GEORGE TOWN, June 6 — After nearly two decades of being recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Penang is now in a stronger position to manage and preserve George Town due to various efforts undertaken since the recognition on July 7, 2008.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 18-year journey was not easy as the state government faced various challenges, especially in the first five years after George Town was recognised as a World Heritage Site.

However, he said that continuous efforts involving the implementation of legal provisions, development planning controls, and cooperation among various stakeholders have successfully elevated the management of the heritage site to a more mature level.

“Today we are increasingly confident as the managers of a world heritage site because we have established the relevant legal provisions, have a specific Special Area Plan, and also an agency that manages this site, namely George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI),” he said.

He said this at a press conference for the organisation of the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2026 in conjunction with the celebration of George Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site here today.

Commenting further, Chow said that efforts to preserve the heritage site are also being driven through the cooperation of GTWHI, the Penang State Heritage Commissioner, and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), in addition to receiving support from residents, the community and organisations within the heritage site area.

He said that support for the conservation efforts also extends beyond the George Town area, with community involvement from other areas including Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai, in addition to receiving various forms of assistance from the federal government to strengthen the management of the heritage site.

He said that among the initiatives being implemented is the Climate Change Adaptation Project, funded through the World Bank, to enhance the resilience of the world heritage site area against the challenges of climate change.

Commenting on the 18th anniversary of George Town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, Chow described it as a new level of maturity in the management of the area.

“Entering the 18th year marks that we have reached a more mature phase. Moving forward, we need to be more mature in managing this heritage site, better understand its value, and unite all efforts to jointly preserve this site as a world heritage and state heritage,” he said.

Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr. Ang Ming Chee said that with the theme “Share Stories!”, the GTHC 2026 celebration which will take place from July 4 to 7, will showcase various myths, legends, folktales, and sagas that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of George Town, with the Street Festival as the main programme alongside the Historic Building Open House and George Town Heritage City Walk.

He said that over the four days, 48 community partners will share their stories and cultural traditions through various activities including 33 cultural workshops, eight interactive dance performances, and 12 visits to participating historical buildings. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 2 — Police are actively tracking down suspects believed to be involved in a telecommunications cable theft incident at Jalan Batu Uban here, after a video of the incident went viral on social media today.

Northeast District Deputy Police Chief Superintendent Lee Swee Sake said that his department received a report regarding the incident from Telekom Malaysia (TM) at 10.50am this morning.

“The complainant, a 41-year-old TM technician, informed that he saw a viral video lasting one minute and 24 seconds at around 7am which depicted a cable theft incident by the roadside at Jalan Batu Uban 1, Gelugor.

“Following this, the complainant conducted an inspection at the location and found that a TM telecommunications cable estimated to be 70 metres long and valued at RM17,000 had been cut and stolen,” he said in a statement, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code and Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Lee said that the suspects are believed to have used a dark-coloured Mazda 6 Hatchback while committing the crime, and so far, the police are still conducting further investigations to track down and identify the suspects involved.

In relation to this, he urged members of the public who have information regarding the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation by contacting the Northeast District Police Headquarters Operations Room at 04-228 2222 or 04-218 1881.

Based on the viral video footage, a dark-coloured car was seen being chased by several individuals riding motorcycles after the vehicle was suspected of being involved in cable theft activities in the area. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 16 — A total of RM2.9 billion will be invested in 12 water supply projects across Penang over the next five years as the state prepares for a projected 34.3 per cent increase in water demand driven by industrial expansion, new townships and major infrastructure developments.

Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the projects, undertaken jointly by PBAPP and the federal government, are aimed at ensuring water supply remains sufficient to support Penang’s economic growth through 2032.

“Penang’s socioeconomic growth trajectory towards 2032 cannot be compromised, held back or delayed by insufficient water supply,” he said at a press conference today after attending the PBA Holdings Bhd annual general meeting.

PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan and PBA Holdings Bhd chairman Chow Kon Yeow (right) at a press conference after the PBA Holdings Bhd annual general meeting. — Picture by Opalyn Mok

Water consumption in Penang was recorded at 865 million litres per day (MLD) in 2025 and is projected to rise to about 1,162 MLD by 2032, he said.

