Latest news with #Penang-based
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Tourists urged to be vigilant against illegal tour guides in Penang
Penang Tourist Guides Association warned that unlicensed tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar and evading enforcement. ST FILE PHOTO Tourists urged to be vigilant against illegal tour guides in Penang Tourists must play their part in curbing illegal tourism activities, said Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang. He warned that unlicensed guides and tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar, often finding ways to evade enforcement. With these illegal players still active in Penang, tourists hold the power to help weed them out, said Mr Liang. 'A collective effort from tourists can go a long way in improving the quality of the tourism experience. 'They should conduct background checks on tour guides, operators and packages, before making any bookings, including reviewing credentials and reading online reviews,' he said on June 19. He was responding to a statement by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on June 1 6, which revealed that a Penang-based company had been convicted of operating as an unlicensed tour operator. The Sessions Court fined Renewage Group RM30,000 (S$9,080) after it pleaded guilty under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. In default, the company faces a 12-month jail term. The ministry has pledged to step up enforcement to ensure only licensed operators are allowed to run tourism businesses. Mr Liang cautioned against falling for suspiciously cheap or overly ambitious tour packages, noting that such deals often come with hidden risks. 'Cheap or over-committed tour packages don't always bring good memories. Don't fall into the trap or compromise safety just to save money,' he said. He also encouraged tourists to use online tools to verify whether a tour guide or company is properly licensed and to share their experiences after the trip. 'Honest reviews, public feedback and even warnings can help future travellers make better choices. 'This kind of community vigilance has proven effective in raising the industry's standards,' he said. All licensed tourist guides in Malaysia must be registered under a recognised association, which allows for greater accountability, Mr Liang added. 'If we receive complaints about a guide, we will investigate and take the necessary action. 'We work closely with tourism authorities to uphold high ethical and professional standards,' he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Public vigilance can curb fake tour guides
Taking in the sights: A tour guide giving an explanation to a group of tourists at the Goddess of Mercy Temple in George Town, Penang. GEORGE TOWN: Tourists must play their part in curbing illegal tourism activities, says Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang. He warned that unlicensed guides and tour operators are continuing to operate under the radar, often finding ways to evade enforcement. ALSO READ: Nationwide clampdown begins on illegal tourism players With these illegal players still active in Penang, tourists hold the power to help weed them out, said Liang. 'A collective effort from tourists can go a long way in improving the quality of the tourism experience. 'They should conduct background checks on tour guides, operators and packages, before making any bookings, including reviewing credentials and reading online reviews,' he said yesterday. He was responding to a statement by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on Monday, which revealed that a Penang-based company had been convicted of operating as an unlicensed tour operator. The Sessions Court fined Renewage Group RM30,000 after it pleaded guilty under Section 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992. In default, the company faces a 12-month jail term. The ministry has pledged to step up enforcement to ensure only licensed operators are allowed to run tourism businesses. Liang cautioned against falling for suspiciously cheap or overly ambitious tour packages, noting that such deals often come with hidden risks. 'Cheap or over-committed tour packages don't always bring good memories. Don't fall into the trap or compromise safety just to save money,' he said. He also encouraged tourists to use online tools to verify whether a tour guide or company is properly licensed and to share their experiences after the trip. 'Honest reviews, public feedback and even warnings can help future travellers make better choices. 'This kind of community vigilance has proven effective in raising the industry's standards,' he said. All licensed tourist guides in Malaysia must be registered under a recognised association, which allows for greater accountability, Liang added. 'If we receive complaints about a guide, we will investigate and take the necessary action. 'We work closely with tourism authorities to uphold high ethical and professional standards,' he said.
