Penang or Yangon?

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak or better known as KOMTAR, is the unique symbol of Penang. The majestic building is the tallest building in Penang, which housed the Chief Minister's office and other government departments. KOMTAR was also one of the earliest shopping complex in the state and currently still remains as the hub of public transportation in the island-state.

KOMTAR was built in the mid-80s and remains as one of the tourist attraction in Penang. However, KOMTAR today reflected the image of Yangon rather than George Town. One can easily mistaken that they might have went to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, instead of Penang.

Level 2 and Level 3 of the complex was crowded with Myanmarese shops - selling Myanmar foods and handicrafts with loud-banging Myanmarese music. Walking along the corridor of the complex, one could easily identify foreign workers, which at times even outnumbered the locals. This leave many Malaysians, particularly Penangites, felt rather unsafe. This kept many wondering why Myanmar workers could obtain license to operate business in Malaysia. What does the authority has to say about this?

To make the matter worse, most of these shops were selling foods and drinks. The processing and cooking of food was done in shoplots with no proper ventilation and piped water. How can this happened in a fast developing country? It looks like the management of the once-prestigious building of Penang have no idea how to deal with these Third-World-Migrant-Workers. The municipal council and local government agencies, which all have offices in KOMTAR, seems to be also unable to tackle the problem.

Perhaps the Chief Minister should also seriously look into this issue as all these nonsenses are happening just a few floors below his office!