He said the expected hike in water consumption is due to factory expansion and new investments by multinational companies including Intel, Osram, Siliconware Precision Industries and Western Digital, as well as large-scale property developments on both the island and mainland.

Of the RM2.9 billion investment, he said RM2.098 billion will be spent on six projects under PBAPP’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), while five federal government projects are valued at RM838 million.

“An additional 80 MLD water treatment plant at Sungai Kerian will be developed under a build-operate-transfer model,” he said.

Among the major projects planned are new water treatment plants at Mengkuang, Sungai Kerian, Sungai Perai and Sungai Muda, which together are expected to increase Penang’s water treatment capacity by 478 MLD by 2031.

“PBAPP will also lay two major pipelines to increase the amount of treated water that can be delivered from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to Penang Island from 400 MLD currently to 600 MLD by 2030,” he said.

The federal government’s projects include a new Sungai Muda barrage, expansion works at Mengkuang Dam, raw water resource projects linked to Sungai Kerian, water intake works in Teluk Bahang and a comprehensive study on Penang’s future raw water resources.

Pathmanathan said the bulk of the profits recorded by PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB) are reinvested into water infrastructure rather than distributed to shareholders.

He said PBAHB invested RM72.67 million, or about 50 per cent of its 2024 profit after tax of RM144.17 million, into water projects in 2025.

“For 2026, the company has allocated RM99.55 million, equivalent to about 87 per cent of its 2025 profit after tax of RM114.55 million, for capital expenditure on water projects,” he said.

He said the total dividends payable to shareholders for the 2025 financial year amount to RM16.55 million, representing 14.45 per cent of profit after tax.

“The people who live in Penang and businesses that operate here are the primary beneficiaries of PBAPP and PBAHB’s annual profits,” Pathmanathan said.

He noted that PBAHB’s largest shareholder is the Penang State Secretary’s Office, which holds a 55 per cent stake, meaning dividend payments received by the state-linked entity are ultimately channelled back into public projects.

To support future infrastructure needs, PBAPP has also launched a RM5 billion sukuk programme, which Pathmanathan said would complement existing funding sources and help finance Water Contingency Plan 2030 projects.

He said annual profits alone would be insufficient to fund all the infrastructure needed to ensure Penang’s taps do not run dry as the state continues to attract investments and expand its population base.

GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The federal government has guaranteed that no vernacular schools will be closed under its administration, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today.

He reaffirmed Putrajaya’s commitment to protect the existing Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia.

Wong said vernacular schools remain an important component of the national education system and dismissed long-standing concerns among communities over the fate of schools facing enrolment, land or infrastructure challenges.

“Under the Madani government, we guarantee that no school, whether a national school, SJKC or SJKT, will be closed,” he said in his speech after attending a handing over ceremony of an approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJKT Rajaji in Air Itam here.

He said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had repeatedly stressed since 2023 that vernacular schools are part of Malaysia’s education landscape and would continue to receive government support.

The deputy minister also announced that maintenance allocations for Tamil vernacular schools nationwide have been increased to RM50 million this year, more than double the annual allocations provided in recent years.

“The funding will benefit about 527 SJKTs nationwide,” he said adding that the Education Ministry is finalising the distribution of the allocations based on the schools’ individual needs and enrolment levels.

“We will not simply divide the allocation equally because some schools are larger, some are smaller, and their maintenance requirements differ,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said 22 government-aided SJKTs in Penang will receive furniture worth RM1.156 million through an initiative funded by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra).

On SJKT Rajaji, Wong officially handed over the ministry’s approval letter for the construction of the school’s new location in Farlim.

The 76-year-old school, which currently has about 100 pupils and 20 preschoolers, will relocate to a 2.3-acre site provided by the Penang state government.

He said construction is expected to cost about RM8 million and will be fully funded by a private developer.

The project is targeted for completion within 18 months, with the school expected to begin operating at its new premises by the 2029 academic session.

Wong said the approval reflected the government’s commitment to developing schools across all education streams, including national, Chinese vernacular and Tamil vernacular schools.

“Whether it is a national school, SJKC or SJKT, all are under the focus and radar of the Ministry of Education,” he said.

GEORGE TOWN, June 5 — The Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) has issued 597 notices for smoking within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site here, through 114 enforcement operations since 2022.

