BARISAN Nasional’s alternative blueprint for the development of Penang will include new tourism products and attractions plus new premium shopping outlets.
It is learnt 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 finetuned and nothing has been finalised 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 capitalise 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. - The Star
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