Layoffs, Layoffs

GEORGE TOWN (Dec 29): More than 2,000 factory workers in Penang have been retrenched in the past three months and more are expected to lose their jobs in the coming months, said Malaysian Trades Union Congress Penang branch chairman Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid.

“We expect that more people will be laid off next year as the economic situation continue to slowdown,” he told theSun today.

Abdul Razak said even those who were not laid off are suffering as many companies are cutting down overtime and working hours, imposing pay cuts and even shutting down operations for long periods of time and forcing workers to take unpaid leave.

He said the Human Resources Ministry keeps saying the economic fundamentals are strong but this is not what the workers face in their day-to-day working life.

“The ministry only knows how to give figures of people being retrenched but they do not offer a solution to help them,” he said.

“We want the ministry to come up with a clear plan to help workers who have been laid off as we can foresee that more workers will lose their jobs in the next few months.”

He said the ministry gave the industries the go-ahead to cut down overtime and working hours which will only hurt the workers.

“They should get the industries to look at cutting costs without affecting the take-home pay of workers.” He said the ministry must set up a special task force to help retrenched workers.

“We have proposed that a taskforce to help retrenched workers be set up but so far, there has been no action,” he said.

Why is it that during good times those industries did not share their high profits with the workers but when times are bad, the workers will have to suffer from pay cuts so that they can reduce costs?” he said.

Updated: 09:55PM Mon, 29 Dec 2008

SOURCE: The Sun - "More than 2,000 retrenched in Penang in three months"

The other Ma'al Hijrah gathering in Penang...

PENANG, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- About 4,000 members of Muslim Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) gathered peacefully at the Polo field here before proceeding to the official residence of Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas in Jalan Utama to submit a memorandum.

The members from 20 Muslim NGOs under Yayasan Aminul Ummah Malaysia, had started gathering at the field from 8am this morning in conjunction with the Maal Hijrah celebrations.

Its president Md Radzi Daud said the purpose of the gathering was to express unhappiness over the action of some, including political leaders, who touched on sensitive racial issues, including questioning Malay rights and subjects related to ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy).

"Every race has their own rights and the Malay Rights was stated in the Constitution dated 1957 which was agreed by all Malaysian races at that time," he told reporters.

However, he said the memorandum was to urge all parties especially the political leaders, not to question the Malay Rights and show respect to all races living in Malaysia.

He said NGOs felt that irresponsible statements should not have surfaced as they can stoke racial tension and disrupt harmony among the races living in the country.

"We want to put a stop to this and that's why the gathering, themed 'racial integration' was mooted with the approval of the police," he said adding that all the races living in Malaysia should respect each other in order to create a harmonious environment.

Bernama learnt that the group had initially planned for a procession from Jalan Masjid Negeri to the official residence of Tun Abdul Rahman but since the police had only approved their permit for a two-hour gathering, the plan was aborted.

-- BERNAMA: 4,000 Muslim NGOs Submit Memorandum To Yang Dipertua Negeri

This being the other gathering to the official state-endorsed one in Kepala Batas...

program merakyatkan budaya & festival kesenian rakyat

Program Merakyatkan Budaya & Festival Kesenian Rakyat ini telah diadakan di Tempat Letak Kereta Desaria Sri Merpati, Sungai Ara, KADUN N38 Bayan Lepas. Program 'kerajaan persekutuan' ini mendapat kehadiran yang menakjubkan. Tak pernah terfikir yang program sebesar ini diadakan di tempat seperti ini. Apa pun acara ini memang meriah, dengan bermacam bersembahan budaya dan diserikan lagi dengan artis jemputan Nasier Wahab. Sebelum majlis berakhir, penonton 'diberi hadiah' dengan pertunjukan bunga api.

Acara berskala sama juga akan diadakan di tempat yang sama sempena meraikan tahun baru 2009

Happy Holidays 2008->2009!

Happy Holidays...

and six more days to New Year 2009!