State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the world heritage site was gazetted as a smoke-free zone since 2015 and is now subjected to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

“Throughout last year, 106 notices were issued. However, that number has increased this year, with 127 notices issued so far, surpassing the previous year’s total.

“In view of this, we will continue to step up monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with the stipulated regulations,” he told reporters after launching the Penang Smoke-Free (PENBAR) promotional materials at the George Town World Heritage Site here today.

Gooi said the increase in notices shows some individuals still fail to comply with the ban despite ongoing educational and advocacy efforts.

He said under Act 852, individuals found smoking in smoke-free zones can face a compound fine of RM250 for each offence.

“We understand that alongside continuous public education, enforcement action must be taken to ensure compliance within the George Town World Heritage Site,” he said.

He added that the state government and JKNPP are intensifying public awareness by installing more promotional materials and warning boards.

Gooi said besides the George Town Heritage Site, several other locations in Penang have also been gazetted as smoke-free zones under Act 852, namely the Jalan Utama Municipal Park, Jalan Air Terjun Botanical Gardens, Air Itam Dam, and Teluk Bahang Dam on the island.

On the mainland, the ban covers the Mengkuang Dam in Berapit and the Ampang Jajar Town Park.

Earlier, Gooi and 70 personnel from the JKNPP Enforcement Division distributed campaign leaflets at premises and fitted banners and special sunshades on trishaws to boost tourist awareness of the smoking ban within the heritage zone. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 7 — An elderly woman accidentally stepped on the accelerator, causing the Porsche she was driving to crash into the lobby area of a hotel at Persiaran Gurney here today, an incident that has also gone viral on social media.

Northeast District Police Chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said that the police received a report regarding the incident from the 61-year-old local woman at 12:05 pm and investigations revealed that the accident occurred at around 11:15 am.

“The incident happened as the senior citizen was preparing to head home after visiting family members. No casualties were reported, and the estimated losses are still under investigation,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Earlier, several photos went viral showing a grey Porsche inside a hotel lobby, believed to have lost control before crashing into the area. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 16 — The long-awaited Perak-Penang water transfer project is now in its final stages of negotiations, with a formal agreement expected to be signed as early as next week, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.

He said both state governments have tentatively agreed to conclude and sign the deal by the end of next week in Ipoh, Perak.

“The agreement is currently at the final stage of negotiations and we have tentatively set next week for both parties to sign it,” he said at a press conference held after the 26th Annual General Meeting of PBA Holdings Bhd here.

“The ceremony is expected to take place in Ipoh, Perak, but it remains subject to the finalisation of ongoing discussions,” he added.

The Perak-Penang water project is a major strategic initiative aimed at facilitating the transfer of raw and treated water to meet growing demand in northern Peninsular Malaysia, particularly to support domestic and industrial needs in Penang.

Chow said the agreement includes several preconditions that must be fulfilled before it can be fully implemented.

He added that technical aspects of the deal were still being refined by experts and officials from both sides to ensure mutual agreement on all terms.

“When reviewing an agreement, there are many technical elements and issues that must be refined by experts before both parties can agree,” he said.

“All matters, including pricing, have been discussed, but further refinement is still required before the agreement is signed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chow said the state government would announce its decision after receiving feedback from the concessionaire of the proposed Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and reclamation project along Karpal Singh Drive.

He said the concessionaire will need to present its feedback on recommendations made by the Department of Environment (DOE).

Chow added that views from residents who had objected to the project were also being taken into account in ongoing discussions between the state government and the company involved.

“When they (the concessionaire) respond, we will announce the decision. We are also taking into account public feedback, and this is part of the ongoing discussions,” he said.

The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application was rejected by the Department of Environment (DOE) for the fifth time in March this year.

It is understood that the concessionaire, PLB Engineering, has resubmitted another application after updating the application in accordance with the conditions set by the DOE.

Penang Development Corporation signed a deal with PLB Engineering Bhd to rehabilitate and develop the Jelutong landfill at a cost of RM1 billion back in 2020.

The project included the reclamation of 30ha of land off Karpal Singh Drive.

Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee members have repeatedly called for the project to be cancelled due to environmental concerns, especially its proximity to the Middle Bank marine sanctuary.

The Middle Bank marine sanctuary spreads around 10 square kilometres in the waters of the South Channel between Penang Island and the mainland.

