By V. Sivaji
In line with the state government’ s vision for a cleaner and greener community, the newly upgraded linear garden was unveiled by the Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow earlier this morning.
Completed at a cost of RM1.5 million, the new look park features 69 new species of plants and trees, a new emblem, bigger garden area and the removal of the fencing around the cenotaph for members of the public to appreciate the monument.
Present at the launch ceremony was the State Exco for Local Government, Town and Country Planning, H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A. Rajendran, Hamdan Majeed of Think City, Dato Seri Dr Anwar Fazal, chairman of Think City, Datin S. Barathi, General manager of Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and heads of departments of Penang Island City Council.
In his address, Chow hailed the opening of the linear garden as it will promote the green agenda of the state and also offer Penangites to enjoy the new features at the park.
“I am happy to note that the park was completed ahead of schedule and congratulate the city council on this achievement. This project is part of the North Seafront project which costs RM140 million.
“We are also planning to upgrade the Dewan Sri Pinang which was built in 1972 and served the community for 52 years. The estimated cost for the new upgrade is estimated to be around 50 million.
“We hope to promote more art and culture in the new building once it is completed. In the meantime, we can also look forward to the opening of the Gurney Bay in the next few days,” he added.
He later joined hands to launch the garden performing and signed the plaque to mark the opening.
New emblem at the Linear Garden
No more fencing around the cenotaph