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sipitang steel plant to show progress by July
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (June 13): Esteel Enterprise's RM31 billion steel processing plant at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) is expected to show visible physical progress by July this year. State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the ministry recently received a formal letter from the company reaffirming its commitment to the project. Following the issuance of the Federal Manufacturing License in January 2025, Esteel quickly moved to sign a gas supply agreement with Sabah Energy Corporation and Petronas in February. Phoong said the months of March and April were dedicated to a competitive bidding process to appoint a joint tender (JT) contractor in China. This process concluded with the selection of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on May 30. 'This marks the official beginning of the project's implementation phase. Both Esteel and CCCC are confident that by July and August 2025, we will witness substantial transformation at the SOGIP site,' he said. Phoong, who is also Luyang assemblyman, criticised Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong for politicising the matter and lodging a police report alleging a lack of progress at the site. 'As elected representatives, we can raise such issues during State Assembly sittings. There's no need to resort to police reports. Ask me in DUN — I am ready to answer any question about Esteel,' he said at a press conference at Wisma Kewangan today. 'Don't politicise genuine investors. It deters our efforts to attract more investments and grow the state's industrial sector.' He assured that the green steel manufacturing project will proceed as planned, stressing the strong commitment from both Esteel and the state government. Phoong also highlighted that the project has been thoroughly vetted by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. He added that Esteel's parent company, Singapore-based GreenSteel Limited, is a legitimate entity — recently acquiring shares in Penang-based Southern Steel Bhd and already owning Antara Steel in Labuan.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh landmark to become community hub with RM15mil facelift
An artist's impression for the winning design presented by Penang-based architectural firm BEu Tan Architect for a revitalised Ipoh Central Market. THE Ipoh Central Market at Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar, Ipoh, is set to be revitalised with a 'market in a park' concept. The concept was selected as the winning entry at a design competition held following the Housing and Local Government Ministry's plan to upgrade markets in the country. The winner Tan Bee Eu is the founder of Penang-based architectural firm BEu Tan Architect (Beta). She said the market would have more public spaces and be surrounded by greenery. 'We conducted multiple site visits to understand the problems and scenario at the existing market premises. 'Our goal was not only to address the problems faced by the ageing market but to also reimagine it as a vibrant new landmark for the city,' she told reporters at an executive talk event organised by Ipoh City Council at the Ipoh Convention Centre in Greentown. Beta was announced the winner of the competition at the event held in conjunction with the city's 37th anniversary celebration. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had earlier this year said the Ipoh market would be given a major upgrade. About RM15mil was allocated to transform it into a landmark resembling the iconic Kuala Lumpur Central Market. The project was the ministry's initiative to revitalise heritage markets of over 50 years old. Tan said the Ipoh Central Market was strategically located but 'looked tired'. 'This revitalisation is timely and offers an opportunity to transform it into something iconic,' she said. 'Our project will transform the marketplace into a space for everyone, similar to a 'market in a park' concept. 'We've included plenty of public areas, such as playground for children and meeting spots for the elderly, to make it more community-focused.' Tan said the market's existing courtyard would be turned into a public square with an amphitheatre, spaces for bazaars and long-running community activities. 'It's similar to how atriums in shopping malls function as gathering points. 'The courtyard will also be surrounded by greenery and lots of trees,' she added. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said upgrading works for the market would start by this year. The new mayor thanked his predecessor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin for laying a strong foundation and positioning Ipoh as a symbol of success. 'As the new mayor, I intend to return to basics by reevaluating the core responsibilities and role of a local authority,' he added. Zamakhshari said the five areas of focus are cleanliness, waste management, roads, street lighting and drainage, as the main issues often raised by the residents. 'We have been receiving various complaints regarding these services. 'As a local authority, we are entrusted with collecting assessment taxes and returning that value to the people through quality services. 'The people of Ipoh are our stakeholders and it is our duty to serve them. 'That is my vision throughout my term as the mayor of Ipoh.'