It is home to the only seagrass bed in the Straits of Malacca and a study has revealed that a total of 429 species of plants and animals were found there.

GEORGE TOWN, June 16 — The Penang state government is fully supportive of more systematic and controlled management of refugees in the state, particularly the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) mechanism, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said the DPP is not a policy to increase the number of refugees in Penang, but a federal mechanism to know who they are, where they are located and how they can be monitored more effectively.

“For the state government, our priority is to ensure public safety, the well-being of local communities and compliance with the law are always preserved,” he said in a statement issued today.

Earlier, during a press conference, he was asked to comment on the Rohingya community in Penang.

Chow said he would release a statement to ensure accuracy in his remarks on the issue.

“The Penang state government has always adopted a pragmatic, prudent and responsible approach in dealing with the issue of refugees and asylum seekers in the state, in line with the policies and decisions set by the federal government,” he said.

Citing data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Chow said there were an estimated 20,022 refugees and asylum seekers in Penang as of August 2023.

He said the state government would not compromise on any violation of the law, including criminal activity, document abuse, human trafficking, immoral activities or immigration offences, regardless of those involved.

He said these will be dealt with by the authorities in accordance with the provisions of the law in force without any exception.

At the same time, he called on all parties to assess this issue objectively and based on facts.

“The issue of refugees is a challenge faced by many countries around the world, and requires a balance between humanitarian considerations, national security and the interests of the local population,” he said.

He said the state government will continue to work closely with security agencies and the federal government to ensure that the management of refugees and asylum seekers is carried out in an orderly, registered and controlled manner so that it does not affect the safety, social stability and well-being of the public.

GEORGE TOWN, June 13 — School administrators, district education offices (PPD), and state education departments (JPN) have been urged to take firm and immediate action as soon as they receive complaints of misconduct, particularly those involving sexual harassment of students.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said such cases must not be taken lightly or allowed to persist until they go viral before action is taken.

“When a child reports being sexually harassed, parents and teachers must take action. The matter must be reported to the authorities and investigated thoroughly.

“Follow-up measures must also be carried out, including ensuring the child receives protection from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and undergoes a health examination,” she told reporters here today.

She said this when asked to comment on allegations that action in a case involving a teacher and a student in Lawas, Sarawak, was only taken after the matter went viral on social media.

Fadhlina said all PPDs must remain vigilant regarding such cases and act in accordance with established procedures, including lodging reports with the police.

She also urged members of the public who have information about the sexual harassment of children to report it directly to the authorities rather than merely sharing it on social media.

Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Safe School Management Guidelines and Student Protection Policy should serve as key references for all educational institutions under the ministry.

In a separate development, she said the MOE is still investigating a case involving a Year Six pupil in Perlis who allegedly suffered serious injuries as a result of bullying. The matter has also been referred to the authorities.

“We will not compromise on issues of bullying, and firm action will be taken against any party found to be involved.

“The allegations must be supported by a transparent and credible investigation. The authorities are currently conducting their investigation, while the ministry is also carrying out an internal probe,” she said.

Regarding an incident in which a discipline teacher was allegedly assaulted by a group of students while carrying out his duties, Fadhlina said teachers also have the right to protection under the law when exercising their authority and responsibilities. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 6 — Construction of stations for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is progressing steadily, with station designs currently awaiting approval from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), which is expected soon.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said pier and viaduct works for the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) Station are underway, with five piers already completed.

At Bandar Sri Pinang Station, foundation works and station columns have been completed, with the project set to enter its main construction phase soon.

“Crosshead components are expected to arrive on site soon. These are large concrete structures installed on top of columns and serve as the main support for the station,” he said in a statement following a visit to both project sites today.

Chow said Bandar Sri Pinang Station is strategically located within a densely developed coastal urban area and near Persiaran Karpal Singh, a hub for lifestyle, commercial, food and beverage activities, making it a key station on the Mutiara Line.

The station will feature access points on both sides of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, linking nearby residential areas and economic centres.

Meanwhile, the LTAPP Station will be connected to the airport’s new terminal via a pedestrian bridge and is expected to serve as an important international gateway to Penang. It will provide direct links to key destinations, including the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), Komtar and Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

Chow said pier construction is also underway at 14 locations along the alignment, including Permatang Damar Laut, Gelugor, the SPICE Convention Centre area, East Jelutong, Macallum and an area adjacent to Cecil Residensi.