If you'll be celebrating New Year's Eve in Penang on the 31st of December 2008, these are the happening places (with large crowds for the countdown moment) that you might want to check out:-

1. Esplanade aka "Padang Kota", Light Street, George Town - Fireworks and a grand concert featuring Ella, May, Sofaz and more. Details at 9-creativision.com
   
   
2. Auto City, Juru, Seberang Perai - More info at autocity.com.my
   
   
3. Tapak Pesta, Sg. Nibong, Pulau Pinang - Pesta Penang's Final Day (Clearance) Sale and live performance by XPDC.
   
   
4. Queensbay Mall, Bayan Baru - live music including by Dayang, Farah Asyikin, Storm, Mary Go Round, Bosco Wong, Orange and more. More info at pigeonfly.com and Queensbay Mall website.
   

Executive Councillors (Exco) of Penang - 2008

Penang Exco or "Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang" is the administrative body to govern or create policies for the state. Its members are appointed by the Chief Minister of Penang. 2008 line-up was formed on 13th of March, 2008 following the 2008 Malaysian Election (on 8 MAR 2008), consisting of eight members from DAP and three members from PKR:-

1. Lim Guan Eng - Industrial Development and International Trade, Land Affairs and Land Development Committee
   Email: limguaneng@penang.gov.my
   
   
2. Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin - Religious Affairs, Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development and Information and Community Relations Committee
   Email: mfairus@penang.gov.my
   
   
3. Prof Dr Ramasamy - State Economic Planning, Education and Human Resources, and Science, Technology and Innovation Committee
   Email: ramasamy@penang.gov.my
   
   
4. Chow Kon Yeow - Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee
   Email: chowkonyeow@penang.gov.my
   
   
5. Lim Hock Seng - Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee
   Email: limhockseng@penang.gov.my
   
   
6. Danny Law Heng Kiang - Tourism Development and Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee
   Email: lawhengkiang@penang.gov.my
   
   
7. Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim - Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee
   Email: abdmalik@penang.gov.my
   
   
8. Phee Boon Poh - Health and Welfare and Caring Society Committee
   Email: pheeboonpoh@penang.gov.my
   
   
9. Wong Hon Wai - Town and Country Planning and Housing Committee
   Email: wonghonwai@penang.gov.my
   
   
10. Law Choo Kiang - Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee
    Email: lawchookiang@penang.gov.my
    
    
11. Lydia Ong Kok Fooi - Youth and Sports and Women, Family and Community Development Committee
    Email: ongkokfooi@penang.gov.my

Refer Penang Government Portal for a complete contact information and photo of each Exco member.

For comprehensive comparison between current and previous Exco members by respective portfolio, refer blog post by Quah Seng-Sun entitled "Penang exco line-up: Then and now".

You can also download the full list of Penang EXCO, ADUN and Heads of Department contact information from Penang State Government Secretariat Office website.

Ma'al Hijrah 1430 Celebration @ Kepala Batas, Penang (29dec08)

Majlis Perhimpunan Ummah Sempena Sambutan Maal Hijrah 1430H Peringkat Negeri Pulau Pinang @ Kepala Batas

Tarikh	:	29 Disember 2008
Masa	:	8.00 pagi - 11.00 malam
Tempat	:	Dewan Millenium, Bertam, Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai Utara.

ATURCARA MAJLIS :

