agreement. The people will have to pay for convenience. With the highway, travelling would take between five and 10 minutes compared with between 20 and 30 minutes on the alternative route.''

On the lack of direct access between the Prai toll plaza and Jalan Perusahaan which takes North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) trailers to the heart of the Prai Industrial Estate, he said the matter on land acquisition should be considered.

“And there is also development around the area to consider. The design of that part of the highway was done to minimise the usage of land,'' he said, adding that the trailers could reach the Prai Industrial Estate via the highway heading for Penang Bridge where there is an exit to Prai,'' he said.

[Pablo]

I remember i read an article by a journalist in a chinese press, she said penangites should raise this suggestion to the government "toll free island''...

i would like to c the comments of the forumers here on this ''toll free island'' idea.

Do u guys think this can be reality? And do u think as the road user should we pay for the road that will bring covinient to us?

[TYW]

I remember i read an article by a journalist in a chinese press, she said penangites should raise this suggestion to the government "toll free island''...

i would like to c the comments of the forumers here on this ''toll free island'' idea.

Do u guys think this can be reality? And do u think as the road user should we pay for the road that will bring covinient to us?

of course i support the idea! who loves tolls anyway?? :D

but too bad highways need maintenance and too pay off the cost of building it. i guess tolls are inevitable, even rich countries cannot afford to make their highways free.

so i guess tolls should be at a reasonable price. i believe our tolls are slightly too expensive though.

[Geminian]

F**cking decent place...:cheers:

[Geminian]

I mean Juru Auto-city mates

[cooltemper]

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8963/dscn3463bo6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2540/dscn3462la7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[cooltemper]

Autocity @ NIGHT
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4750/dscn3211if0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7564/dscn3213bq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[cooltemper]

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1463/dscn3215te3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5885/dscn3214cw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[cooltemper]

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6524/dscn3220ax1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[AhChuan]

^^ These place call Auto City ah? Hmmm...MUST visit!!!!!

[TYW]

wow!! that place has become so happening.

[TYW]

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4054/butterworth15kf8.jpg

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/323/butterworth16tg8.jpg

[TYW]

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1072/butterworth17wc6.jpg
^^ old Butterworth skyline

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6468/butterworth18ko9.jpg

[TYW]

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1388/butterworth19zk9.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8829/butterworth20jb3.jpg
^^ duno what hotel

[TYW]

harbour place
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3279/harbourplace1bn1.jpg

[Arkdriver]

at first i doubt wether juru autocity can attract or sustain enough patronage because the place is quite a distance from any main housing area (except for this apartment blocks which full or foreign workers)

can anybody convince me with evidence how's juru autocity new phase business' doing rite now? i want to come to this place because my family house is in sungai dua. very dekat. but i would be sad if it's a failure...

hope im wrong

[Pablo]

at first i doubt wether juru autocity can attract or sustain enough patronage because the place is quite a distance from any main housing area (except for this apartment blocks which full or foreign workers)

can anybody convince me with evidence how's juru autocity new phase business' doing rite now? i want to come to this place because my family house is in sungai dua. very dekat. but i would be sad if it's a failure...

hope im wrong

i ask myself the same question like u when they have the Auto city there...

But suprisingly, the business is doing well ( i suspect )...a lot of big companies are opening their stores there. :)

[TYW]

at first i doubt wether juru autocity can attract or sustain enough patronage because the place is quite a distance from any main housing area (except for this apartment blocks which full or foreign workers)

can anybody convince me with evidence how's juru autocity new phase business' doing rite now? i want to come to this place because my family house is in sungai dua. very dekat. but i would be sad if it's a failure...

hope im wrong

well, look at the pics above!! it's definitely doing well:banana:

[Arkdriver]

well it look convincing enough. let's hope it will become the bangsar for penang. or sri hartamas. hehehe

[cooltemper]

St. Annes Church in BM

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2327/489256527012574e900bgs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[jieloe]

Bertam Perdana New Town, Kepala Batas

[jieloe]

:bash: :bash:

[jieloe]

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8818/galeribertammc2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3668/mrsmsp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5941/abedeenperdanaww9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3966/bertamtowncenterfq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6210/abedeenperdana3hr2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sorry quite blur... my frenz drive so fast lorr

[AhChuan]

^^ Great place!! Where is Bertam Perdana situated? North seberang prai or wat?

