PENANG was once, and still is, known as the Pearl of the Orient. But, is Penang island still worthy of this title given to the current state of the island?

To date, I notice that the temperature in my housing area, Pearl Hill, has been rising. In 2006, mornings were one of the best, with cool breezes and fresh air.

Now, in 2008, mornings are not what I look forward to; the early morning air is dry and warm. This is very much due to the hill blasting for housing development and the many new projects.

As Penangnites, we used to take pride of our beautiful beaches as well as green hills. Yet, looking around the island of Penang all we can see are more destruction of our green environments giving way to unnecessary tall and ugly apartments.

The whole stretch of Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringgi is now no longer an experience into nature, but at experience into another urban village.

Going to Batu Ferringgi the first thing that comes to mind is that I am travelling into yet another urban village, no longer do I look forward to the picturesque view of the hills and beaches.

Penang is looking forward to be declared as a Unesco World Heritage site . Yet, observing the situation in Georgetown and the coming opening of Times Square I do not see any reason for Penang to be declared a heritage site.

The many new buildings do not blend in with the heritage buildings in Penang, making the whole town an obscene scene. Gurney Drive is dirty and congested, and an upcoming project will only add to the now chaotic situation.

Is this all that Penang has to offer? Personally when I speak of Penang, I tell of Penangs beautiful beaches, the hills, the heritage and the variety of food.

Now, I am reluctant to speak of Penang as a good place to visit, because above all Penang is turning into another urban city. In the near future Penang will turn into a black hole.

KENNETH GAN,

Penang.