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Mass graves: A journalist's journey Into Malaysia's darkest chapter
WHEN journalists dig deep, ask hard questions, and refuse to let go, they become more than storytellers — they become catalysts for truth. Their relentless pursuit can shine a light on hidden crimes, expose wrongdoing and give voice to those silenced by fear or power. In a world where so much is buried beneath spin, silence or indifference, journalism remains one of the last lines of defence against injustice. Veteran journalist Datuk S. Arulldas was on the trail of a Penang-based human trafficking syndicate in 2015 when information from his police contacts led him to Perlis. It was a lead that would take him deep into a chilling web of crime and silence. For journalists like Arulldas, the pursuit of truth isn't just a job; it's a calling. Their dogged determination to follow the facts, no matter how remote or risky, has the power to uncover buried truths, expose hidden atrocities and push authorities into action. In this case, that pursuit would bring him face to face with one of Malaysia's darkest chapters. Combing through dense jungle, steep terrain and a wall of bureaucracy — from uncooperative security personnel to high-ranking officials — Arulldas and his steadfast photographer, Sayuti Zainudin, pushed forward. What they uncovered were Malaysia's own killing fields: 139 remains buried in shallow graves, scattered across remote forested slopes. Their discovery led to the exposure of hidden human trafficking camps along the border — grim evidence of a cross-border trade in human misery that had flourished in silence for too long. He has chronicled his journey in a book titled Mass Graves: Uncovering the Killing Fields of Wang Kelian. The book is a compelling account of the investigation, pieced together with a collection of newspaper clippings, photographs, and personal notes that offer a behind-the-scenes look at how investigative journalism operates in Malaysia. It not only documents the horrors uncovered in the Perlis jungle, but also sheds light on the perseverance, risks and resistance journalists often face when pursuing stories that challenge power and expose uncomfortable truths. Prompted by a spate of grisly murders involving Myanmar nationals in Penang, Arulldas began digging deeper. His investigation revealed troubling links between the killings and human trafficking networks, which soon led him to the country's northern border and a tip that would change everything. While seated at a coffee shop in Jitra, Kedah, just before heading to the border, Arulldas and Sayuti met a contact who dropped a bombshell. "He told us there were mass graves of migrants at Bukit Wang Burma, near Wang Kelian," Arulldas later wrote. Wang Kelian, located at the northernmost part of Perlis, shares a border with Wang Prachan in the Khuan Don District of Satun Province, southern Thailand. The contact revealed that a retired senior Thai army officer and his wife had recently been arrested by Thai authorities in connection with a human trafficking network and the discovery of mass graves. But when pressed for further details, he remained tight-lipped, insisting that if the journalist wanted answers, he'd have to find the graves himself. Sensing a story, Arulldas turned to his photographer and asked, "Shall we go?" Sayuti agreed without hesitation, and just like that, their journey veered off course. "It was a different kind of feeling when we arrived in Wang Kelian," Arulldas recalls. "It felt strange… like we weren't in Malaysia anymore. It was dusk. The houses were dark, the roads empty. Everything looked deserted." That evening, their first attempt to locate the mass graves was quickly called off. They had no maps, no landmarks and weren't equipped to navigate the forest reserve. "We didn't want to get lost in the jungle at night," he says wryly. Undeterred by the initial setback, Arulldas pressed on. He followed every lead, tracked down contacts and spoke to anyone who might help him find the mass graves believed to be hidden deep within the forest. Each encounter brought new challenges, from vague directions to hesitant sources. What stands out in his account isn't just the information he uncovered, but the relentless way he pursued it. Despite the uncertainty, the risks and the many obstacles, he never gave up. His tenacity, grounded in a journalist's instinct, carried him forward in search of a story that many would have walked away from. The then 60-year-old Arulldas went on to risk life and limb, trekking through dense forest terrain with guides he barely knew. "My legs were swollen and at that time, I nearly gave up so many times along the way," he recalls. "But my guides kept urging me on. They said, 'You've come this far. Just a little more.'" Eventually, he reached a small clearing where the ground had been crudely disturbed. Open graves lay before him, the surfaces loosely covered with palm fronds. He'd found the mass graves. "It was a human tragedy," he says soberly. "I feel it shouldn't have happened. These people were looking for greener pastures. They shouldn't have had to die or be killed. I felt such deep sadness and pity." Ten years on, the now 70-year-old reflects on that day and quietly admits it was the defining moment of his career. Yet a decade later, he concedes that more questions remain than answers. Still, the story demands to be told. "All we can do as journalists is expose the truth," he writes. "To put faces to a marginalised group that might otherwise remain nothing more than inconvenient statistics, too easily brushed aside." Arulldas' book is a courageous and unflinching account of a tragedy Malaysia has yet to fully confront. It stands as a testament to lives lost, justice denied, and the silence that continues to hang over Wang Kelian. Somewhere in Kedah, the victims lie buried under nameless headstones, marked only by DNA codes. Their stories remain untold, their identities unknown and the truth behind their deaths still cloaked in silence. Publisher: Gerakbudaya Enterprise 133 pages