[jieloe]

copy from www.bertam.com.my

Accessibility to the development area is via the dedicated Bertam Interchange [ exit 166 ] on the South-North PLUS Highway. This highway strecthing from Johor Bahru in the south to Bukit Kayu Hitam in the North has now become the main traveling route in the nation. It takes less than ten hours to cover the entire stretch from Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam.



The Bertam interchange is about 15 minutes to Penang Bridge, about half hour to Penang International Airport and twenty minutes from Penang Port. In the future, the second link to Penang will shorten to travel to Penang. Several established industrial sites such as Seberang Perai Free Trade Zone, Sungai Petani and the Kulim High Tech Park are all well one hours travel distance. Notably also is the site accessibility to the Butterworth North Port and North-South Railway line which give added advantage for industrialization, commercial and warehousing

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1083/map202mi7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[cooltemper]

Great job.

[TYW]

welcome to the forum, jieloe!!

and thanks for the pics!

and just a little tip, your image code should look like this:

http://blahblahblah.jpg

[cooltemper]

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9402/545646169406898c9a6buv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[jieloe]

thanks...:) :) :)

[wmkp]

RM100mil integrated complex to be built

BUTTERWORTH: The Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal here will finally shed its Third World image when a RM100mil integrated com-plex is built at the site.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the project would start at end of this year and would be modelled after KL Sentral.

He said the bus terminal would be built at the site of the old one destroyed in a fire six years ago. It is expected to be completed in 2010.

He said the multi-storey bus terminal complex would house a hotel, office lots, a shopping centre and apartments.

“A temporary bus terminal would be constructed next to the present terminal next month,'' he said during a visit to Pasar Aneka in Taman Selat here yesterday.

“The temporary terminal will be ready end of this year and operations will be shifted there to enable construction of the permanent bus terminal.

On Pasar Aneka, Nor Mohamed said it would be renovated.

Nor Mohamed said the Implementation Co-ordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department would channel RM1mil allocation to the Seberang Prai Municipal Council to carry out renovation works which would start next month.



The Star Metro 17 June 2007

[cooltemper]

Republic of Penang? You want Penang to be independant?
Haha, Great Idea! But frankly speaking Pg will never survey lar, we don't have a vision people like Lee Kuan Yew.


Regarding this bus station, aiyo, everytime i pass by, just can say, this place is bad than IRAQ.

[Arkdriver]

RM100mil integrated complex to be built

BUTTERWORTH: The Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal here will finally shed its Third World image when a RM100mil integrated com-plex is built at the site.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the project would start at end of this year and would be modelled after KL Sentral.

He said the bus terminal would be built at the site of the old one destroyed in a fire six years ago. It is expected to be completed in 2010.

He said the multi-storey bus terminal complex would house a hotel, office lots, a shopping centre and apartments.

“A temporary bus terminal would be constructed next to the present terminal next month,'' he said during a visit to Pasar Aneka in Taman Selat here yesterday.

“The temporary terminal will be ready end of this year and operations will be shifted there to enable construction of the permanent bus terminal.

On Pasar Aneka, Nor Mohamed said it would be renovated.

Nor Mohamed said the Implementation Co-ordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department would channel RM1mil allocation to the Seberang Prai Municipal Council to carry out renovation works which would start next month.



The Star Metro 17 June 2007

finally...

but i doubt it since they have been talking about this years ago...red tape bla bla bla..work never start.

[TYW]

^^ elections coming mah :D it's just typical if it is not built

[nazrey]

New mall opens in Seberang Jaya
Saturday June 23, 2007
By ZULKIFLY MOHAMAD
TheStar


http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/6/23/north/sunway.jpg

Interesting feature: (From left) Sunway Carnival general manager Lung Hien
Chou pointing out some shoplots to Sunway City Berhad managing director
Ngeow Voon Yean and Chan.

THE new RM156mil Sunway Carnival Mall which has become the latest landmark and attraction in the Seberang Jaya satellite township in Butterworth was opened to the public yesterday.

