BARISAN Nasional’s alternative blueprint for the development of
Penang will include new tourism products and attractions plus new
premium shopping outlets. It is learned that under the proposal, Penang will be a hub for the northern region’s tour and travel operators. Also
proposed are more incoming airline flights which will generate
additional airport tax while also promoting service apartments and
condominiums as alternative accommodation for tourists.
In George
Town, neglected inner city areas like Magazine Road and Noordin Street
will be rejuvenated and turned into hives of activity with the opening
of premium outlets. “Allowing various premium brands to rent
the shops without changing the heritage structures will create a win-win
situation as the city’s heritage will be preserved while job
opportunities are created,” said a source who is helping to draft the
blueprint. The ‘Sia Boey’ town square concept to capture the feel of old Penang is also being considered.
Revival idea: BN has plans to turn the old Sia Boey site into a floating market.
Clearing the surrounding drains will allow small boats to enter from the clan jetties on Weld Quay to the old market spot. “We can have the taikong wearing traditional Chinese costumes to row the boats. “On board, art and craft items will be sold — it will be a floating market of sorts. “Once
the waterways are cleared, stalls selling popular local dishes and
trendy coffee outlets can be set up. We can have the trishaw peddlers
converging there.
“The entire ambiance will be attractive to
tourists,” he said, adding that adventure cruises along Sungai Pinang
and island hopping packages to Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Aman, Monkey Island,
Muka Head, Pantai Keracut and the many surrounding isles would also be
promoted as Eco-tourism attractions. The iconic Penang ferries
could generate greater income if they were turned into floating
restaurants that offer sunset and sunrise cruises, he pointed out.
Meanwhile,
the Penang International Sports Arena and Pulau Jerejak have the
potential to become centres for nightly cultural shows. “These are just some of our ideas — the details are being fine tuned and nothing has been finalized yet.”
On
May 14, Penang Barisan chief Teng Chang Yeow announced plans to restore
Penang’s free port status as part of a “comprehensive development
framework” to make the service industry an engine of growth for the
state and narrow the gap between the island and the mainland. He said the state could capitalize on medicine, entertainment, sports and education.
He said Barisan would get the rakyat’s feedback before proceeding with the next stage of its “people-centric” plan. There
are also plans to develop the mainland into an international monetary
centre and to have an innovative dynamo park as well as a modern
aquaculture centre.
He said the plan would include infrastructure and public amenities projects.
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