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Call for equal, non-partisan access to constituency funds

‘Repeated traffic alerts may deter visitors to Penang’ GEORGE TOWN: A hotel industry group has lamented that repeated public alerts over severe traffic congestion in Penang during the current holiday period could discourage tourists from visiting the state. Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) national president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said public communication on traffic conditions should strike a balance between safety preparedness and maintaining confidence in tourism destinations. “Repeated statements highlighting massive congestion, overcrowding or travel difficulties could unintentionally create fear and hesitation among domestic tourists when choosing Penang and other destinations for their holidays” he said in a statement. It was earlier reported that Penang was expected to receive about 1.9 million vehicles during the long public holiday period, with Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday stretching from May 27 to June 2. The announcement was made by police to inform the public that increased monitoring and enforcement operations statewide were necessary to ensure smoother traffic flow and road safety during the holiday period. Among the congestion hotspots identified were Jalan Teluk Air Tawar-Jalan Bagan Luar in Seberang Perai Utara, Jalan Perusahaan Perai Jalan Kulim in Seberang Perai Tengah, Jalan Besar Simpang Empat in Seberang Perai Selatan and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway. Police had also announced that 145 officers and personnel from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department would be deployed for the operation in collaboration with the Road Transport Department, local authorities and PLUS Malaysia Berhad. Sri Ganesh said the tourism and hospitality sector was still rebuilding confidence following previous challenging periods. “During previous festive and holiday periods, similar statements regarding extraordinary traffic conditions were issued, and hotel occupancy rates in many areas remained at about only 50%, far below expectations and industry projections.” He urged public communication to focus on preparedness, safe travel planning and positive tourism encouragement rather than creating unnecessary anxiety among travellers. Sri Ganesh said negative perceptions affect the livelihood of hoteliers, restaurateurs, retailers, tourism attractions operators, transport providers, event organisers and even small traders who rely heavily on visitor arrivals. He also urged travellers to choose licensed accommodation providers for safety and consumer protection reasons, while encouraging visitors to make early reservations and plan their journeys properly. Sri Ganesh said Penang remains one of the country’s key tourism hubs, offering cultural, heritage, food and hospitality experiences for both domestic and international visitors. Meanwhile, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said tourist arrivals to the state are expected to remain robust despite the traffic alerts. Wong said as 2026 is also Visit Malaysia Year, he expects a positive trajectory in the tourism sector, especially medical tourism. “Apart from seeking healthcare, tourists also go shopping at Gurney, visit the heritage enclave in George Town or go on a food trail. Now that it is durian season, I expect many visitors will be looking to sample our famous durians too,” Wong told theSun. Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: A civil society group is calling for legislation to ensure equal and non-partisan access to constituency development funds (CDF), following a dispute involving access to the Subang parliamentary office funding portal. Projek Sama said Malaysia should move towards a clearer legal framework that guarantees all MPs, regardless of party affiliation, have equal access to constituency allocations. It urged the federal government to institutionalise CDF allocation through Parliament, adding that current arrangements leave room for selective access and administrative discretion. “Every elected MP represents taxpayers, and their constituents are entitled to equal access to public resources “The CDF comes from public funds and o Govt needs to institutionalise allocation through Parliament as current arrangements leave room for selective access, administrative discretion: Civil society group Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com Amid the festive spirit of Aidiladha, which is synonymous with sacrifice and gratitude, the assistance is especially meaningful for fishermen who depend on the sea as their source of income. The handover of the assets was part of the Penang government’s Social Impact Management Plan under the Silicon Island project, which aims to equip 294 eligible fishermen with upgraded fishing assets by 2027. Veteran fisherman from the Sungai Batu unit, Che Anuar Puteh, 64, said the gift came a day after his birthday, and as someone who has spent more than four decades at sea, he was deeply touched by the contribution. “Although this new boat feels like a birthday present, it is actually a blessing from God, as our family depends on the sea for our livelihood, including my two sons who are also fishermen,” he said at the handover ceremony officiated by Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz on Wednesday. Yeoh Mah Kee, 78, from Gertak Sanggul, shared the same sentiment. He said the new boat and engine were a great relief after years of bearing the high cost of maintaining his old engine. “Previously, I used a 60-horsepower engine that required constant maintenance and repairs, which were very costly,” he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad Shafiq Rostam, 28, described receiving the new assets as a fresh

and said disruptions to funding channels could delay local development and welfare programmes. Projek Sama said the immediate restoration of access to the Subang MP’s office would be an appropriate step towards ensuring administrative fairness while broader reforms are considered. It added that a rules-based system governing constituency allocations would help reduce political tension and strengthen institutional trust. Last Friday, Wong said his office had been denied access to the MyKhas portal, which is used to process constituency related applications under the Projek Mesra Rakyat programme. He said it raised serious concerns as to why the Subang parliamentary office was the sole constituency being affected from having access. He added that if selective treatment had taken place it was deeply regrettable and directly contradicted the principles of fair, transparent and professional administration. He also said the Subang parliamentary office had previously been recognised by the Implementation Coordination Unit in Selangor as a well-managed constituency office, noting its record of orderly documentation and financial compliance. He added that denying access without notice or justification disrupted welfare initiatives in Subang and risked damaging the reputation of his administrative staff. Wong said his office has formally requested that the access to the MyKhas portal be restored and an explanation be given for the apparent restriction.

must not be used in a partisan manner,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday. Projek Sama also proposed that political parties commit ahead of the next general election to supporting a dedicated CDF law, including tabling a private member’s Bill if necessary, to ensure allocations are administered independently rather than by the Prime Minister’s Office. The call comes after Subang MP Wong Chen’s office was reportedly blocked from uploading Projek Mesra Rakyat applications for schools in the Subang constituency via the MyKhas portal on May 20. Projek Sama said the incident occurred shortly after Wong indicated his intention to contest under a different political banner in the next general election. It also claimed that while Subang’s access was restricted, other MPs in Selangor did not face similar issues, although it stressed that no official written explanation had been provided by the authorities. The government had not publicly responded to the specific allegations regarding access restrictions at press time. Projek Sama said any perception of selective access to constituency funds could undermine public confidence in administrative neutrality. “Any withholding of access does not only affect the MP, but also constituents, including schools, welfare recipients and community projects,” it said. It added that such allocations ultimately benefit voters regardless of political affiliation. The group added that the Subang constituency has more than 130,000 voters

New boats bring Aidiladha cheer for fishermen GEORGE TOWN: This year’s Aidiladha celebration has brought renewed hope to the fishing community in southern Penang as they received new boats and high-powered engines to sustain their livelihood.

Fishermen showing their ownership certificates after receiving new boats and engines. – PIC COURTESY OF SILICON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT

conjunction with Aidiladha. Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said to date, 158 fishermen have received new boats with high-powered engines. A total of 795 out of 877 registered fishermen have also received ex-gratia payments totalling RM11.84 million. Silicon Island, spanning 930.78ha, is a Penang-owned reclamation project that marks the first time the state government has directly undertaken such an initiative to drive long-term economic growth. – Bernama

start in his life as he continues the legacy of his late father, who passed away from a heart attack five years ago. “This boat represents more than assistance, it is a responsibility for me to carry on my family’s legacy as fishermen,” said the Sungai Batu resident. In addition to receiving new boats and engines, there was also an engagement session with the local fishing community through a community programme organised by the Fishermen Service Centre on Monday, during which 70 families received fresh chicken in