Sunway Carnival Mall Sdn Bhd’s senior general manager H.C. Chan said the mall which had a built up area of 800,000 sq feet housed the Parkson Grand departmental store as its anchor tenant.

He said there were also the eight-screen Golden Screen Cinemas and a 70,000 sq feet Giant supermarket in the mall.

“With about 160 specialty shops, entertainment and dining outlets, visitors will find it convenient shopping at this mall.

“It has a 1,200-capacity convention and exhibition centre, the biggest in the northern region,” he said at the soft opening of the mall.

Chan said the four-storey mall had 2,400 parking bays, including 1,100 bays within the mall, adding that there was a 93% confirmed tenancy rate.

He said a recent study showed that Penang recorded the third highest sales per capita in the country and there was a 13% projected growth in population by the year 2010.

He added that the mall located in Jalan Todak was also designed to be friendly to handicapped shoppers as there were special services such as the Helping Host programme and facilities such as trend-setting lavatories, Braille-imprinted buttons on all lifts and double railings throughout the mall.

“It is also the first mall in the northern region to utilise the i-LCD directory to help shoppers find their way in the mall,” he added.

The mall is managed under the aegis of Sunway Pyramid Sdn Bhd and wholly owned by Sunway Carnival Sdn Bhd.

[Pablo]

Oh GSC somemore cool....and it look great from the pic..i must go there b4 i leave penang :D:D

but i think they didnt do the best in promoting this mall...no brochure distribute in penang island but only in Butterworth :(

[Arkdriver]

for this type of mall the best advertising is by word-of-mouth.

[TYW]

hope this mall is better than the other Province Wellesley's malls

[Arkdriver]

absolutely. This mall will not only cater for middle class families from PW but also for people who stay in Northern Perak, Sungai Petani, Alor Star, Kulim and Perlis.

[nazrey]

RM2.5mil lantern wonderland Thousands of tanglungs to be displayed at Auto City
Thursday August 23, 2007
TheStar


AUTO City in Prai will be transformed into a ‘lantern wonderland’ for more than three months.

It will be the venue of the 2007 Penang International Lantern Festival, which will be held from 7pm to midnight daily from Sept 15 to Dec 31.

Organised by the Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) with the collaboration of the Auto-City Group, the RM2.5mil festival will feature themes like safari, dinosaur and the famous Hello Kitty and Friends.

There will be thousands of lanterns in various shapes and sizes on display at the 4ha venue which will be divided into different sectors, namely, Penang Bridge Arch with Hello Kitty (Sector 1), Kitty’s Village (Sector 2), Animals at Water Front (Sector 3), The Wild (Sector 4), Elephant Rides (Sector 5), Land of Dinosaurs (Sector 6) and Kitty’s Lantern Walkway (Sector 7).

The festival’s Mid-Autumn programme from Sept 15 to Sept 25 will be a star-studded one with appearances by Astro-TVBS local and Taiwanese artistes, lion and dragon dances, a mascot parade, children’s body painting, games and contests.

Other highlights include daily mascot shows, live entertainment, talent competitions, contests and games.

Auto-City Group managing director Gary Teoh said the lanterns and programmes would be changed to suit the different occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and the New Year countdown.

“The lanterns will be made in China but some will be assembled at Auto City,” he told a press confe-rence in Penang on Tuesday.

Auto-City Group director Ong Bee Lee said there would be a lantern-making contest on Sept 22 for adults and children.

PTAC product development and planning manager Tan Teong Soon said the festival would be made an annual event like the Penang World Music Festival.

Organising chairman Ng Siew Lai said the festival was one of the 50 anchor tourism products of Visit Malaysia 2007.

Tickets to the festivals, priced at RM15 for adults and RM10 for children aged below 12, are now on sale at Auto City’s main entrance.

Visitors will get a free ticket for the same age group for every ticket purchased from Monday to Thursday, except on public holidays and the eve of public holidays.

Teoh said a website on the festival would be set up soon to make it more convenient for locals and tourists to get information on the event.

At least 200,000 people are expected to visit the festival.

For details, call Autocity (04-5011222) or Jefri (017-5231688).

[nazrey]

RM2.5mil lantern paradise
Saturday August 25, 2007
TheStar


AUTO City in Prai, Penang, will be transformed into a lantern wonderland for more than three months.

It will be the venue of the 2007 Penang International Lantern Festival, which will be held from 7pm to midnight daily from Sept 15 to Dec 31.

Organised by the Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) with the collaboration of the Auto-City Group, the RM2.5mil festival will feature themes like safari, dinosaur and the famous Hello Kitty and Friends.

There will be thousands of lanterns in various shapes and sizes on display at the 4ha venue which will be divided into different sectors, namely, Penang Bridge Arch with Hello Kitty (Sector 1), Kitty’s Village (Sector 2), Animals at Water Front (Sector 3), The Wild (Sector 4), Elephant Rides (Sector 5), Land of Dinosaurs (Sector 6) and Kitty’s Lantern Walkway (Sector 7).

The festival’s Mid-Autumn programme from Sept 15 to Sept 25 will be a star-studded one with appearances by Astro-TVBS Malaysian and Taiwanese artistes, lion and dragon dances, a mascot parade, children’s body painting, games and contests.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/25/central/m_pg13ashwin.jpg

Tourism event: (From left) Teoh, PTAC events manager Ashwin Gunasekeran,
Tan, Ng and Ong taking a closer look at a 2007 Penang International Lantern
Festival poster.



Other highlights include daily mascot shows, live enter-tainment, talent comp-etitions, contests and games.

Auto-City Group managing director Gary Teoh said the lanterns and programmes would be changed to suit the different occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and the New Year countdown.

“The lanterns will be made in China but some will be assembled at Auto City,” he told a press conference in Penang on Tuesday.

Auto-City Group director Ong Bee Lee said there would be a lantern-making contest on Sept 22 for adults and children.

PTAC product development and planning manager Tan Teong Soon said the festival would be made an annual event like the Penang World Music Festival.

Organising chairman Ng Siew Lai said the festival was one of the 50 anchor tourism products of Visit Malaysia 2007.

Tickets to the festival, priced at RM15 for adults and RM10 for children aged below 12, are now on sale at Auto City’s main entrance.

Visitors will get a free ticket for the same age group for every ticket purchased from Monday to Thursday, except on public holidays and the eve of public holidays.

Teoh said a website on the festival would be set up soon to make it more convenient for locals and tourists to get information on the event.

At least 200,000 people are expected to visit the festival.

For details, call Auto City (04-501 1222) or Jefri (017-5231688).

[nazrey]

Penang International Lantern Festival 2007

Date : Sep 15 - Dec 31, 2007
Time : 7pm-12am
Organiser : Golden Highway Auto - City Sdn. Bhd.
Contact : Mr.Gary / Jefry.
Phone : 04 501122
Email : golden@autocity.com.my
Website : www.autocity.com.my...
Admission Fee : RM15.00 (Adults) and RM10.00 (Children)
Category : Arts and Culture


There are many legends about the origin of the Lantern Festival, and one such legend tells about the story of the Jade Emperor in Heaven who was angry with a town for killing his favourite pet goose, he was so furious that he decided to destroy the town through a fire storm. However, a kind celestial being heard about this, and instructed the people of the town to light lanterns throughout the town on that day. The towns people did as they were told, and from the Heavens, it looked as if the village was ablaze.

Satisfied that his pet had already been avenged, the Jade Emperor decided not to destroy the town. From that day on, people celebrated the anniversary of their deliverance by carrying lanterns of different shapes and colors through the streets on the first full moon of the year.

The moon plays a important role in Chinese festivals - the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The festival, which some non-Chinese call as pesta tanglung, is celebrated in grand style by all Malaysians with lantern competitions, mooncake making demonstrations and street processions. During this time, shop owners will be busy assembling lanterns of various shapes out of coloured transparent paper (mostly red and yellow, for these are auspicious colours), wire and paint.

There are lanterns that are also made with a light frame of bamboo covered with transparent paper which represent birds and animals, and other objects of interest. Others are so creatively designed that by the burning of the candle makes the objects appear life like.