“We expect construction activity to intensify. The implementation of traffic management plans (TMPs) in the Bayan Lepas FIZ and phased lane closures along the 23.7km alignment from Komtar to Pulau Silikon are clear signs that the project has entered its active construction phase,” he said.

Of the three critical areas identified, the first TMP was implemented at the Jalan Tengah–Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction in early May, while TMPs for the remaining two areas are scheduled for implementation in the second half of this year.

“As such, the public should be prepared for some traffic inconvenience as the project enters a more active construction phase in the second half of the year,” he said.

The Mutiara Line LRT project, which began construction in 2025 and is expected to commence operations in December 2031, will span about 29.67km and comprise 20 stations and two provisional stations. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 1 — An IT consultant has lost nearly RM1.5 million after falling victim to an online cryptocurrency investment scam syndicate known as ‘Crypto Kakaue’.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the victim, a 63-year-old man, lodged a report at the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Southwest district police headquarters on Saturday.

He said in a statement that the victim was drawn into the scheme after coming across a cryptocurrency investment advert on Facebook in December 2023.

“The victim then clicked the link in the advertisement before contacting the suspect via WhatsApp,” he said, adding that the suspect offered an investment scheme involving the buying and selling of the USDT cryptocurrency.

Azizee said the victim subsequently joined a WhatsApp group chat called ‘Saham Mececah Hati Orang’, where he was told about the investment and offered high returns.

He said the victim was told to install an app called ‘Kakaue’ and conduct cryptocurrency transactions.

“Between March and September 2024, the victim carried out nine money transfers to six bank accounts belonging to companies provided by the suspect, involving a total of RM1,494,410.

“However, after all the transactions were completed, the victim was unable to withdraw or transfer the profits and capital shown in the application to his personal account,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 4 — Penang will implement new water tariff for domestic and non-domestic consumers starting July 1 after its implementation was postponed for 12 months.

State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the average domestic water tariff rate for the first 35 cubic metres (m³) of water used per month has been set at RM0.93 per m³.

He said the adjustment involved a maximum increase in water bills of RM2.55 per month for 82 per cent of domestic consumers or households who use 35 m³ of water or less per month, equivalent to about 8.5 sen per day.

“For the first band, which is the first 20,000 litres (20 m³), ​​the increase is only three sen from 62 sen to 65 sen while for the use of 20,000 litres to 35,000 litres (20 m³ to 35 m³), ​​the rate increases by 13 sen from RM1.17 to RM1.30.

“However, the average calculation is made based on the use of the first 35 m³ because that is the benchmark commonly used in the tariff structure," he said at a press conference at Komtar, here today.

Zairil informed that Penang is still among the states with the cheapest water tariffs, in fact the second lowest in Malaysia after Perak (RM0.89) and is still below the national average (RM1.12).

Explaining further, he said that for non-domestic consumers, the average new tariff rate for the first 500 m³ per month is RM2.28 per m³ and the maximum increase in water bills involves 27 per cent non-domestic consumers such as factories, hotels, shopping malls, business premises and government offices that use 500 m³ of water or less per month is RM77.70 per month or RM2.59 per day.

“Therefore, non-domestic consumers who use 500 m³ per month will pay RM1,141.70 per month starting 1 July 2026 compared to RM1,064.00 per month previously. The difference is lower for those who use less than 500 m³ per month,” he said.

He said the tariff adjustment was necessary to ensure sustainable water supply services and support continued investment in the development and maintenance of water infrastructure in the state.

Meanwhile, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K.Pathmanathan said the tariff adjustment only involved domestic and non-domestic consumers while houses of worship and welfare institutions, the shipping sector and other categories would not be subject to any increase with the tariff rates remaining unchanged.

He said for consumers with large households, they could apply for a rebate through the Family Friendly Rebate Scheme offered by PBAPP, which is a rebate of RM20 on each bi-monthly water bill for eligible households.

On July 30, 2025, the federal government gazetted new water rates for Penang as well as nine other states and the Federal Territory of Labuan, however, the State Executive Council had directed PBAPP to postpone the implementation of the new rates for a year until July 1, 2026. — Bernama