BN Bagan unstoppable public service

THE Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua said that the Bagan MCA service centre on Jalan Kampung Bengali in Butterworth would be opened from noon to 5pm Monday to Sunday to receive the BR1M forms .

He said applicants could also submit their forms at the service centre of Bagan Dalam BN coordinator M. Karuppanan located on Jalan New Ferry from 10am to 5pm.

Bagan MCA had given away 25,000 BR1M forms in the constituency and had received more than 5,000 forms back, he added.

Chua, who is also the Bagan MCA division Youth head, said this after handing over 2,000 applications forms to the Inland Revenue Board office at Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam on Friday.

Karuppanan also submitted about 2,000 forms which were collected by his service centre while Bukit Mertajam MIC division head Datuk K.R. Murugaiah handed over 2,500 forms.

Under Budget 2012, the Government has allocated a one-off cash assistance of RM500 for households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below under the scheme.

The deadline for the application to be submitted is Jan 10, next year.

For more details, call 04-8296 269/2268207/016-4788383.


Mobile centre filled to the BR1M

At a separate event, Bukit Bendera Barisan Nasional mobile service centre in Penang, which was set up to help the people with the application and submission of the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) forms, has received overwhelming response.

Air Putih Barisan Nasional coordinator Tang Heap Seng, who is also Bukit Bendera MCA division chief, said some 100 people had turned up to enquire and collect the forms.

He said the service centre, which was jointly set up by him and Bukit Bendera Barisan Nasional coordinator H’ng Chee Wey, was aimed at creating awareness on the RM500 one-off aid.

“Since the mobile service centre was set up in Air Itam on Friday, we have been receiving overwhelming response from the public,” he said.

The public could submit their forms personally to his service centre on Lorong Sempadan Dua in Air Itam on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am to noon, he said on Saturday.

He said another counter for the BR1M scheme was set up in Reservoir Gardens on Sunday from 9.30am to 10.30am.

At the mobile centre on Friday, H’ng said: “I have also prepared a photocopy machine here to photocopy the MyKad and payslips of the applicants on the spot,” he said.

He had distributed some 20,000 application forms so far.

One of the residents in Air Itam, Lee, 61, lauded the duo’s efforts.

“I can obtain the form and brief other applicants on details about the scheme,” she said.

Retiree Ooi Ah Lang, 63, said the RM500 aid would come in handy as it would ease some financial burden during the Chinese New Year.

“It is also convenient for retirees like me when there is a mobile service centre in the neighbourhood,” he said.

A consultation counter for BR1M scheme application was also set up at Taman Lumba Kuda on Saturday.

Early Yuletide cheer for 500 guests at special dinner

SOME 500 people were treated to an early Christmas dinner outside the Bagan Dalam Barisan Nasional service centre on Jalan New Ferry in Butterworth, Penang.

The dinner was jointly hosted by Bagan Dalam Barisan coordinator M. Karuppa-nan and the Special Affairs Department which is under Information Ministry.

The guests, comprising people of various races and religion, were from the Bagan Dalam state constituency.

The fine weather was a contributing factor in attracting the large crowd for the event on Saturday night.

Karuppanan said he was glad with the large turnout and hoped those present would vote for the constituency’s Barisan candidate in the next general election.

He took the opportunity to remind the people that photocopied Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia forms could be used to apply for the one-off RM500 aid.

He said he had received reports of someone spreading rumours that photocopied forms were disallowed.

“Please do not believe the rumours as photocopied forms are allowed,” he said.

Karuppanan said his office would be open every day from 10am to 5pm and additional staff had been deployed to help out in filling the forms.

Also present at the dinner were Penang MIC chief Senator Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah, Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua, Bagan PPP chief N. Arumugan and state PPP Youth chief Andrew Rajah who is also Jasa information officer.

Don’t ruin Barisan’s chances, Chua advises Penang NGO chief

BUTTERWORTH: An MCA leader here has advised a non-governmental organisation here to stop criticising Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as it will do more harm than good to Barisan Nasional.

Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua said Lim had been given the mandate to lead Penang and Suara Anak-Anak Malaysia chairman Mohamed Ghani Abdul Jiman should respect this.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been trying hard to win the hearts of the people and the continuous attacks by the NGO will not augur well for the Barisan,” said Chua, who is Bagan Barisan division coordinator.

He expressed surprise that leaders from PKR and PAS, DAP's allies in Pakatan Rakyat, had not defended Lim.

Chua added that Ghani should contest against Lim in the general election if he felt the chief minister was not doing his job.

Reacting to Chua's comments, Ghani told him to “keep quiet”.

“I have not done anything wrong,” said Ghani, adding that he was not siding the Barisan nor was he “sponsored” by anyone to criticise Lim.

“It is a personal quarrel between us,” he said, claiming he had been victimised by the state government over the issue of trading lots at Komtar.

Ghani has consistently caused a stir with his protests against Lim.

In late July, his NGO presented a gift in the form of a pair of brassieres and a leopard-spotted pair of panties to the chief minister.

Ghani, in the past, had also challenged Lim to a physical fight.

On Dec 8, Ghani was stopped by security guards at Komtar from delivering four sponge cakes in the shape of human excreta to Lim on his 51st birthday.

Warm reception

By DERRICK VINESH

TRADERS and shoppers at the Apollo Market along Jalan Raja Uda snapped up 1,500 units of the biodegradable bags in less than 30 minutes when the Penang Barisan Nasional members began distributing the items during their walkabout in Bagan, Butterworth.

Penang Barisan Nasional working committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said the overwhelming response caught many of the coalition leaders by surprise.