8.00 pagi	:	Ketibaan Dif-dif jemputan / Orang Ramai
8.30 pagi	:	Ketibaan Y.B. Tuan Muhammad Fairus b. Khairuddin Timbalan Ketua Menteri (1) Pulau Pinang dan Y. Bhg. Puan Nurusa’adah bt. Jelani
8.35 pagi	:	Ketibaan T.Y.T. Tun Dato‘ Seri Utama ( Dr. ) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang dan Y.A. Bhg. Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Utama Hajah Majimor bt. Shariff
	:	Lagu Negaraku dan Untuk Negeri Kita
8.45 pagi	:	Bacaan Doa
8.50 pagi	:	Bacaan Ayat-ayat Suci Al-Quran Berqiraat Oleh: En. Mohd Fakhrulradhi bin Kamarudin Juara Akademi Al-Quran Musim ke-3
9.05 pagi	:	Ucapan Aluan Oleh Y.B. Tuan Muhammad Fairus b. Khairuddin, Timbalan Ketua Menteri (1) Pulau Pinang
9.20 pagi	:	Ucaptama Oleh T.Y.T. Tun Dato‘ Seri Utama ( Dr. ) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang
9.40 pagi	:	Persembahan Puisi Islam Oleh Kumpulan UNIC
10.00 pagi	:	Ceramah Oleh : Y.Bhg. Dato’ Hj. Md. Hashim bin Haji Yahaya Pensyarah Syariah Kuliah Undang-undang, UIA Tajuk : “ Menjana Ummah Gemilang”
11.00 pagi	:	Majlis Penyampaian Anugerah & Tokoh Maal Hijrah
	:	Lagu Negaraku dan Lagu Untuk Negeri Kita
11.30 pagi	:	Bersurai

Add to your calendar


Source: Pejabat Tanah & Daerah Seberang Perai Utara

Government Machineries in Penang

State Secretariat Office

1. Penang State Secretariat Office (PSUK)
   

State Departments

1. Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), Penang
   
2. Penang Agriculture Department (JPN)
   
3. Penang Botanic Gardens (JKB)
   
4. Penang Forestry Department (JHN)
   
5. Penang Land and Mines Office (PTG)
   
6. Penang Public Works Department (JKR)
   
7. Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM)
   
8. Penang State Mufti Office
9. Penang State Religious Department (JAIPP)
   
10. Penang State Treasury Department (JKN)
    
11. Penang Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSN)
    
12. Penang Town and Rural Planning Department (JPBD)
    
13. State Department of Veterinary Service, Penang (JPVPP)
    
14. The Office of the Head of State, Penang

Land and District Offices

1. North East (TL)
2. South West (BD)
3. Northern Seberang Perai (SPU)
4. Central Seberang Perai (SPT)
   
5. Southern Seberang Perai (SPS)
   

Local Authorities

1. Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP)
   
2. Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP)
   

Statutory Bodies

1. Penang Development Corporation (PDC)
   
2. Penang State Library (PNPP)
   
3. Penang State Religious Council (MAIPP)
   
4. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBA)
   

Based on original list from myGovernment Portal.

Arts & Cultural Heritage Entities/Groups in Penang

CULTURAL HERITAGE

ARTS-ED
Janet Pillai / Chen Yoke Pin
Web site: www.arts-ed-penang.org
E-mail: arts_ed_penang@yahoo.com
Tel: 04-6533060 / 012-3619113
Fax: 04- 6560461/ 04- 6576296
Project 1) Anak-Anak Kota - Innercity George Town
Project 2) MyBALIKpulau
This heritage education program is designed to complement efforts at conservation
and sustainability of local cultural assets in Penang. It creates awareness and
educates young residents on the importance of conserving their living and built
heritage (architecture, trades, crafts, customs, food etc). The creative arts (music,
dance, theatre, visual arts) are used to raise awareness.

Lestari Heritage Network
Khoo Salma
Web site: http://www.lestariheritage.net/littlepenang
E-mail: littlepenang@lestariheritage.net
Tel: (04) 262 0123
Fax: (04) 263 3970
Address: 120 Armenian Street 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Project - Little Penang Street Market
Little Penang is organised by a group of Penang people who care about keeping Penang
culturally vibrant. It aims to provide a regular market-place and platform for Penang-
based talents in arts and crafts, design and music.

Penang Heritage Trust
Magdeline/ Ho Sheau Fung
Web site: http://www.pht.org.my
E-mail: phtrust@streamyx.com
Tel: (04) 2642631
Fax: (04) 262 8421
Address: 26A, Church Street, 10200 Penang.


