AS PENANG prepares for the upcoming Thaipusam festivities, D Kugan is putting the final touches to a unique display at his stall: a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The stall, which will be found in Jalan Magazine, will feature the Buddhist deity, personally crafted by Kugan. “My father, who prays to the Goddess of Mercy, told me about his wish many years ago when my siblings and I were still young,” he told reporters. The carving is expected to weigh approximately 70kg and will cost RM7,000. Read here.

Problems with the Thaipusam celebrations in general, however, are beginning to crop up. Tamil Nesan reports that there is a shortage of coconuts, and retailers are voicing their worries that they would be unable to meet demand in time for the Hindu holiday. Coconuts may have to be imported from Thailand. Read here.

The shortage is due to a nearly 90% drop in supply, with the supply of coconuts from Kuala Bernam and Sungai Bernam steadily dropping since August. A wholesaler said she was forced to buy coconuts from Indonesia, adding, "this has resulted in the price of coconuts increasing from 80 sen to RM1.60 this year." Read here.

Secret societies in a turf war

Two secret societies are actively recruiting members while being embroiled in a turf war here in Penang. The societies, said to be called “Gang 24" and "Three Little Emperors", are targeting Malays, Indians and immigrants to bolster their numbers. Read here.

The gangs have reportedly attempted to extort businessmen in the run-up to Chinese New Year. “They are ruthless and they intimidate businessmen who refuse to cooperate with them,” said state police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob. Read here. The police have established a special task force to investigate the matter. “The public are urged to report immediately to the police should they know the whereabouts of these members,” said Ayub. Read here.

Other news

• Malay contractors association apologises to Guan Eng: The Malay Contractors Association of Malaysia, which has in the past accused Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s administration of marginalising Malay businesses, apologised to him today through a delegation to his office here. Read here.
• Newbies make up over half of council line-up: The new line-up of councillors, made up of more than 50% new faces, will be sworn in this Thursday and Friday. Read here.
• Free bus rides for Penang factory workers: The state plans to introduce a Bridge Express Shuttle Transit (Best) to transport commuters from Seberang Jaya in the mainland to factories in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone on the island at no charge. Read here.
• Penang Hill train service delayed: The new Penang Hill funicular train service, which was expected to resume this month, has been delayed until at least March as the authorities are still carrying out safety tests. Read here.
• Coffee shops increase drink prices: Some coffee shops in Penang have taken advantage of the new year to increase the price of drinks by up to 20 sen. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz Jan 3 to 9, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter. 

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