“The response from the people in the Bagan parliamentary constituency was encouraging. They also opened up to us about some of the problems that they face,” he said after leading a group of about 50 Barisan members to the market yesterday.

■ Handy gifts: Dr Teng (in blue, second right) with Gerakan vice-chairman Ong Thean Lye (right), Chua (second left) and Sungai Puyu Barisan Nasional coordinator Sum Yoo Keong (fourth right) distributing the bags at Apollo Market.

Dr Teng, who is also the Penang Gerakan chairman, said some of the traders voiced their concerns about the poorly maintained infrastructure at the market.

He said the market had been in existence for nearly 60 years but there was no improvement done to make it more comfortable for the traders and shoppers alike.

A spokesperson for the traders, Ong Kim Seah, said the 500 members there hoped that the Seberang Prai Municipal Council could repair the leaking roofs, clean up clogged drains and reduce traffic congestion.

“We hope the state will allow us to continue trading here and we also hope the Federal Government will help us obtain funds to improve the infrastructure at the market,” he said.

During festive seasons, the number of traders there would increase to above 700.

Barisan’s Bagan parliamentary constituency co-ordinator David Chua said many poor residents living in state government-owned flat units here were finding it hard to settle their monthly rent.

“There seems to be no proper mechanism in place to help the needy in Bagan despite Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng being its Member of Parliament,” he said.

Chua, who is also the Bagan MCA division Youth head, said the state government’s annual RM100 aid to the senior citizens had good intentions but it did not serve any real purpose because the blanket disbursement also reached those who did not need the money such as the rich elderly folks.

“It is a case of not spending wisely. The needy should be given priority instead. There are also several squatter issues here such as in Jalan Telaga Air, Jalan Siram and Raja Uda. The problem remains unresolved,” he said.

Penang MIC chairman Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah said there was hardly any development taking shape in Bagan.

More than the invited 500 turn up but none goes home empty-handed

NEWLY appointed Bagan Dalam Barisan Nasional coordinator M. Karuppanan gave away more than 500 food hampers to the poor in the constituency in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration.

State MIC chairman Senator Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah said although only 500 were invited, more had turned up.

“However we did not want to disappoint them and all went home smiling as we managed to give out to all the people,” he said.

Karuppanan in his speech pledged to work hard for the people of Bagan Dalam.

He called upon the people of Bagan Dalam to meet him at his service centre on Jalan New Ferry in Butterworth on Tuesday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday from 10am to 1pm if they have any problems.

Karuppanan, who is also the Penang MIC secretary, urged the people to support the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who, he added, was very concerned about the people’s problems.

“He is taking steps and initiatives to solve them and this is a golden opportunity to show their support to his dynamic leadership with the 1Malaysia slogan,” he added.

The hamper presentation was held at the Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth on Sunday.

Among those present were Bagan Barisan coordinator David Chua, Sungai Puyu Barisan coordinator Sum Yoo Keong, Bagan Jermal Barisan coordinator Teh Lay Cheng, Penang MIC Youth chief J. Dhinagaran and state MIC deputy chairman L. Krishnan along with several Barisan Nasional component party leaders.

StarMetro Tuesday October 25, 2011

Residents get to know new Bagan Dalam Barisan coordinator

NEWLY appointed Bagan Dalam Barisan Nasional coordinator M. Karuppanan was introduced to Taman Bagan residents at a grand dinner in Seberang Prai which was attended by more than 1,000 people.

It was organised in conjunction with Deepavali.

Also present, Bagan parliamentary constituency coordinator David Chua called on the Taman Bagan residents to give their support to Karuppanan.

He said he was sure that the new coordinator would give the best service to the people.

Meanwhile, Karuppanan, who spoke in fluent Hokkien, assured the residents in Bagan Dalam that he would do his best for them.

“I will be at my service centre on Jalan New Ferry in Butterworth every Tuesday (5.30pm to 8.30pm) and Sunday (10am to 1pm) to handle the people’s problems.

“I will have two Chinese staff members to handle problems faced by the Chinese community in the constituency,” he said.

Karuppanan and Chua later donated RM6,000 and RM2,000 respectively to SJK Chung Hwa 2.

The former also sponsored RM15,000 for Saturday’s dinner which was jointly organised by Taman Bagan MCA, Taman Bagan Rukun Tetangga, Pertubuhan Penganut Dewa Hock Teik and Persatuan Phor Thor Taman Bagan.

Penang MIC chief Senator Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah said he was sure that his successor, Karuppanan, who is a lawyer for the past 25 years and also Penang MIC secretary, would do better than him in serving the people.

Present were Sungai Puyu coordinator Sum Yoo Keong, Bagan Jermal coordinator Teh Lay Cheng, Bagan MCA chief Loo Khay Thye, Penang MIC Youth chief J. Dhinagaran and dinner organising chairman Gun Seong Joo.

Star Metro Monday October 24, 2011

Workshops can treat exam phobia

★ All the best: Chua presenting The Star's SPM workshop certificate to SMJK Chung Ling student Leong Kai Jian, 17. Also with them are Ooi (second left) and his other students at the school on Jalan Raja Uda in Butterworth.

MORE workshops should be held for students just before their examination to help them prepare.

Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua, who is also Bagan Implementation Coordination Unit officer, said workshops had also proven to help students eradicate their fear of examinations.

He urged the corporate sector to organise more of such workshops which would benefit students, who are the future and hope of the nation.

Chua said this after presenting certificates of attendance to students of SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth, Penang, who had attended a two-day SPM workshop by The Star which was held at the KDU College in Penang yes-terday.

A total of 256 students from schools in the state had attended the workshop.

Commending The Star for organising the event, Chua said he had sponsored a total of 15 students from SMJK Chung Ling, SMK Bagan Jaya and SMK Convent Butterworth.

