With other politicians busy politicking, first-time DAP assemblyperson Ong Ah Teong has opted to spend his precious time quietly beautifying his constituency of Batu Lancang.
Visiting his service centre, dubbed the prettiest in town, one is greeted by a riot of beautiful, radiant flowers and plants, and a well-maintained landscape garden.
"This is so those who seek our help will feel calm and relaxed, as they share their problems with us," Ong told Malaysiakini yesterday.
Ong has planted heliconias, calatheas, and even eucalyptus trees in his Taman Hijau service centre with the help of family members and friends, who share his vision of making the whole of Penang a stunning botanical garden, beyond Kebun Bunga.
"My one true wish is to turn Batu Lancang into a botanical garden. I believe it has the potential because it already has many fascinating trees and plants," he said.
Ong's (photo) latest project is a mini-park situated along Jalan Free School, first of its kind on the island.
With the help of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the once dull and gloomy area is now adorned with vivid flowers and plants.
The array of heliconias, sea hibiscuses, rose periwinkles and Japanese roses in this mini-park are a sight for sore eyes.
"Also in the park are nice, simple meaningful sculptures of traditional games children play, like paper rockets and spinning tops.
"They are done by a group of young artists for the public to enjoy and take selfies, as you walk down memory lane, cherishing your childhood days.
"We hope to make Batu Lancang more exuberant and attractive over time. We want this constituency to be unique, in line with Penang's green policies," said the former MBPP councillor.
Ong is also behind another growing attraction in his constituency – a weekly food truck bazaar that has been held at the Batu Lancang Market for the past three months.
What functions as a normal carpark in the daytime is lit up every Saturday night by a variety of food trucks selling local and international delicacies.
The 3,000 or so visitors who make their way to the Batu Lancang Market on weekends are also entertained by live music and traders selling artisanal crafts.
"Besides the food trucks at Batu Lancang, we will build another nice mini-park for people to rest and enjoy while visiting the market," Ong said, referring to the carpark area, which is lined by many trees.
"The second and third flower mini-park will be built near Convent Green Lane and along Jalan Masjid Negeri, as the road takes you to the Batu Lancang Market," he added.
Ong's plans do not end there, however.
"In my next project, we will plant about 200 rainbow eucalyptus trees in the Batu Lancang area.
"I already have the trees but they are not mature yet. Once they are fully grown, Batu Lanchang will be truly gorgeous.
"It will be a wonderland, a true feast for the eyes," he said. - Mkini
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