ARTS

Young Theatre Penang
65, Jalan Sungai Kelian,
Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Penang.
Email: kisskiss@tm.net.my
Janet Pillai (Ms), 8995016 / 016- 4402656

Zao Xin Chang
(Pertubuhan Dramatis Pulau Pinang)
232, Mc Nair Street, 10300 Penang
Tel: 04-6375753
Fax: 04-2633800
Email: hk_tan@smcigt.po.my
Tan Hock Kheng (Mr)

Penang Players
PO Box 9, 10700, Penang
Tel: 04-8903009
H/P: 012-5512616
Email: penangplayers@yahoo.co.uk
Joelle Saint-Arnoult (Ms)

Noise
D-3-7, Taman Desa Relau, Lebuh Relau 2
11900, Bayan Lepas,Penang
Tel: 012 4123008
Jason Ong

Penang Arts Council
c/o 5 th Floor, Wisma Penang Garden,
42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah,
10050 Penang.
Tel: 04-2268477
Fax: 04-2268285
Email: pamong@pd.jaring.my
Pamela Ong (Ms)

Pertubuhan Seni Gubahan Lagu Pulau Pinang (NGC)
75, Lebuh Katz, 11400 Penang.
Tel: 04-2643615
Fax: 04-6593393
H/P: 016-4529916
Email: ngc@maxis.net.my
Chong Boon Yee (Mr)

What's hot in Penang this Week (14-20 DEC 2008)

aa2 act ahead aim ajil al-bai arise bernama bridge businesses chingay committee dec develop federal food fund george government govt halal help hillslope hopeful hub i-dance logistics loom malaysia pas poor projects protest quick ram ratings reaffirms says set state still street take technology town uncertainties wants will working youth

Penang Government Directory

Central Seberang Perai District and Land Office, Penang Address : Pegawai Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah Jalan Betik, Sungai Rambai 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-540 2361 Fax : 04-539 9549 Email : muzamin@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://spt.penang.gov.my

Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Penang Address : Pengarah Pengairan Dan Saliran Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran Tingkat 29, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 0460 Fax : 04-261 3435 Email : limsaylin@penang.gov.my;propenang@water.gov.my Web Site : http://jps.penang.gov.my

Lembaga Wakaf Hindu, Penang Address : Setiausaha Lembaga Wakaf Hindu Tingkat 30, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 604-263 8916 Fax : 604-263 8916 Email : wakaf_hindu@penang.gov.my Web Site :

North East District and Land Office, Penang Address : Pejabat Daerah Timur Laut Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Daerah Timur Laut Tingkat 50 & 51, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 6030 Fax : 04-261 6137 Email : azizi@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://dtl.penang.gov.my

Northern Seberang Perai District and Land Office, Penang Address : Pegawai Daerah Seberang Perai Utara Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Daerah Seberang Perai Utara Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-575 8966 Fax : 04-575 8969 Email : azmi@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://spu.penang.gov.my

Penang Address : Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan, Negeri Pulau Pinang, Paras 25, KOMTAR, 10503, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Telephone : 604 - 262 1957 Fax : 604 - 263 4940 Email : maheswari@penang.gov.my;sujata@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://www.penang.gov.my

Penang Agriculture Department Address : Pengarah Pertanian Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Pulau Pinang Jalan Kulim, Cherok Tok Kun 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pulau Pinang Telephone : 604-537 2144 / 604-537 2145 Fax : 604-537 2150 Email : abdul_nasir@penang.gov.my; jpnpp@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jpn.penang.gov.my

Penang Botanic Gardens Address : Penguasa Taman & Kebun - Kebun Bunga Jabatan Kebun Bunga Jalan Kebun Bunga 10350 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-227 1354 Fax : 04-228 6075 Email : norwahida@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jkb.penang.gov.my