“It is indeed a meaningful and worthwhile event which will benefit the participants,” he said.

SMJK Chung Ling principal Ooi Poh Beng said such workshops should be held earlier as the students would have more time to pre-pare for the examination with enough gui-dance.

He also thanked Chua for sponsoring students from the school and hoped that more students would get the opportunity to participate in such workshops in the future.

The Star
Wednesday October 19, 2011

1Malaysia cake decorating competition

SOME 20 professional and 10 amateur bakers displayed their creativity in interpreting the 1Malaysia concept through a special 1Malaysia cake decorating competition.

The school hall of SJK (C) Chung Hwa 2 in Taman Bagan, Butterworth, where the event was held, was a hive of activity as the participants rushed to complete their tasks within 80 minutes.

The participants, from as far as Selangor, Taiping, Parit Buntar and Padang Serai, used multi-hued butter icing, royal icing, fresh cream and jam to decorate their cakes.

Many used the 1Malaysia logo in their icing designs, while many also depicted the Jalur Gemilang and other floral designs on their masterpieces.

Both the professionals and amateurs competed in their respective categories to win RM500, RM300 and RM200 for the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up respectively in each category.

■ Artist at work: Chew dressing his cake during the 1Malaysia cake decorating competition at SJK(C) Chung Hwa 2, Butterworth

The event was jointly organised by Barisan Nasional Bagan parliamentary constituency co-ordinator David Chua’s office, Penang Chinese Chefs Association and Chef Eddie Choong Bake and Culinary Centre.

Lee Ai Suan, 23, from Padang Serai, who emerged champion in the Professional Bakers’ category, said she featured the different cultural celebrations in Malaysia by designing a ketupat, an Indian oil lamp and oranges to depict Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year respectively.

■ Home bakers: Winners in the Amateur Bakers category (from left) Norhayati, Rohana and Siti Rafinyal with their prize winning cakes after the prize presentation ceremony
“The competition was rather stiff as many other participants were equally good,” she said.

Lee, who took up a professional chefs’ diploma course from KDU Penang, said she was presently working as cake decorator at LA Delight bakery in Bukit Mertajam.

The category’s first runner-up Chew Ken Jit, 43, who owns Sweet Secrets Cake House in Taiping, Perak, said he used white chocolate to design caricatures of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Malaysians of different races.

“I have been in the baking line for 23 years, but this is my first time taking part in a cake decorating competition,” he said, adding that he used fresh cream to decorate his entry.

Second runner-up in the category, Ng Pei Ee, 18, from Selangor, who undertook a six-month baking course at Chef Eddie Choong Bakery and Culinary Centre in Butterworth, said she was glad her maiden entry, bearing a giant Number 1 on the cake, with small flags of the different states on the side caught the judges’ attention.

The Amateur Bakers’ category champion Rohana Abdul Razak, 29, from Butterworth, said she used butter icing for her design, which carried a unity theme, bearing the caricature of three young children.

The category’s first runner-up Norhayati Zainudin, 52, from Butterworth, said she had been in the baking line for over 10 years, but this was the first time she came in second.

“I am thrilled because so far, the highest I have attained in competitions is second runner-up.”

Housewife Siti Rafinyal Ahmad, 60, from Butterworth, who came in second, said the last time she won such a competition was in the 60s.

Chua said the event was aimed at fostering closer ties among the different races, which was similar to the objectives of the 1Malaysia concept.

Also present was Barisan Sungai Puyu constituency co-ordinator Sum Yoo Keong, Barisan Bagan Jermal co-ordinator Teh Lay Cheu, Penang Chinese Chefs Association chairman Datuk Tan Gin Soon and Chef Eddie Choong Bakery and Culinary Centre Bhd proprietor Eddie Choong.
Star MetroFriday October 21, 2011

Kami Syukur atas keprihatinan itu

Light at the end of tunnel

BAGAN MCA has come to the aid of a single mother and her three children who have been living without power supply to their flat un it at Ampang Jajar in Mak Mandin near Butterworth.

Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua, who is also the Bagan Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) officer, and Sungai Puyu ICU officer Sum Yoo Keong made arrangements to restore the power supply which was disconnected about a month ago.

R. Kogilam, 40, said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) disconnected her power supply and dismantled the meter when she failed to settle her RM150 bill for three months.

“I went to the TNB office but they asked for the tenancy agreement with the state Housing Department. I then sought Chua’s help as my agreement expired on Aug 31,” she said.

Kogilam said Chua obtained a letter from the department after he made an appeal and agreed to settle her outstanding rental of RM1,500.

★ Household essentials: Chua (right) presenting food item to Kogilam (left) and her daughter Joyce. With them are (from second right) resident committee member Nordin Mohd Saad, Sum, Flat Ampang Jajar KRT deputy chairman Ibrahim Md Din and Bagan MCA member Mary Tong during their visit to Kogilam's flat in Mak Mandin, Butterworth.

She said she could not go to work as she has an intestinal ailment which required her to visit the Alor Setar Hospital once a month for treatment, and her eight-year-old daughter Joyce is suffering from a form of amnesia.

Kogilam’s husband died 10 years ago from a heart ailment. Besides Joyce, who is in Year Two, she also has two other daughters, aged 17 and 18.

She said she received an RM200 monthly aid from the Welfare Department and RM150 from the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia, and her eldest daughter is looking for a job.

Chua said he would go to the TNB office tomorrow to restore the power.

“I will check with the Health Ministry whether Kogilam could seek treatment from the Seberang Jaya Hospital or Penang Hospital, or if the hospital could courier her medication to her house, as the travelling incurs additional expenses,” he said.

