1BAGAN Beach carnival fun for 2,000

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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
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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