Three-month extension a breather for e-hailing drivers
Malaysian E-hailing Drivers Association (MeHDA) president Daryl Chong has lauded the government’s move to allow unlicensed e-hailing drivers to operate for another three months from today. He said the move meant passengers would not face long waiting periods nor have to pay higher fares for their rides. “This will also give the relevant government agencies ample time to process and issue the e-hailing vehicle permit (EVP) to drivers,” he said. As the move will allow more time for drivers to apply for the PSV licence over the next three months, Chong said drivers should not give more excuses. (The Star Online)

Malaysia seizes US$240m from CPP’s bank account
Malaysia has seized more than RM1bil (US$243.25mil) from a bank account of state-owned China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Ltd (CPP), the Straits Times said on Saturday. The seizure comes nearly a year after Malaysia suspended two pipeline projects, valued at US$2.3bil, on which CPP was the lead contractor. In 2016, CPP won a contract from the previous government to build a petroleum pipeline stretching 600km along the west coast of peninsular Malaysia and a 662-km gas pipeline in Sabah. But the projects were suspended last July by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has vowed to renegotiate or cancel what he calls “unfair” Chinese projects authorised by the previous administration. The trade partners agreed this year to resume building a multi-billion-dollar rail project, after having shaved nearly a third of its costs, following months of talks that strained ties. (The Star Online)

Students walking out of SMK Convent Light Street in George Town after classes (Source: The Star Online)

‘Convent school land not for sale’
The site where Penang’s Convent Light Street schools stand at present is not for sale, says its land owner Sisters of Infant Jesus Malaysia. “There is no intention to sell the land and buildings of our convent schools for redevelopment,” said Sister Mary Thresa Chua. She also said they would continue to advocate wholesome education in their mission schools. On June 20, The Star reported that three schools – SK Convent Light Street, SM Convent Light Street and SM Convent Pulau Tikus – would be closed down and the land returned to the Sisters of Infant Jesus Malaysia. SM Convent Light Street and SM Convent Pulau Tikus would be closed in 2023 and SK Convent Light Street in 2024. Sister Chua said student enrolment in the three convent schools had dropped over the last 10 years, with escalating maintenance costs for the 150-year-old school buildings being a major worry. (The Star Online)

Housing and Local Government Ministry opens its first complaints centre in Penang
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has opened its first complaints centre in Penang to facilitate people who want to lodge complaints or get information about the ministry. Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the centre, which is located at Taman Intan in Bagan Ajam, was not just for people in the state but also for people in the northern region such as Kedah and Perlis. The public can also obtain other information and provide relevant proposals at the centre which opens daily from 10am to 5pm. Zuraida said the ministry also planned to open several more such centres in southern, east coast, and central regions as well as Sabah and Sarawak in the future. (The Star Online)

Penang Hill heritage bungalows for rent soon
Holidaymakers with a penchant for old world charm can head to Penang Hill where two heritage buildings will be available for rent by the end of October. Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House – built in 1900 and the 1920s respectively by the British – are being renovated under the Hillside Retreat Penang project. Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Cheok Lay Leng said Hillside Retreat Penang could accommodate up to 80 people. “Besides a design that blends well with the environment, the extensive amenities include living and dining areas, toilets and shower rooms, storage for refuse and recycle material, a rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features,” he said. The public-private partnership project was in support of PHC’s vision to make Penang Hill a resort of choice in both Malaysia and the region. The rental rate for the facilities has yet to be announced. (The Star Online)