Chua also handed over food items to the family, including a birthday cake for Joyce who turned eight on Sept 18.
The Star
By S. ARULLDAS

Chua tells PDC to submit report to Lim, not Dr Ng

★ from left to right : Tang Heap Seng, David Chua Teik Siang and Sum Yoo Keong

BUTTERWORTH: The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) should submit the report on the controversial RM5mil ‘Kancil car park’ to its chairman Lim Guan Eng and not to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua said PDC general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar should follow protocol and submit it to his boss, Lim, who is also the chief minister.

“Rosli does not report to the tourism minister. What is the rational in submitting to her (Dr Ng) and what sort of protocol is this?” questioned Chua.

He also questioned the sincerity of Lim, who claimed that he was not informed about the project.

Chua said this at a press conference at the Bagan MCA office at Kampung Bengali here yesterday.

Also present were state MCA vice chairman Tang Heap Seng and Bagan MCA vice-chairman Sum Yoo Keong.

Chua was responding to the article ‘PDC to submit Kancil car park report to Yen Yen’ published yesterday.

Chua, who said Lim should make a stand, questioned his refusal to elaborate on the matter.

He also urged Lim to set up a committee to investigate the matter and reveal its outcome without further delay.

Tang, who is the Bukit Bendera MCA chief and a civil engineer by profession, said the enquiries about the project started in 2009/2010.

He said the project was forced to be delayed after rocks were found embedded in the ground during foundation work.

The allocation for the project was approved in 2007 while the structural and layout plans were submitted to the Penang Municipal Council in 2009.

Tang said the media has been reporting the matter since 2009 and until today, there has been no response from Lim.

“Lim will only respond if the matter is to his favour and if it is not, he will not respond,” he said.

Bagan rises to the occasion

Bagan MCA Youth is literally going to town with the Jalur Gemilang in the Bagan parliamentary constituency.

Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua, who is also the Bagan Barisan Nasional (BN) co-ordinator together with Sungai Puyu BN co-ordinator Sum Yoo Keong and Bagan MCA Wanita chief Teh Lay Cheng and several MCA members distributed the Jalur Gemilang in the constituency.

★ Patriotic duty: (From right) Dhingaran, Chua and Bagan MCA vice-chairman Sum Yoo Keong (fifth right) and other BN coalition party members affixing the 'Jalur Gemilang' onto a vehicle at Jalan Raja Uda in Butterworth, Penang.

Also present to lend support was state MIC Youth chief J. Dhinagaran who also helped distribute the flags.

The group, acting in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ campaign, also raised 100 of the Malaysian flag at shophouses along Jalan Raja Uda in preparation for the country’s 54th Merdeka Day.

Chua said the campaign in the constituency kicked off yesterday morning with the group distributing 500 mini Jalur Gemilang flags to 500 pupils of the SJK(C) Chung Hwa (II) in Taman Bagan, Butterworth.

“We distributed the flag to the pupils to teach the younger generation to honour and respect our flag and to love our country, as the future of our country lies in the hands of our youth,” he said.

Chua added that the campaign also saw the group giving away 300 mini flags to motorists at Jalan Raja Uda.

Report from The Star. North Metro Tuesday August 23, 2011

Chor lashes out at Penang Govt

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THE Penang Government must fulfil its promise to the Rumah Hijau squatters in Mak Mandin to build affordable flats within their present village.

MCA vice-president Datuk Chor Chee Heung said Pakatan Rakyat’s alleged pledge to the Rumah Hijau squatters in Butterworth during the 2008 general election has apparently vanished into thin air.

“The state government is now trying to push this to the Federal Government to solve but our hands are tied as the land belongs to the state. Nonetheless, I will try to help,” he said.

If Barisan Nasional manages to win back the state in the next general election, Chor said he would take it upon himself to ensure that the long-suffering Rumah Hijau villagers got what was promised.

He said this during a dialogue session with the people at the Bagan MCA division headquarters on Sunday.

Sixty-six families there are demanding that the current state government build new flats within the village for them, as allegedly promised.

★Squatters in Butterworth open Dialog with Dato' Wira Chor Chee Heung,10 July 2011. from left to right Loo Khay They, Chor Chee Heung, David Chua & Sum Yoo Keong.

On a separate matter, Chor, who is also the Housing and Local Government Minister, said his ministry would investigate a developer allegedly involved in building an inferior quality housing project in Ampang Jajar.

The Ampang Jajar project is located near Rumah Hijau.

“I will wait for an official report from Bagan MCA and if it is true, the developer will be blacklisted,” he said.

Chor also urged Chief Minister and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng to assist the Ampang Jajar homeowners in getting a soil test report, as they could not afford it.

“I understand that this is a big problem as some houses are now sinking. The state must look into this because the hard-earned money of the buyers is at stake.

“Meanwhile, I will check with the Seberang Prai Municipal Council president (Maimunah Mohd Sharif) to see how my ministry can help,” he said.

Later in Jawi, Chor presented appointment letters to the Village Safety and Development Committee members and presented two Proton Arena cars to the Sungai Jawi and Kampung Valdor voluntary firemen there.

He said at present, there were about 26,000 firefighters nationwide — half of whom were volunteers.

“It’s just not possible to have fire stations in every kampung nationwide, hence we need volunteer firefighters on standby, especially in villages,” he said.

He added that the Government was actively looking at ways to improve the welfare of volunteer firefighters.

Also present was Jawi Barisan coordinator Tan Cheng Liang.

In her speech, Tan said under Chor, the constituency’s drainage and flooding woes would be taken care of as they came under his ministry’s purview.

