Car-free treasure hunt to promote Penang LRT project

To promote awareness about the Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) project, the Penang government is organising its very first car-free treasure hunt dubbed the "Sayangi Penangku Hunt (Love My Penang Hunt)".

While many welcome the LRT project, which is part of Penang's RM46 billion grand transport master plan, it has been criticised by several quarters to be overly massive, posing a danger to the lives of fisherfolk and the environment.

However, the state appears adamant to continue with the project and says it is the long-term answer to Penang's worsening traffic woes.

In announcing the treasure hunt which will take place on Sept 1, from Komtar to Karpal Singh Drive (7am till noon), Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event is also in conjunction with Malaysia's 61st Merdeka celebrations.

"This will be the first in a series of public engagement events to increase public awareness of the Bayan Lepas LRT stations namely the Komtar, Macallum Street and Sungai Pinang LRT stations," Chow said at a press conference in George Town today.

"It is an environment-friendly, family-orientated and fun-filled event," Chow added.

The hunt is organised by the Penang government in collaboration with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), NGOs and public bicycle-sharing system providers Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka Penang branch), the Junior Chamber International Entrepreneur Metropolitan (JCI E-Metro) and LinkBike.

Maximum 50 teams

"Cars are not allowed and participants must only walk, take public transport or cycle to reach the designated check-points. They will also be provided with bags to collect trash along the LRT route and this would be a paperless hunt," Chow said.

"All age groups are eligible for the hunt and participation will be open to teams of four persons with an entrance fee of RM50 per team, or individuals with an entrance fee of RM20 per person," he added.

All proceeds from the hunt will be channelled to Peka Penang and JCI E-Metro to fund their environmental and youth welfare programmes and activities.

Chow said the event is targeting 200 participants (maximum of 50 teams) and registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Prizes include sports bicycles with safety helmets, Touch 'n Go cards worth RM200 and hampers, he added.

Registration closes on Aug 29. Interested participants can contact Mohamad Hadziq (04-6505774) or Mohamad Ridzuan (04-6505681) for further information. -Mkini