After over two years, Taman Eko Rimba in Bukit Mertajam reopened its gates to the public today.

Nestled near Cheruk To’Kun, the park is known for its lush 37-hectare landscape and the peak that stands 545 metres above sea level, offering a haven for recreational activities and nature lovers.

According to a report by Buletin Mutiara, the reopening comes after extensive slope mitigation works and the construction of an off-road track were completed to enhance visitor safety and park infrastructure.

The park’s diverse flora, including species like Meranti Seraya and Meranti Rambai Daun, beckons hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore its depths and marvel at the ‘giant tree’ – a focal point for memorable photographs.

The park offers a challenging hike to the mountain peak where a telecommunications tower resides.

With a distance of about 3.5 kilometres from the base along the concrete off-road track, it takes an average hiker over an hour to reach ‘station 3’, promising a rewarding adventure for visitors.

Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, Azman Saad, the district forest officer for Seberang Perai Utara/Tengah provided insights into the park’s closure and the crucial upgrade works.

“In 2017, during the flood disaster that hit the state (of Penang), several areas with steep slopes collapsed and posed a danger to visitors, especially mountain hikers here.

“For over two years now, the entire area of Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Mertajam has been completely closed to any recreational activities to allow JKR to carry out the mandatory mitigation work,” he was quoted as saying.

Azman also revealed that an RM8 million investment had gone into the park’s maintenance and preservation, ensuring the safety of steep slopes that had collapsed during the 2017 flood disaster.

The park’s handover ceremony on Jan 18 symbolised the readiness of the eco-park for public enjoyment, with officials from various departments including the Public Works Department and the Penang State Forestry Department present.

With the reopening, the park’s main gate will welcome visitors from 7am, while hikers often begin their ascent from alternative routes as early as 5am.

The influx of visitors is expected to be substantial, especially on weekends and public holidays, highlighting the park’s popularity and the community’s enthusiasm for reconnecting with nature.

However, visitors are advised that parking facilities are limited and to plan accordingly.

Source: NST Online

About Begonia @ Botanica.CT

A freehold strata landed housing development by MTT Properties & Development Sdn. Bhd. at Botanica.CT in Balik Pulau. The project is located on approximately 4 acres of land along Jalan Sungai Air Putih 5, right next to Prince of Wales Island International School. It is just a few minutes’ walking distance to Botanic CT Centre. This is the very first gated and guarded community in Botanica.CT, featuring 60 units of 2-storey semi-detached houses with three different design types.

*Photos taken in Jan 2024

Find out more about Begonia @ Botanica.CT

The Linear Garden at the Esplanade is now open to the public, strengthening the commitment of the state to promoting health, fostering economic development, and creating sustainable urban environments in George Town.

The project’s upgrading efforts commenced in May last year (2023) and reached completion in December last year (2023).

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said several key infrastructural facilities and park accessibility features have been established.

“They include the planting of 60 new local trees, guided by the ACRest (Atlas of Climate Resilient Tree Species) list developed by MBPP in collaboration with Think City.

“These new trees provide ample shade, creating a substantial green lung in the area.

“The installation of a Unesco World Heritage Site emblem crafted by local blacksmiths from George Town, prominently placed at the centre of the Linear Garden. Similar emblems can be found at various Unesco World Heritage sites worldwide, and we take pride in having our unique emblem in George Town,” he said in his speech before the launching ceremony at the Esplanade this morning.

Rajendran added that the use of terrazzo flooring surrounding the emblem and Shanghai plaster for pedestrian walkways, both crafted by local traditional flooring artisans.

“Additionally, classic park benches have been intricately designed by local craftsmen,” he emphasised.

Rajendran said the setting up of the Linear Garden aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

“The Linear Garden project also involves upgrading the Cenotaph area, a key component of the project.

“In line with the new design, the Cenotaph now has a refreshed appearance, removing the existing iron fence to allow the public to approach and appreciate the monument more closely, acknowledging the history and sacrifices of the fallen soldiers.

“The Cenotaph site was opened earlier on Dec 10 last year, providing a venue for the Penang Veterans Association to conduct a ceremony in commemoration of Remembrance Day.

“The event was attended by military officials and veterans from Commonwealth nations. It is with pleasure that we announce the positive reception of the Cenotaph site upgrade by all parties involved,” he said.

Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the state and MBPP have strived to implement green programmes such as upgrading the public realm.

“Since 2010 until 2023, MBPP has upgraded 23.62ha of public spaces on Penang island, at a cost of RM10.215 million.

“In 2024, MBPP is set to enhance 10 neighbourhood parks, allocating RM6.5 million for public leisure and recreational purposes.

“The state government and MBPP will persist in their efforts to establish additional parks as green lungs, aligning with the Penang2030 vision of A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Linear Garden project is one of the 14 projects under the RM140 million North Seafront Masterplan.

The masterplan was developed by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC), a partnership between the Penang Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Think City, and Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

“The Linear Garden project was implemented by MBPP, following the state government’s initiative in allocating RM1.5 million through the State Development Budget,” he said.

Chow also highlighted another project under the North Seafront Masterplan – the restoration of the moat of Fort Cornwallis – which was scheduled for completion in 2025.

“Once completed, the Fort Cornwallis stands to attract many visitors to the George Town World Heritage Sites,” Chow said.

He also touched on the necessary upgrading of the Dewan Sri Pinang.

“The Dewan Sri Pinang was built in 1972. This iconic building has served Penang for the past 52 years.

“Its upgrading project is one of the 14 projects under the RM140 million North Seafront Masterplan.

“The proposal to conserve Dewan Sri Pinang has received public feedback.

“The Penang executive council (exco) has also deliberated and will invite Think City and GTCDC to present the outcome of the work done earlier as well as the public feedback,” he said.

Chow added that the estimated cost was over RM50 million, which is a huge amount.

“We hope that the Federal Government can assist us on the matter,” he said.

Chow also extended his appreciation to GTCDC, MBPP and all other relevant bodies for their efforts in realising the masterplan.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Those interested in renting vacant stalls at markets, food courts, and hawker complexes under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) now have the opportunity to apply through a virtual session on Feb 26.

MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang said the application period will run from Jan 30 until Feb 22.

“In this round, there are 160 vacant stalls in 31 locations that will be up for grabs.

“We welcome anyone keen to apply to perform the applications soon,” she said at a press conference at City Hall yesterday.

According to Tan, the application can be made at ulesen.mbpp.gov.my while those facing difficulties in registering themselves can contact the Licencing Department at 04-2638818.

“Those who do not register themselves during the application period are not eligible for the virtual interview session on Feb 26,” she said.

Tan advised those applicants to dress appropriately during the interview session and make sure their internet access is connected.

Also present were MBPP councillors Nicholas Theng, Koay Gaik Kee, Rohaizat Hamid, Chan Soon Aun, and Choong You Ray.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Mekasari Unggul is a landed residential development in Bertam, representing the latest phase of the Mekarsari master-planned township by Hunza Properties Group. Situated near the main road of Jalan Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir and adjacent to Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, it is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Bertam Toll Plaza.

The initial phase of this development comprises 317 units of 2-storey terrace houses, each featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The built-up size ranges from 2,168 sq.ft. onwards. The indicative starting price for these units is RM700k.

Project Name: Mekarsari Unggul
Location : Bertam, Kepala Batas
Property Type : Residential
Tenure : Freehold
Land Area: 1,586 sq.ft. – 3,649 sq.ft.
Built-up Size: 2,168 sq.ft. – 2,354 sq.ft.
Indicative Price: Below RM700k
Developer : Bandar Kepala Batas Sdn. Bhd. (Hunza Group)

Location Map: