Thesun 2008-12-24 Page12 Penang Rt To Go On Environment Watch

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theSun

Penang RT to go on environment watch by Bernard Cheah [email protected]

AN ENVIRONMENT awareness programme for Rukun Tetangga (RT) neighbourhood watch committees in Penang will be implemented by February. The programme is organised by the Penang Environment Committee, Penang Neighbourhood Watch Coordinating Committee and Penang Environment Working Group (PEWOG). It will see RTs in the state participating in the programme to promote environment awareness to the community and help conserve the environment. PEWOG chairman Datuk Dr Ong Hean Tee said the plan would involve the Penang community, private sector and state government to ensure its success. “We need to instill awareness of the environment among the public, especially the secondary school children,” he said, adding that the programme was supported by the State Environment Department and the North-East District National Integrity and Unity Department. He told reporters this at an environmental workshop attended by over 30 RT members from the north-east district.

The chief minister’s political secretary, Ng Wei Aik, who represented State Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow at the workshop said it was important to act to protect and restore the environment. “The state government hopes community leaders will take up the challenge and carry out projects to help raise their neighbourhood’s environment quality,” he added.

Municipal Council beautifying the Esplanade Toshiba bullish despite global slowdown pg 20

THE Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) is in the midst of beautifying the Esplanade, a heritage site in George Town which was awarded Unesco World Heritage status. Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman said the MPPP had over the past two months carried out works to replace lamp posts, improve landscaping around the field, enlarge the stage and beautify the beach front. “About RM1.7 million was spent by the federal government for this beautification process,” he said, adding that the upgrading works

More facilities for the disabled, please MALAYSIAN Animal-Assisted Therapy for Disabled and Elderly president Anthony Siva Balan has called for more facilities for the disabled. Speaking at a road safety and awareness campaign for the disabled recently, he emphasised the importance of understanding the needs of the disabled. For example, he said, there should be facilities for them to make crossing the road easier. The campaign was launched by Independent Living and Training Centre together with the Road Safety Department and Selayang Municipal Council Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen said implementing such facilities should not be difficult considering Singapore has already established such facilities in many public places. “Selayang could lead the way in having such facilities and I hope the federal government will look into this,” he added. The campaign was held in conjunction with the International Day for the Disabled on Dec 3.

THE Penang Island Municipal Council has advised the public to exercise more caution and patience when travelling along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. In a press statement, it said the traffic flow along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong had increased with the opening of Pacific Komtar last Wednesday. “The main cause of the congestion is due to vehicles parked or waiting along the road. Many road users also slow down along the road to see the activities in front of Pacific Komtar, thus worsening the problem,” said the council.

Don’t sideline us, MP tells Sports Ministry

When 50 lucky children got their wish ...

Brien with children from The Yellow House Foundation

were expected to be completed by early January. Zainal told theSun 33 lamp posts around the area were replaced with new and more beautiful ones. Zainal said the lamp posts that were replaced were those installed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad about 10 years ago. “We will not simply replace those lamp posts which have historical value,” he said. The council has identified 11 lamp posts, believed to be considered old and historical, to be preserved as part of maintaining George Town’s heritage status.

briefs

Congestion in front of Pacific Komtar

THERE’S a Christmas song that goes “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”. Suria KLCC can’t give you teeth but they have given more than what the tooth fairy can afford in their Make-A-Wish charity campaign.

| WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24 2008

Ranging from extravagant Nike football shoes and Salabianca gowns to simpler things like swimming lessons, reference books, scientific calculators or just a heart-warming wish for a simple dinner with the family, Suria KLCC granted them all.

Fulfilling 50 wishes from 50 underprivileged children from The Yellow House Foundation, Suria KLCC’s Make-A-Wish charity campaign was a gratifying success, in line with the spirit of Christmas. Dec 19 saw the excited faces of the children lining up to receive their Christmas gifts before being treated to lunch at Chinoz on the Park and a surprise visit to the Skybridge. “We thank Suria KLCC for the effort put in to make our children feel extra loved and appreciated throughout the Make-A-Wish event,” said Yellow House Foundation representative Gin Kaw Law. Alongside participating retailers and shoppers, Suria KLCC ran the special programme between Dec 1 to 18. The 50 wishes, predetermined by the children, were displayed on a board at the Centre Court to appeal to charitable souls. As an added bonus for the children, Suria KLCC also sponsored an additional gift for every wish fulfilled. “We have been part of the larger community for over 10 years and we hope to continue to serve not only as the preferred shoppers’ paradise, but also as the venue from where love and the spirit of sharing and giving radiates,” said Suria KLCC chief executive officer Andrew Brien.

BUKIT Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong has called on the federal government to pursue a bipartisan approach towards youth and sports issues. He urged the Youth and Sports Ministry not to mix politics with sports during the committee-stage debate of its ministerial budget. “It is important that the ministry be professional in handling its work and be inclusive in dealing with Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments,” he said in a press statement. Liew pointed out that there were two occasions where officials from the Penang state government were not invited to attend meetings relating to the ministry; namely the Sukma supreme council meeting on July 15 and the Penang State Youth Consultative Council. “I also expressed my disappointment over the postponement of two previously approved projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan in Penang, which are, the ‘dry gym’ in Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) costing RM3.5 million, and the upgrading of the Bertam Sports Complex, which also costs RM 3.5 million,” he said.

Student aid money stolen A SCHOOL principal lost financial aid for poor students amounting to RM12,000 when he stopped for a drink at a restaurant in Jalan Beserah, Kuantan, leaving the money in the glove compartment of his car shortly after drawing it from a bank. His car door had been prised open and the money was gone when he returned. – Bernama