THE PAST week has been a week of disease outbreaks. Meningitis in Melaka (read here and here), leptospirosis in Juru, Seberang Perai (read here and here), and now the first two Malaysian cases of AH1N1 flu in Kuala Lumpur and George Town (read here and here). Amidst all these health concerns and commendable efforts by the Health Ministry to contain the spread of the diseases, the subject of how the Malaysian economy is to be stimulated is receiving greater public airing.

In Penang, the more visible parts of the financial stimulus can be discerned from statements regarding old and new projects:

• Penang Hill Railway: A federal financial stimulus project, this has become a subject of contention (read, for example, here). Meanwhile, the Friends of Penang Hill (FOPH) coalition has reiterated that “it is not against the upgrading but only wants a cheaper, faster and less disruptive project while retaining the heritage value of the current funicular system”. Read here 
• Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR): CM Lim Guan Eng has informed that the federal government is looking into reviving this project and asked for feedback. Read here and here
• Second bridge: Work is reported to be “on track” after Penang asked the federal government to resolve some “issues”. Read here, here and here 

OTHER NOTEWORTHYS

• Sun Yat Sen conference in Penang: This is the first time the conference is held outside China. Read here
• Official secrets flack: CM Lim Guan Eng’s decision to probe into leaks of government information, referring to the Official Secrets Act (read here), has invoked criticism from the New Straits Times Penang bureau chief. Read here
• Catholic bishop asked to explain: The state government has asked the Catholic Bishop of Penang to reveal the plans for a piece of land housing a rare kampung in the George Town World Heritage Site. Read here
• Chingay competition is back: After a one-year break, the competition is back with a stronger set of rules. Read here
• Communications boost: DiGi is to invest RM75 million in broadband in Penang (read here) while RapidPenang is offering free WiFi on its buses. Read here

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