The Malaysian Ministry of Culture and Tourism often celebrates the festival on a grand scale with events taking place in several states, plus numerous lantern competitions and processions. The Penang International Lantern Festival 2007 starts on the 15th of September until 31 December 2007 from 7pm until 12 midnight at the Highway Autocity, Juru.

Ticket prices: Peak days - ( Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays ) is RM15.00 (Adults) and RM10.00 (Children).

Non Peak Days - ( Monday - Thursday ) RM15.00 (Adults) and RM10.00 (Children) with Special Buy 1 free 1

by jeremyisaaclee

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/1486529506_5a75e5560d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/1600735560_e1d185b3f1_b.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/1601719632_3249ec02de_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Events :

http://www.autocity.com.my/images/lantern_events1.jpg

http://www.autocity.com.my/images/M2flyers.jpg

[TYW]

^^ wow!! nice place for a photography session!!

[nazrey]

by cslor

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/1799340128_740df36fc8_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/1798496727_4355060caf_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/1798494957_b4d03bdd31_b.jpg

[nazrey]

by lyning

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/1800401450_2b24393b85_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/1800266850_60aea37594_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Prominent retail outlet for Seberang Jaya
Thursday December 6, 2007
TheStar

SEBERANG Jaya will have another new prominent landmark when construction work on retail outlet, Jaya Jusco Store, the second major shopping complex in the area, is ready before the middle of next year.

Seberang Jaya state assembly-man Ariff Shah Omar Shah said the new Jaya Jusco store was ex-pected to attract more tourists and visitors to Seberang Prai.

He said they included those from southern part of Perak like Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai and Taiping and northern Kedah, in-cluding Kulim, Gurun and Sungai Petani.

“We hope the opening of the store will help create job and business opportunities for the local people.

“I also hope that the business spillover effects following the opening of the store will help in the revival of some 1,000 trading lots nearby which have been abandoned for the past three years.

“The stall operators, petty traders and retailers who have been promised business opportunities when Bandar Baru Perda was developed have not been able to open their outlets,” he said.

Ariff Shah said the Bandar Perda Jaya Jusco was the second major shopping complex in Seberang Jaya after Sunway Carnival Mall, which was opened six months ago.

It is also the second Jaya Jusco store in Penang after the store in Queensbay Mall in Bayan Baru.

Ariff Shah urged the state government to build an integrated bus and taxi terminal in Seberang Jaya that had developed by leaps and bounds over the past 10 years.

“There are some 80,000 resi-dents staying in Seberang Jaya and they badly need a proper bus and taxi terminal, especially those working in factories in Prai and stay in Seberang Jaya,” he said.

He added that Bandar Baru Perda would soon see a drastic increase in its population when more housing projects were deve-loped in the area and that a transportation hub was highly required in tandem with the rapid development.

[nazrey]

RM84mil upgrading plan
Tuesday December 11, 2007
TheStar

THE Seberang Prai Municipal Council has received a RM84mil allocation from the Federal Government to provide basic amenities and improve existing facilities in Seberang Prai.

Council president Farizan Darus said of the amount, RM57mil would be spent to upgrade pump houses in the Prai industrial area.

He said the council had awarded a RM57mil contract to a company to improve all four pump houses in the areas.

“We hope flash floods in the industrial area will be a thing of the past when upgrading work on the pump houses is completed,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Farizan said the council would also award two tenders worth RM9mil to improve basic infrastructure and facilities in Seberang Prai.

The work included the upgrading of roads, drainage and street lighting and putting up road signs, he added. He said the council was now evaluating tenders from contractors. Farizan said the council had also engaged a consultant to devise a system to prevent the theft of its electricity cables.

“The consultant has come out with various methods but we are still evaluating them.

“We will choose the best method soon,” he added.

The theft of electricity cables had caused the council to lose about RM1mil this year.

[nazrey]

Auto City to venture into tourism with RM120m investment
04-02-2008: by Jonathan Chen
THEEDGEDAILY

PENANG: Auto City Group, the operator of Auto City in Juru, is investing about RM120 million to venture into the tourism industry .