U-turn on eviction plan

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government has backed down and softened its stand against residents of the Taman Bagan Jaya flats in Butterworth who have not settled their rental arrears.

State Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai assured residents that their flats would not be repossessed by the state Housing Depart-ment.

Bagan Barisan Nasional co-ordinator David Chua – who had highlighted to the state government that more than 20 families, including a blind man and a single mother, had been given an ultimatum to settle their arrears or have their flats repossessed by Thursday – welcomed the news.

★In high spirits: Chua (back row, centre) posing with some of the families at the Taman Bagan Jaya flats in Butterworth yesterday.

“The residents can now sleep peacefully,” he said.

“The housing department officials should have come down to talk to these people and find ways to solve the problems,” he said when visiting the residents here yesterday.

Also present was Sungai Puyu BN coordinator Sum Yoo Keong.

“I call on the state government to put a stop to such cruel acts and politics of arrogance,” said Chua, who is also the Bagan MCA Youth chief.

Visually-impaired Fadzil Mohd Hassan, 61, who owes RM5,300 in rental, said he was thankful to Allah for not having to leave his home.

“I am so happy. A thousand thanks to the MCA especially David Chua for highlighting my position.

“I am already old and blind and the department wanted me to find the money within a week,” he said.

Single mother Roshimah Ishak, 48, who was asked to settle RM4,500 in arrears, said she was worried the state government might come after her when things cooled down.

Wong said counselling and interview sessions would be held for the affected residents to assess their financial status.

“They will not be evicted. We will also help them with their problems,” he said after launching a health awareness programme at Desa Mawar Community Hall in Jalan Thean Teik, Bandar Baru Air Itam, yesterday.

More poor families in a fix over bills

BUTTERWORTH: Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua had a shock when he learnt that more than 20 poor families were given one week to pay their rental arrears or face repossession of their flats.

“These people have been re-ceiving calls from State Housing Department to settle their rental arrears within a week or have their flats repossessed.

“Please do not be cruel to these poor people. Where will they go? Please show some mercy,” he said.

Chua, who is Bagan MCA Youth chief, again called upon the Pe-nang Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai to act on humanitarian grounds to help the poor.

He also asked about the whereabouts of the elected representatives who had not visited these helpless people.

“Why have they not visited this place even after their plight was highlighted in the media” he asked while visiting the flats at Taman Bagan Jaya here yesterday.

Also present were Sungai Puyu BN coordinator Sum Yoo Keong and Bagan Jermal BN coordinator Maggie Teh.

Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh, however, came to the defence of the department, saying that it had the right to go after the tenants to pay up.

“For example, if you rent out a unit to a tenant, you would follow-up and ask for the rental if the tenant does not pay up,” said Phee, who is also a state executive councillor in George Town.

He said the state would come up with a solution on how the residents could pay their rents.

Meanwhile, Chua pledged to settle the outstanding water and electricity bills amounting to RM2,300 of five poor families.

Among them was single mother Sarinah Ariffin who shed tears of joy when she received the good news from Chua.

“I am so happy and thankful to Chua for his kind gesture. We have been using candles at night for nine months.

“My four children will be happy to know that we will get the electricity supply again,” she said.

Chua said he would also settle the outstanding water and electricity bills of the five families on Monday instead of giving them the money to avoid it being misused.

Blind man and single mother may lose homes

BUTTERWORTH: A blind man and a single mother have been told to pay their rental arrears by next Thursday or have their flats at Taman Bagan Jaya here repossessed by the State Housing Department.

Fadzil Mohd Hassan, 61, who became blind 13 years ago and who owes the housing department RM5,300 in rental arrears, claimed he received a call from the department at about 11.30am on Thursday.

★Helpless: Fadzil at his home in Taman Bagan Jaya. He has been given seven days to settle his rental arrears by the Penang State Housing Department.
“They are giving me seven days to settle my arrears and if I fail to settle the amount, I will be forced to vacate the unit,” he said.

Fadzil alleged that the caller refused to accept his plea when he asked for some time to settle the dues as he was seeking assistance from Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua.

“My wife has high blood pressure and does part-time jobs.

“We have three children including two schoolgoing kids,” he added at a press conference.

Single mother Roshimah Ishak, 48, claimed that she received a call from the department to settle the rental arrears amounting to RM4,500 within a week.

“I became jobless after a forklift's tyre rolled over my feet several years ago,” said the mother of two children, aged 17 and 25.

“I now wonder about the sincerity of the state government which claims to be a caring government,” she said.

Both Fadzil and Roshimah sought Chua's help when he visited the Taman Bagan Jaya public housing project on Thursday.

Chua, who is also Bagan MCA Youth chairman, called on Penang Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai to help such people.

from The Star

Widow and disabled man face eviction by state govt

BUTTERWORTH: Soon to be evicted from a public housing project, widow Rokiah Md Isa cuts a pitiful sight.

The 74-year-old is worried sick about her unit being repossessed by the State Housing Department.

“I have been living here since the Taman Bagan Jaya public housing project was completed five years ago.

“My husband passed away in 2008 and the department sent me a notice in March, telling me that I cannot stay here any more.

“I was shocked. Where will I go if I’m evicted?” she said at her home here yesterday.

Rokiah, who receives RM250 wang zakat monthly, has fallen behind on her rent payments. She owes RM1,188 in arrears.

The state housing authorities issued her a letter dated March 17 to move out within 15 days. They have yet to enforce the notice.

Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua, who was also present, urged the state government to give Rokiah and other tenants like her a chance to pay up before considering repossession of the units.

“It is not that she doesn’t want to pay but she cannot afford to. We cannot just throw her out.

“While we understand that the public housing project is not for single occupancy, Rokiah should be exempted from this rule because she was actually living here with her family before the children moved out and her husband passed away.

