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