STUNG by a series of accusations of bias, the Penang state government quickly responded by announcing an additional 750 new WiFi spots in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the deal to add new WiFi hotspots has been signed with Redtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd. “Redtone has provided 750 WiFi hotspots in the State free of charge and plans to recoup its capital outlay through advertising revenue. That’s why the company prioritised areas that had commercial viability,” he said. Read here.

The free WiFi coverage will include Barisan Nasional (BN) areas as well. “The state government has invested RM8.5mil through Penang Development Cor­p­­­oration (PDC) Telecommunication Services Sdn Bhd to install these hotspots, which are expected to be completed by April next year,” Lim added. Read here.

Lim said that the lack of coverage isn't due to bias, but due to a lack of commercial viability. “As this is a private enterprise offering free services, the state government cannot compel REDtone to cover all areas in Penang.” Read here.

The state government has been unhappy with the storm of controversy surrounding Jeff Ooi's earlier remarks. “The news reports that came out were blatant lies,” said Ooi, adding that if the DAP-led government truly wanted to discriminate against BN-friendly areas, Bayan Baru would have been excluded as it has “defectors”. Read here.

In spite of his denials, Ooi was reported to have said: “It [the WiFi] is not even considered for (the) second phase... no resources, if (they) want WiFi then vote PR (Pakatan Rakyat).” Read here.

Other news

• Hotel of the week: The newest offering from expat Australian hoteliers Karl Steinberg and Christopher Ong, the team behind Sri Lanka's wonderful Galle Fort Hotel, is a well-priced, boutique property located in the heart of Penang's old town. Read here.
• Japanese in Penang to raise funds for victims: After sending out mails to about 100 friends to seek their help, a Japanese woman here hit on the idea of organising an event to raise funds for her disaster-struck country. Read here.
• Woman falls three floors and survives - for a second time: A 45-year-old woman who is believed to be mentally challenged survived a fall from the balcony of her third-floor unit at the Taman Free School flats here. It was the second time she had fallen and survived. Read here.
• More workable public housing model necessary: WITH prices of houses at an all-time high, especially in the Klang Valley and Penang, the environment has become difficult for first-time house buyers to own property. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz March 21 to 27, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.  

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