AMIDST controversy on the expansion plans being carried out in the Botanic Gardens, the Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has stated that it will not proceed with any work until “all issues raised have been thrashed out.” Read here. This decision came about after there was a public outcry, helmed by Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens Society (FOPBGS), swirling round among others the planned two arches at the Gardens.

Last Sunday (30.05.10) sawThe Star newspaper carrying a series of articles on the controversial expansion plan:

• “The original ‘Eden’” traced the history of the Gardens established in 1796 and whose original purpose was to be a world class horticultural and botanic centre. Read here
• “Some things don’t work” carried interviews with two members of the FOPBGS. Dr Liew Kon Wui, a former Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences professor, indicates that lack of proper maintenance, poor landscaping work, and the absence of a master plan are the main reasons behind the deterioration of the Penang Botanic Gardens. Read here. FOPBGS vice-president Datuk Tengku Idaura Tengku Ibrahim echoed Dr Liew's opinion stating that “It is so much more than a park – it’s a natural rainforest for scientific research and education. It’s rare to find a natural rainforest just minutes away from the city. We need a lot of money and a comprehensive, eco-sensitive Master Plan (to be) put in place, but the Penang Botanic Gardens can be of international standard.” Read here
• “Public input” explained further the mechanics of the expansion. Teng Chang Yeow, former chairman of the Penang Tourism Development Committee said: “The expansion is a state project funded by the federal government. The implementation agency is the DID. In 2007, a development plan was presented to me and the views of the NGOs and experts were sought... What we envisioned was for the Gardens to be a herbarium and botanic research centre – we weren’t just looking to have a bigger landscaped park. The problem of the arches and other complaints arose because of lack of monitoring by the state’s policy makers.” Read here
• “Need for new plan” looks at the key recommendations by Penang Botanic Gardens Master Plan Working Group, which included various NGOs, individuals, and the Penang Botanic Gardens Department. State Secretary Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman, who chairs the Penang Botanic Gardens Development Committee, stated that it has to “comb through the original Master Plan that was already in existence many years ago. The vision and mission of the Gardens are also crucial and must be revisited...Then we must take into consideration the state’s Local Plan, the related government departments, local councils and feedback from NGOs, so it will need some time.” Read here

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the DID was to implement the project funded by the federal government and refuted that the state had any say in the matter. “We were also not invited to attend any meetings on the matter.” He added the state was given an “ultimatum” to surrender the site for development or lose the federal allocation. Read here

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, whose ministry is currently overseeing the project, said if the structure is safe, “what happens next will depend on what is proposed by the NGOs, taking into account the time and cost involved.” Read here

Other news

• Penang CM renews call for inter-faith panel: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has renewed calls for a national inter-faith committee in his Wesak Day message. Read here
• DPMMPP to work with Penang government to help Malay traders: The meeting between the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia Pulau Pinang (DPMMPP) and the state government has opened up a new channel to work together to resolve several issues particularly those related to the economy of Malay traders in the state. Read here
• Astronomy learning centres: The Penang Free School and Sekolah Menengah Agama Al Mashoor (L) have both been selected as astronomy and aerospace learning centres in the state. Read here
• Penang government opens tender for operating hotel in Bukit Bendera: The Penang government has opened tender for companies interested in the renovation, refurbishment and management of Hotel Crag in Penang Hill. Read here
• Penang joins Selangor in banning sports betting: The Penang government has also followed in the footsteps of the Selangor government in banning sports betting in the state. Read here

For more news on Penang from May 24 to 30, 2010 , please click here

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