Penang Development Corporation Address : Pengurus Besar Perbadanan Pembangunan Pulau Pinang No. 1, Jalan Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Baru Bayan 11909 Bayan Lepas Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-634 0217 Fax : 04-634 2405 Email : rj@pdc.gov.my Web Site : http://www.pdc.gov.my

Penang Forestry Department Address : Pengarah Perhutanan Pejabat Perhutanan Negeri, Tingkat 20, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-262 5272 Fax : 04-263 6335 Email : samsudin@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jhn.penang.gov.my

Penang Island Municipal Council Address : Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang Paras 4, KOMTAR Jalan Penang 10675 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-263 7637 Fax : 04-263 9575 Email : aduan@mppp.gov.my Web Site : http://www.mppp.gov.my

Penang Land and Mines Office Address : Pengarah Tanah Dan Galian Tingkat 21 & 22 KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 5459 Fax : 04-261 9588 Email : ariffin@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://ptg.penang.gov.my

Penang Museum Board Address : Muzium dan Balai Senilukis Paras Bawah, Dewan Seri Pinang 10200 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 604-261 3144 Fax : 604-261 3144 Email : muzium@po.jaring.my Web Site : http://www.penangmuseum.com

Penang Public Works Department Address : Pengarah Kerja Raya Jabatan Kerja Raya Tingkat 18 & 19, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 6263 Fax : 04-261 4707 Email : shahawai@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://ppinang.jkr.gov.my

Penang Social Welfare Department Address : Pengarah Kebajikan Masyarakat Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Tingkat 30, KOMTAR 10564 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 4836 Fax : 04-263 5964 Email : mahfudzjkm@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jkm.penang.gov.my

Penang State Library Address : Pengarah Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Pulau Pinang JKR 2118, Jalan Perpustakaan Seberang Jaya 13700 Perai Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-397 9949 Fax : 04-397 0226 Email : shuk@penanglib.gov.my Web Site : http://www.penanglib.gov.my

Penang State Mufti Office Address : Mufti Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang Jabatan Mufti Negeri Pulau Pinang Tingkat 45, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-650 5452 Fax : 04-263 2985 Email : hassan_ahmad@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://mufti.penang.gov.my

Penang State Religious Council Address : Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Agama Islam Pulau Pinang Tingkat 7 & 8, Menara UMNO No. 128, Jalan Macalister 10400 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 604-226 0305 Fax : 604-226 0380 Email : shabudin@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://maipp.penang.gov.my

Penang State Religious Department Address : Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang Lebuh Pantai 10300 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-250 2801 Fax : 04-250 2810 Email : sazali_hussein@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jaipp.penang.gov.my

Penang State Secretariat Office Address : Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Paras 25 KOMTAR 10503 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 1957 Fax : 04-261 8618 Email : maheswari@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://psuk.penang.gov.my

Penang State Treasury Department Address : Pegawai Kewangan Negeri Jabatan Kewangan Negeri Tingkat 23, KOMTAR 10990 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-261 2679 Fax : 04-261 4399 Email : supiah@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jkn.penang.gov.my/

Penang Syariah Judiciary Department Address : Ketua Hakim Syarie Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Negeri Pulau Pinang No. 3, Jalan Batu Gantung 10450 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-828 2727 Fax : 04-829 6427 Email : yusupct@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jksn.penang.gov.my

Penang Town and Rural Planning Department Address : Pengarah Perancang Bandar & Desa Jabatan Perancang Bandar & Desa Tingkat 57, KOMTAR 10000 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-650 5270 Fax : 04-263 7580 Email : mohd_zaki@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://jpbd.penang.gov.my

Penang Water Supply Corporation Address : Level 32, Komtar, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang Telephone : +604 263 4200; +604 509 6 509 Fax : +604 261 3581 Email : customer@pba.com.my Web Site : http://www.pba.com.my