“If rental is the issue, give her some time to work it out,” said Chua, who is also the Bagan MCA Youth division chief.

Disabled labourer Mohd Radzi Othman, 39, was told to move out because he was married to a foreigner.

He claimed that he did not owe any rental arrears.

“I rushed to the department after receiving the eviction notice and was told that my unit would be repossessed because my wife is an Indonesian,” said the father of two who lost his arm in an accident.

Chua said Rokiah and Mohd Radzi were just two of some 20 residents who were worried about losing their flats.

On Tuesday, Penang Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state government had repossessed 154 flat units in eight public housing projects since last year after their tenants breached the tenancy terms and conditions.
from The Star.Metro

1BAGAN Beach carnival fun for 2,000

Click to view album

MORE than 2,000 people thronged Pantai Bersih in Butterworth to join in the 1Bagan Beach carnival, which was organised by the Barisan Nasional’s Bagan division.

The weather was perfect as it was sunny for the various outdoor activities.

The crowd began to gather as early as 7am around the area near the Butterworth Outer Ring Road rest and recreational area in Bagan Ajam. Many took advantage of the weekend and brought along their family members to have fun.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong who kicked off the event, said the carnival was one of a series of programmes organised by the coalition to reach out to various communities.

“This carnival is a platform to build a closer rapport and to promote national unity among the various ethnic groups in light of the 1Malaysia concept envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,” Lee said.

Present were the event organising chairman David Chua who is also the Bagan Barisan coordinator, Sungai Puyu Barisan coordinator Sum Yoo Keong, Bagan Jermal Barisan coordinator Maggie Teh and Penang MIC chief Senator Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah who is also the Bagan Dalam Barisan coordinator.

The activities began with a tai chi morning exercise and line dancing in which more than 500 people took part while about 300 children got themselves busy in a colouring contest.

Among the participants were representatives from Federal Government agencies and about 20 private non-governmental organisations.

Other events included an angling competition, a photography contest and free medical examinations.

There was a host of other exciting activities and among them were two volunteers from the Civil Defence Department who performed stunts in their motorised para-glider.

There were also various traditional dance performances.

Bagan Ajam residents all for 1Malaysia clinic

■Bagan Ajam residents holding placards showing their displeasure at Penang exco member Phee Boon Poh for claiming that 1Malaysia clinics were a waste of resources by the government. — NST picture by Mohamad Danial Mohamad Saad

BUTTERWORTH: Residents of low-cost flats in Bagan Ajam yesterday vented their fury on DAP assemblyman Phee Boon Poh for questioning the existence of 1Malaysia clinics during the recently concluded state assembly.

The residents, who staged a peaceful protest, said the state welfare, health, caring society and environment committee chairman should realise the important role played by the clinic and what it meant for the low-income earners.

They carried placards during the 30-minute protest in front of the Bagan Ajam 1Malaysia Clinic here.

Petty trader Emelia Saidin, 30, said she and her family found it convenient to seek treatment there instead of going far away for treatment.

“We thank the Federal Government for offering such services to the poor,” she said.

Housewife M. Parvathy, 59, who sought treatment for a cut on her left hand, said she paid only RM1 at the clinic.

The residents, Ibrahim Othman, 55, said the clinic was a boon to the poor as they could get outpatient treatment at a nominal RM1 fee.

"The clinic is a blessing for us as we no longer have to seek treatment at private clinics or pharmacies for slight illnesses."

His statement was echoed by resident M. Parvath, 54.

He said he no longer needed to travel for half an hour to the nearest hospital for his basic health check-up as it was available at the clinic.

"It saves us time and travelling cost. Why should someone question its existence?"

It was reported that during his winding-up speech at the state assembly on Monday, Phee had described the 1Malaysia clinics as a waste as there were already health clinics around to provide the people with proper services.

He said the clinic was a mismanagement of resources by the government as they were only manned by hospital assistants and not doctors.

Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua said the Health Ministry had initially refused to open the clinic there.

“But, I appealed to the ministry because there are many poor people living in the Taman Tun Sardon and Taman Pantai Bersih flats and in several nearby villages,” he said.

Chua said Phee had not visited the clinic since its opening about three months ago.

“Phee should apologise for running down the clinic,” he said.New Straits Times. 2011/05/12
The Star.Metro

Land a RM13,000 first prize in fishing competition

MORE than 1,000 people are expected to take part in the Karnival Pantai 1Bagan fishing competition on May 22 offering RM13,000 cash as first prize.

The event is to be held from 7am to 4pm at the Butterworth Outer Ring Road’s rest and recreational area in Bagan Ajam.

The first runner-up will receive RM4,000 cash and the second runner-up RM2,000 while the fourth and fifth placed winners will take home RM400 each.

The sixth to 10th, 11th to 20th and 21st to 30th placings will each receive RM250, RM150 and RM80 respectively, and other gifts.

Organising chairman David Chua, who is also the Prime Minister’s Department Implementation and Coordination Unit officer for Bagan, said various events had been lined-up for the event, which would be officiated by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong.

“Sports, recreational and heath events such as tai chi, line dancing, colouring, photography and medical examinations have been organised for the day-long event.

“The highlight of the event will be the search and rescue demonstration at sea by the marine police using a helicopter,” he told a press conference.

Chua added that government agencies and about 20 private and non-governmental organisations were involved in organising the event.

For further details on the fishing competition and early registration, call Shaiful Amry (012-4676766). For other details, contact Chua (016-4184898).


The Star | Thursday May 12, 2011

Free eye checks for two schools

PUPILS from two schools in Butterworth got free eye checks in a programme organised by the Rotary Club of Butterworth.

