SUNSET BEACH BISTRO was once one of the most popular evening hangouts in Batu Feringghi. After operating for five years, the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) bulldozed it last week in spite of pleas from the owner, neighbouring operators and tourists.

Though the bistro had been without a licence for years, the authorities had left it alone. Recently, an electrical fire had razed it, and the owner began works to put the place back together within days. That was when the MPPP stepped in. The demolition appears to have put Sunset Bistro's chapter to a close, leaving behind questions regarding the fate of other operations in the area, which are also operating without valid permits. The state government has remained silent on this matter -- for now. Read here.

Hair-cutting incident "solved"

After a barrage of day-to-day reports about a Sikh National Service (NS) trainee whose hair was cut in his sleep, the incident has apparently been "solved". "We discussed with the parents about whether the trainee should remain at Seri Impian camp or move to another camp but he cannot withdraw from the training," said NS director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechik. Basant Singh, the Sikh in question, will be transferred to a camp in Sungkai, Perak, and his training will resume after the Chinese New Year break. Read here.

Basant's family had earlier in the week demanded written guarantees of safety for him before they would allow him to resume the NS training. "I want a black-and-white assurance before allowing him to return to the camp," said his father, Surinderpal Singh. Read here.

Other news

• Hill railway to run again by end March: The Penang Hill funicular train service is expected to resume at the end of March, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Read here.
• Penang’s FOI Bill “disgusting”: Selangor’s Freedom of Information Bill, being the country’s first, was understandably impaired. But what excuse has Penang to come up with the same paltry replica of Selangor’s FOI Bill, asks Sarajun Hoda Abdul Hassan. Read here.
• Reservoir boost for industrial zone RM19.3mil project in Pulau Jerejak will ensure reliable water supply to factories: PENANG’s Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) would be given a boost once the RM19.3mil reservoir in Pulau Jerejak is completed, as this would ensure an effective level of water supply to the FIZ. Read here.
• Ex-factory worker freed of flushing her baby down toilet: A 21-year-old former factory operator was acquitted Tuesday by a High Court here of murdering her newborn daughter by flushing the baby down the toilet at her workplace. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz Jan 24 to 30, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.    

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