Seberang Perai Municipal Council Address : Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai Jalan Perda Utama, Bandar Perda 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-549 7400 Fax : 04-539 5588 Email : ydp@mpsp.gov.my Web Site : http://www.mpsp.gov.my

South West District and Land Office, Penang Address : Pejabat Daerah Barat Daya Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Daerah Barat Daya 11000 Balik Pulau Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-869 1100 Fax : 04-866 1593 Email : hasinnun@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://dbd.penang.gov.my

Southern Seberang Perai District and Land Office, Penang Address : Pegawai Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan 14200 Sungai Jawi Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-582 8036 Fax : 04-582 1003 Email : jusni@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://sps.penang.gov.my

State Department of Veterinary Service, Penang Address : Pengarah Perkhidmatan Veterinar, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Ibu Pejabat Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Jalan Bukit Tengah 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-508 4363 Fax : 04-5084366 Email : wankamil@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://www.jpvpp.gov.my

The Office of the Head of State, Penang Address : Setiausaha Sulit Kepada TYT, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang Pejabat TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang (Seri Mutiara) Jalan Utama 10500 Pulau Pinang Telephone : 04-228 1266 Fax : 04-226 6505 Email : shahul@penang.gov.my Web Site : http://www.penang.gov.my/index.php?ch=28

SOURCE: myGovernment Portal

Useful Phone Numbers in Penang

EMERGENCY

Police	999
Fire Department	994
Civil Defence	991

TOURIST/TRAVEL INFORMATION

Tourist Information Centre	04-2620066
Penang Airport	04-6434411
Penang Railway Station	04-2610290
Immigration Department	04-2615122

LIBRARIES

Alliance Francaise French Library	04-2276008
Malaysian German Society	04-2296853
Penang Chinese Town Hall Library	04-2628939
Penang Public Library	04-2622255

FOREIGN MISSIONS

Bangladesh	04-2611196
Britian	04-2625333
Denmark	04-2624886
Finland	04-2294100
France	04-2629707
Germany	04-6415707
Hungary	04-6433901
Indonesia	04-2824686
Japan	04-2268222
Netherlands	04-2616471
Russia	04-2622944
Sri Lanka	04-2824686
Sweden	04-2625333
Thailand	04-2268029
Turkey	04-2615933

CAR RENTAL

Avis-Rent-A-Car	604-646 2410
Hertz-Rent-A-Car	604-263 5914
Mayflower Car Rental	604-262 8196
Kasina Baru	604-228 2641
National Car Rental	604-262 9204
New Bob	604-226 6111
Orix Car Rental	1 800 88 1555
Syarikat Ruhanmas	604-881 1071

TELEKOM MALAYSIA

Telephone Faults	100
Domestic Asisted Service	101
Information & General Enquiries	102
Directory Services	103
Phonogram Service	104
International Assisted Service	108
Multi Lingual International Service	198
Time Announcement	1051
Weather Forecast (K.L.& P.J.)	1052
Data & Telex Faults	1061
For Telecard Holders Only	1092

HOSPITALS

General Hospital	04-2293333
Gleneagles Medical Centre	04-2276111
Hospital Pantai Mutiara	04-6433888
Penang Adventist Hospital	04-2261133
Tanjung Medical Centre	04-2262323
Mount Miriam Hospital	04-6433888
Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre	04-2288501
Hospital Seberang Jaya	04-3983333
Lam Wah Ee Hospital	04-6571888

AIRLINES

Malaysia Airlines System Komtar	04-2620011
Penang International Airport	04-6430811
Air Asia	04-2629882
Cathay Pacific Airways	04-2260411
Emirates	04-2631100
EVA Air	04-2291484
Singapore Airlines	04-2263201
South African Airways	04-2293318
Thai Airways International	04-2266000
Northwest Airlines	04-2275299
Pelangi Air	04-2277311
United Airlines	04-2636020

TAXIS SERVICES

Penang	604-261 7098 604-890 9918 604-642 5961 604-643 0161
Butterworth	604-333 7364 604-323 2045

Based on original compilation/publication at PenangWeb.