Six volunteers from the club spent more than three hours at SK Assumption and SK Kuala Perai recently to conducts the tests. There are 240 pupils in SK Assumption and 170 in SK Kuala Perai.

The programme, which included food for the pupils, was funded with a RM2,000 allocation from the Prime Minister’s Department that was channelled through Barisan Nasional’s Bagan co-ordinator David Chua.

Club president Khor Meng Chong said the club would sponsor the spectacles for pupils who were recommended to wear them after the test.

“We have been conducting the programme for the last five years to help needy pupils,” he said.

Khor said the club also organised other yearly events such as water awareness programmes for schools, festivals of joy for children in orphanages and medical camps.

“We also give out hampers to the needy during the major festivals, wheelchairs to deserving patients, and school bags, uniforms and shoes to poor students,” he said.

SK Kuala Perai headmaster Zainalee Ibrahim thanked the club for selecting the school for the programme.

He said this was the first such programme held in the school.

Plant closure cast in stone

THE Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) has assured residents in Kampung Bagan Dalam, Butterworth that a nearby cement batching plant would be shut down.

The assurance was given during a meeting held between the representatives from the residents and the municipal councillors at the MPSP headquarters recently.

Councillor Ahmad Farid Md Arshad said the council never gave any approval to the plant operator.

“The Department of Environment (DOE) also did not approve of its operations,” Ahmad Farid said.

It was issued a stop work order in September last year while the Department of Environment (DOE) also did not approve of its operations, Ahmad Farid added.

He said the water supply at the plant was also disconnected after the stop work order was issued.

“We have also told the operator to remove all raw materials from the site and not to bring in any materials. Only security guards are supposed to man the site,” said Ahmad Farid after the meeting.

Barisan Nasional Bagan parliamentary coordinator David Chua was also present.

Ahmad Farid said that MPSP would continue to monitor the site.

Ridzuan Md Zain, who represented the residents, said the plant should not be operating at a residential area which also houses a school, a mosque and a temple.

On Jan 17, it was reported that several residents in Kampung Bagan Dalam were appealing to the authorities to relocate the plant, which they claimed was causing pollution.

The plant, which underwent trial runs in September last year, was located just 50m from their houses.

The DOE in a letter to the residents concurred that it was inappropriate to build a plant in a housing area.


News from : The Star.Metro.2011 Mac 3

Thousands attend police do

The first-ever Penang police contingent Chinese New Year open house was a smashing success with thousands of people attending the festive event in Sungai Ara.

Heavy rain, which had battered the site in the early afternoon, abated just before cars started to arrive, leaving a comfortable, cool atmosphere that lasted the whole night.

The open house site — covering a basketball court and a surrounding open space on Jalan Sungai Ara 1 — was transformed with massive tents erected around a large stage and seating area.

And at 7.30pm, the food started to be dished out. There were rice with rendang, curry chicken and achar (pickled vegetables), ikan bakar (grilled fish), laksa, rojak, satay, fresh fruits and a variety of kuih.

There was also long lines for koay teow basah (fried rice noodles in gravy) and ais kacang.

“This is my first time at an open house. I was worried there wouldn’t be enough food, but there’s plenty and the hospitality is great,” said Cangkat Sungai Ara resident Scott Choo, 31.

While scores of people sat at tables or on stools enjoying the food, groups of performers took to the stage to provide the entertainment.

Among the memorable acts during the night were performances of 24-season drums, wuhsu and lion dances on high stilts.

The crowd was then treated to a colourful fireworks display that lit up the night sky for five minutes.

In his speech, state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob said he was heartened by the number of visitors who came dressed in their Rukun Tetangga, Volunteer Patrol Squads and Community Policing uniforms.

“This is a positive sign that many realise that it takes a collective effort to keep Penang safe,” he said.

Other guests included Penang MCA deputy chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahaya, Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad and Barisan Nasional co-ordinators David Yim (Bayan Baru), Wong Mun Hoe (Pantai Jerejak) and Goh Kheng Sneah (Batu Uban).

The open house on Sunday was co-organised by the Southwest District Residents Association.



Over in Butterworth, more than 300 people thronged the Chinese New Year open house hosted by the Bagan MCA division.

The event was held outside the Bagan MCA division office and it was well attended by several leaders from the Barisan Nasional component parties and, also residents living in the area.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial tossing of yee sang, which created a festive atmosphere.

Bagan MCA division chief Loo Khay Thye said he was delighted to see the big crowd.

He also took the opportunity to thank Barisan Nasional coordinator for Bagan, David Chua, for obtaining a federal allocation of RM10,000 to replace the water pump at the low cost flat at Taman Pantai Bersih in Butterworth.

- The Star - Metro North

DPM: Govt fair to all states

GEORGE TOWN: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the federal government had always been fair in its treatment of all states, including Penang and others under the Pakatan Rakyat rule.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the federal government’s policies and projects had benefitted everyone and called on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to be fair to the people in the state regardless of their race.

He said Barisan Nasional had never side-lined Penang and the state had benefitted from the success of National Key Results Area (NKRA) initiatives.

“We have achieved almost 100% of the NKRA targets and Penang was not left out.

“We will continue to develop Penang because the rakyat need our assistance,” he said at the state Barisan Nasional Chinese New Year open house at the Penang Chinese Town Hall on Sunday.

Lim was also present at the function.

Muhyiddin urged Lim to be fair to Malays, Indians and Chinese.

“Serve the people of Penang - the Malays or Chinese or Indians. Give them the opportunity to do business as they want to earn a living by themselves,” he said, adding that the state government should provide opportunities and encouragement to entrepreneurs to earn a living instead of preventing them.