Its managing director Gary Teoh said the group was keen to cash in on the tourism industry on the mainland.

“We plan to invest about RM120 million to set up the infrastructure for such activities, and hopefully, the project can take off by the third quarter of the year,” he told The Edge Financial Daily yesterday.

He said the group planned to set up a hotel and facilities for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) as well as a shopping mall and a family park on a 5.67ha site adjoining Auto City.

“We decided to venture into the tourism industry because we hold a lot of concerts, promotional tours and family events at the Auto City, which has attracted many local and foreign tourists to the area,” he said.

He said Auto City, located on the North-South Highway, has been endorsed by the state government as a tourism ‘product’.

It is the first integrated development in the automobile industry and houses showrooms featuring high-end carmakers such as Porsche, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW and Ferrari.

Teoh said the group invested about RM30 million to build food and beverage as well as entertainment outlets on a 4ha site.

He said the concept of Auto City was mooted after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when market research in 2001 revealed the automobile industry was on an uptrend.

“At that time, a new concept of showroom, service and spare parts was introduced to the Malaysia market and we were in a position to capitalise on it,” Teoh said.

“However, we also wanted to include F&B outlets in Auto City, to include lifestyle elements in the development,” he said.

To date, the entire development has more than 60,000 sq ft of F&B outlets and more than 120,000 sq ft of car showroom space.

[proud_penangite]

thats a great news!

[jieloe]

new mall in Bandar perda...:):):)
just using my Hp camera...
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3032/0802081718kb1.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8127/0802081719is3.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7652/0802081720ju8.jpg
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7578/0802081721jr5.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/5936/0802081722bj2.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4117/0802081724hi7.jpg
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5871/0802081716fq5.jpg
:cheers::cheers:

[proud_penangite]

i think it looks bigger than AEON Bukit Tinggi!
kinda look like One Utama. So whats the difference between Central Mall and Aeon Bandar Perda?
i still dont get it... please...

[Pablo]

Typical Aeon mall...looks like Aeon Bukit Tinggi

[Arkdriver]

bigger than jusco taman equine..but i guess its size is about the same as jusco cheras selatan

[achkeen10]

so..when will the mall opened??
any idea wat shops will opened??

[TYW]

Typical Aeon mall...looks like Aeon Bukit Tinggi

so true... but i was gonna say Cheras Selatan:lol:

but whether typical or not, it is something new to Penang. however i do not wish to see a second one...

[TYW]

i think it looks bigger than AEON Bukit Tinggi!
kinda look like One Utama. So whats the difference between Central Mall and Aeon Bandar Perda?
i still dont get it... please...

not too sure myself but i think AEON Bandar Perda is part of the phases of Central Mall or maybe they will build central mall beside AEON

[wmkp]

not too sure myself but i think AEON Bandar Perda is part of the phases of Central Mall or maybe they will build central mall beside AEON

Most likely AEON Bandar Perda is the new name for Central Mall, another mall beside the new mall does not sound feasible.

[nazrey]

Country’s largest LED screen in Auto-City
Wednesday September 3, 2008
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/3/north/city.jpg

Mammoth structure:The crowd checking out
the new LED screen in Auto-City, Juru.

MOTORISTS passing by Auto-City in Juru on the North-South expressway will be greeted by the country’s biggest outdoor advertising LED screen, which displays traffic updates and the state’s tourism activities.

The RM2.2mil SpotOn Mega Screen was put up by IDS Beyond Media Sdn Bhd in its effort to increase outdoor advertisement and publicity.

Its director Too Seong Ling said Malaysians spend 60% of their time out of their house for shopping, eating and other outdoor activities.

“The country’s total adverti- sing expenditure last year was RM5.5bil but only 2% of it was for outdoor advertisement and publicity.

“With this LED screen, we hope to increase this sector to 5%,” he said during the launching at Auto-City, Juru yesterday.

Too said the company has offered the state government and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) complimentary slots on the LED screen.

“The state is given 20 seconds every half hour daily to broad- cast its message. These slots are used for MPSP announcements, promotion of the state’s tourism spots and activities and Penang bridge traffic updates,” he said.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was present to launch the LED screen. Also present were his wife Betty Chew and state Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Com-mittee chairman Lydia Ong Kok Fooi.