Bahasa Menunjukkan Bangsa! - Anak Pulau Pinang

Tourists Not Bothered By Road Name Issue

By Lizawati Bahanan

PULAU PINANG, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- In one of his classic movies, 'Seniman Bujang Lapok', Tan Sri Dr P. Ramlee had uttered the phrase "bahasa menunjukkan bangsa" (language identifies the race).

That was a flashback to the early 1960s and among the most recent issue with regards to Bahasa Melayu were the claims that the use of various languages for road names and signboards in Georgetown would attract more tourists to the world heritage town.

However that appears not to hold water.

What actually drew foreign tourists to this island is Pulau Pinang's tourism products themselves.

Most of the times, the tourists do not even bother about the languages used on the signboards or for road names and public spots.

They would arrive at their destinations assisted by taxi drivers and people on the streets.

A recent Bernama check found that foreign tourists as well as the local folks were not really disturbed over which language being used for road names and public sites.

According to those approached, the language is not a significant factor but Pulau Pinang's image as a tourist destination is all that matters.

SINGAPORE VISITOR

A tourist from Singapore, Suriati Misnan, 31, said she came to Pulau Pinang as she was drawn by the beauty of its beaches particularly that at Batu Feringhi.

"I do not even notice the existence of multi-lingual signages here.

"I came here because of Pulau Pinang's majestic beaches and to sample the exotic food here," said Suriati who had also used her trip to the Pearl of the Orient to visit her relatives.

A German tourist and his wife said they had no problems visiting tourism destinations in Georgetown despite the signages being in Bahasa Melayu.

They said the language used posed no difficulties for tourists as adequate information on Georgetown's attractions was available at the hotels as well as in the Internet.

"Malaysians should be proud with their culture and language. Bahasa Melayu is unique and I and my wife also learn how to speak Malay before we came to Malaysia," said Werner Kohler, 45.

Kohler, who is an engineer with an international firm and his 39-year-old wife Sabine, decided to visit Pulau Pinang after learning from a website about the island's delicious food and enchanting places.

WHAT THE LOCALS SAY?

Several Georgetown folks said the language issue over the name of roads and other signages here has been blown out of proportion.

"It is mere politics. There are no problems if the authorities retain Bahasa Melayu on the signages. Before this, many tourists came visiting and they still come now," said Mikhail Hassan Basri .

Instead, the authorities should use the funds to improve Georgetown's tourism products, said the 33-year-old souvenir stall operator at Batu Feringhi.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) lecturer on human sciences, Datuk Prof Md Salleh Yaapar said only the national language that is Bahasa Melayu should be used for the signages.

But, the Pulau Pinang government could put up various languages at signboards at the Georgetown's world heritage site for the convenience of tourists.

"If the purpose is to provide information on certain heritage structures like the Khoo Kongsi or Masjid Kapitan Keling, then it could in various languages.

"The names of roads should be in Bahasa Melayu, like what is the practice in other nations where they retain the usage of their mother tongue," he said.

BAHASA MELAYU STILL RETAINED

On Oct 24, the Pulau Pinang State Government passed a regulation that allows the use of various languages on signages at Georgetown's heritage sites as part of efforts to lure more tourists to the island.

The move drew flak from a number of parties including non-government organisations (NGOs), language activists and historians.

However Pulau Pinang Municipal Council (MPPP) President, Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman, when approached at a recent function here, stressed that Bahasa Melayu is retained as the major language on these signages.

"Bahasa Melayu is used, at the top most part of the signage while other languages like Chinese or Tamil as well as the Jawi scripts are written underneath," he said.

At the end of last November, the state authorities went ahead with the move to have multi-lingual signs of road names at Georgetown's heritage sites despite strong protests from various quarters.

Is the move worth the efforts? The public would have to wait and see.

-- BERNAMA