“I know that Penang is under the opposition government, but what is important is that the opposition makes a commitment to help the people just like Barisan, which has made a commitment to bring progress to the people without bias,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the government wanted to make sure that its initiatives touched all levels of society but stressed that efforts to develop the nation was not solely the responsibility of the federal government.

“If we want to become a developed nation by the year 2020, we must foster closer relationships between all races,” he added.

He said the government was trying its best to ensure that the delivery system was efficient as it realised that the people wanted to see results.

Those present at the function included state Barisan chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Penang MCA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, state MIC chairman Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah and several state exco members.

Free haircuts for Taman Mesra folk

SOME 40 residents from the Taman Mesra flats in Bagan Lallang, Butterworth, were thrilled when they received free haircuts, courtesy of the Penang MCA’s 1Bagan mobile service team.

The residents eagerly waited in line as a female hairstylist engaged by the service team trimmed their hair.

■ Snip, snip: A child having his hair trimmed by a hairstylist during the community service effort at the Taman Mesra flats in Bagan Lallang, Butterworth.

Many school-going children grabbed the opportunity to get themselves a haircut during the event on Boxing Day before the new school term began earlier this month.

Bagan MCA division Youth chief David Chua Teik Siang said the activity was part of the team’s monthly community service programme for the parliamentary constituency.

“We are pleased by the strong turnout. A total of 88 residents underwent free medical screening tests. We also registered 103 new voters,” he said.

The half-day event was participated by representatives from the Seberang Jaya Hospital, state Welfare Department and the Employees Provident Fund.


from : The Star.Metro.North January 25, 2011

MCA issues warning on Islamic state agenda

KUANTAN: PAS’ intention to set up an Islamic state and impose Islamic laws in Malaysia should serve as a warning to the DAP and all non-Muslims in the country, said the MCA.

“If it (PAS) comes to power at the federal level, it would need to fulfil its political agenda in line with its party constitution.

“Article Two of the PAS constitution clearly states the formation of an Islamic state,” MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.

“But, when we bring up this matter, certain quarters allege that the MCA is trying to scare the Chinese.

“We do not need to do that but suffice if the Chinese can give serious thought to the implications on their lives,” he told reporters after presenting red packets to senior citizens here yesterday.

The event was organised by Kuantan MCA in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year.

PAS has repeatedly said it will go ahead with its Islamic state agenda even if its allies in Pakatan Rakyat – the DAP and PKR – are against the plan.

At a party function in Labis on Monday night, Johor PAS commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Mohamad reiterated his party’s stand and told the crowd that PAS would push for the setting up of an Islamic state if the party and its allies take over the federal government.

Dr Chua said it was evident that PAS had brought up the issue to gain Malay support for the upcoming Tenang by-election although it had toned down on the matter in previous by-elections.

With regard to PKR, Dr Chua questioned why only one Chinese was elected and not a single Indian won at the recent party elections.

On the DAP, Dr Chua said that except for Karpal Singh, the party does not have any prominent leaders from among the non-Chinese.

source from : -The Star-

Clinic to treat the poor

■ Making health a top priority: SPU Health District officer Dr Yusuf Hashim (left) checking Chua's blood pressure during his visit to Klinik 1Malaysia in Bagan Ajam, Butterworth.

ANEW medical clinic has been set up to serve the needs of 6,000 residents of the low-cost flats in Taman Pantai Bersih in Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, and surrounding area.

The new clinic is called ‘Klinik 1Malaysia’.

Its soft launch was held on Monday by the Penang Health Department director Datuk Dr Teh Lay Choo.

Two shoplots on the ground floor of Taman Pantai Bersih flats have been converted into the clinic.

It opens from 10am to 10pm every day, including on public holidays.

Each patient will be charged RM1 each but the fee will be waived for students and those who are poor.

Bagan Barisan Nasional coordinator David Chua said the mobile clinic received overwhelming response on the first day with 41 patients seeking treatment.

“The clinic provides treatment to patients with minor illness like coughs and colds, fever and minor skin diseases.

“Checks for high blood pressure and glucose tests are also carried out,” said Chua.

He urged the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) to clear the litter and clogged drains near the clinic.

He also called the MPSP to get rid of the debris near Taman Tun Awang to enable the residents there to take a short-cut route to the clinic.

Chua also said that he would speak to Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai about the benefits of having the clinic in the area.

from : The Star. Metro North Friday January 21, 2011

Single mum hopes to find long-lost son

A 56-year-old single mother, who is suffering from a heart ailment, is appealing for the public’s help to locate her only son whom she lost contact with 22 years ago.

Looi Kim Bee said several days after delivering her son Lau Kok Boon in Johor on Dec 28, 1976, she placed him in the care of a baby sitter and came to Butterworth to look for a job.

■Please help me: Looi showing a photo of Kok Boon (inset) at the press conference called by Bagan MCA division. With her are Chua (right) and Sum.

She said when her son was six years old, she went to Johor and brought him back and asked her mother in Kampong Pacham in Ipoh to take care of him.

“I went back to Ipoh again when he was 13 to apply the identity card for him and returned here several days later and that was the last time I saw him,” said Looi at a press conference at the Bagan MCA office on Jalan Kampung Benggali in Penang yesterday.


Also present were Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua and Bagan MCA vice-chairman Sum Yoo Keong.

Looi said several years later when she went back to Ipoh to see her family, the village houses were no longer there.

“I am suffering from a heart ailment and my last wish is to see my son,” she said.

Chua said he believed Lau was still in Ipoh.

He urged those with information on his whereabouts to call the Bagan MCA office at 04-3324545.

from The Star. Metro North
Saturday January 15, 2011