The screen is operational 18 hours per day from 7am to 1am. It is 8.64m tall and 16.64m wide and has a display area of 143.7 sq m.

Too said the company planned to put up five screens this year in Kuala Lumpur and on the island.

[Irwin]

cool cool cool:banana::banana::banana:
Penang now has two outdoor advertising screens, i.e at KOMTAR and Juru AutoCity.

[nazrey]

Flood Problem In South Kedah And North Seberang Perai Will Be Over By 2012
September 11, 2008 15:46 PM

SUNGAI PETANI, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The flood problem in south Kedah and north Seberang Perai will be resolved once the Sungai Muda flood mitigation project is completed by 2012.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the project costing RM1.2 billion had entered the second package with land reclamation expected to take three months.

"Some 851 families in Kuala Muda will have to be relocated. Construction work in packages 2 and 2B will start soon", he told reporters after visiting the project site here today.

Package 2B involve the building of 54KM of bunds and 138 water control gates, pump house, quarters, deepening and widening of 27KM of rivers and embankment protection work.

Sungai Muda, the country's largest flood mitigation project began in May 2001. It is being implemented in two main packages.

--BERNAMA

[built_in_me]

...................

[nazrey]

Let project proceed
Friday September 19, 2008
TheStar

THE Penang Government is going against its own word when it issued a stop work order on a project to build an alternative road in Taman Sembilang, Seberang Jaya, after approving it several months ago, claimed Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah.

He said the RM3.6mil project which was being undertaken and funded by the Tesco hypermarket was given a stop work order several days ago.

He said infuriated residents wanted the project to continue as there was presently only one exit from the housing area to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE).

“There are some 9,000 people living in the area and the only road leading to the expressway, Jalan Semilang, will be congested when the new hypermarket, Tesco Extra, is open to the public on Sept 25.

“They want an alternative road and this has been approved by the state government and now, it is reversing the decision by issuing a stop work order to the contractor engaged by Tesco to build the road,” claimed Arif Shah during a visit to the stalled project site with residents.

Arif Shah said Tesco had invested some RM100mil for the new hypermarket.

“I have fought for the alternative road since 2005 when the BKE was opened by highlighting the matter in the state assembly. In fact, the state government had agreed to approve the project when it replied to my written question,” he claimed.

Taman Sembilang mosque committee chairman Umar Hamid, 66, said the state government should look into the interest of residents as they were the ones who would face problems of congestion when the hypermarket was open.

He said there were already too many cars in the area and the congestion problem would worsen when outsiders patronised the hypermarket.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said investigations showed that the hypermarket did not submit any application to the relevant authorities to build the alternative road.

“We found out about this and issued a stop work order on Sept 12.

“We are now trying to help Tesco to expedite work on the project before its opening by asking the management to do the needful.

“I have also asked the central Seberang Prai land office to help Tesco by expediting the necessary approvals after they have submitted their applications.

“We hope they will co-operate with us as we are trying our best to help them settle the problem,” he added.

[nazrey]

Illegal banners to be removed
Friday October 24, 2008

THE Seberang Prai Municipal Council will appoint certain garbage collection contractors to bring down illegal banners and streamers, which have haphazardly hung at road junctions, roundabouts and public places.

Council president Farizan Darus said the contractors would also check on the expiry dates of the council’s permits displayed on the banners and streamers.

“Initially, we thought of asking the public to help take down and bring the illegal banners to us for a nominal fee.

“But we then realised that the move might cause young children to blindly run across busy streets merely to collect such banners,” he said in Butterworth on Wednesday.

Last Saturday, The Star highlighted that Seberang Prai was fast becoming a haven for illegal banners and streamers.

Apart from being an eyesore, some dilapidated ones that dangled precariously from lampposts, trees and walkway railings also posed a danger to passing motorists.

Under the council’s Advertisement By-law 2001, advertisers need to display permits in the form of council stickers at the cost of RM20 per banner that was valid for 30 days.

Municipal councillor G. Ramiah said that except for banners from the state government and those that promoted environment conservation, all other banners, including those on ceramah and festive greetings by politicians, must have the necessary permits.

Farizan said the contractors would be divided according to locations and paid a certain sum to remove the banners on a regular basis.

“Advertisers keen on putting up banners and streamers must apply for necessary permits from us to avoid having them removed.

“Those whose approved banners are accidentally taken down before the expiry of the permits, should inform us for immediate action to be taken against the contractors concerned,” he said.

[nazrey]

50,000 expected at Auto-City motor event
Saturday October 25, 2008

MORE than 50,000 local and fore-ign motor enthusiasts are expec-ted to flock to the Mean Machines (M2) 2008 automobile event which will be held at Auto-City in Juru, Penang, today and tomorrow.

The event is organised for the second year by Intrenasionale and endorsed by the Penang Govern-ment.

“Our aim is to develop M2 to become something like the world renowned Tokyo Auto-Salon, al-though we know that it will not be an easy task,” Intrenasionale CEM (Certified Exhibition Manager) CEO Andrew Chan said in a statement.

M2 will feature exciting elements, including an international motorshow, after-market performance parts and accessories exhibition, drifting demonstration and car-clubs showcase, supercar display, and antique care display.

There will also be competitions, including a modified car competition, In-Car-Entertainment (ICE) competition, and the Search for Miss M2 2008.

Forty local and international companies are expected to showcase more than RM40mil worth of super cars, antique and classic cars and modified cars while the various competitions are expected to draw in more than 200 regional competitors.

The Search for Miss M2 is where aspiring models compete to be featured on the cover of a leading regional motorsports magazine.

Mean Machine will be held from noon to midnight on both days. Admission is free.

For more details of the event or registration for the various competitions, log on to www.m2.intrenasionale.com or call project executive Ching Mei Ching at 012-4072 426 or Intrenasionale at 04-6467 866.

[nazrey]

MPSP Building

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2992140462_931dbed836_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2993837328_b5b955ba07_b.jpg

[built_in_me]

nice building...part of Bandar Perda....whats the progress of Aeon........

[proud_penangite]

^^ Aeon is completed months ago!!!

[built_in_me]

hows the response hows the crowd...is the place happening........

[nazrey]

Autocity Roadshow 2008 in Juru
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rob_chan/sets/72157612478550044/

[nazrey]

by wfho18
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wfho18/3268849463/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3268849463_efc7f44518_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3268850053_013bc7d8fe_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3269670254_5284d42ac0_o.jpg

[TYW]

i came across this:

http://www.istructe.org/StructuralAwards/2006/Supreme_Award.asp

interesting to know the Prai River Bridge actually won an award!!

[jieloe]

by Razorpixel
Bandar Perda
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3271544339_ec78a1e9e0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3271192173_eefc028943_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Prai, Penang
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/4100996068_fa3443de93.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4100241049_a67e8f13e5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4100241613_ec7023e672.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/4100241445_2af6248968.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4100995894_a3116458c5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4100241301_497fb8dd53.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4100241775_9f99b3452a.jpg

[nazrey]

Rubicon to embark on high-end LED ops in Prai
Saturday November 28, 2009
By DAVID TAN

GEORGE TOWN: Nasdaq-listed Rubicon Technology Inc, a leading global light-emitting diode (LED) substrates and products manufacturer headquartered in Illinois, is setting up a state-of-the-art LED operations in Prai Industrial Estate.

A source close to the LED industry told StarBizWeek that the US-based company was investing around RM20mil for the plant alone, which would have a built-up area of over 60,000 sq ft, for a high-end manufacturing process known as post-crystal growth processing.

More > http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/28/business/5175605&sec=business

[nazrey]

The anchor tenant at Megamal Pinang, Jalan Baru, Prai is Pacific Hypermart.
From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3190575416_70d63c1116_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Prai, Penang
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4100995894_a3116458c5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/4100996068_fa3443de93.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4100241049_a67e8f13e5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4100241613_ec7023e672.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/4100241445_2af6248968.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4100241301_497fb8dd53.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4100241775_9f99b3452a.jpg
From Panoramio

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1793/84208468.jpg

[built_in_me]

wow....looks small