Melbourne truly has it all, from snow capped mountain to beautiful beaches to colourful city, no wonder it was ranked the most livable city for multiple times.
This time we travel to Mount Macedon, about an hour's drive from the city to enjoy the colourful autumn wonderland this place has to offer!
Covid-19 has changed all aspects of our lives. Everyone has to think outside the box to do things differently in order to stay relevant. Traditions have to be modified to stay traditional. Such is the annual Hong Kong New Years Eve Count Down Celebration. It went virtual this year with people all around the world tuning in via their phone or computers to count down together.
2nd of January, the transition of the new year seems negligible. We are now in 2021 but I don't feel any significant difference emotionally. Maybe it is due to the fact that I can't travel back to Malaysia this year due to Covid-19.
However, things do change a lot especially for Penang since the beginning of 2021. The iconic Penang Ferry will be replaced by more modern water buses and vehicle transporters. While there are lots of noise mostly created by the politicians on both sides in the social media, let's cast aside emotions and look at what are the changes.
First let's hear the objection voices. DAP's Lim Guan Eng blasted Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong incessantly that the current move to scrap the iconic ferry is a revenge by the current government against the people of Penang. He claimed that Penang contributed RM7 billion to the federal government through taxes but the development fund allocated to the state always trailing behind other states. Lim went on to say that by cancelling the iconic 126 years old ferry service, the PN (Perikatan Nasional) government is declaring war with all Penangites. I think this statement has gone too far and sounds more political than logical to me.
Now, let's look at what the government has to say. Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong defended his decision to cancel the iconic ferry services for the safety and well-being of its passengers. This explanation puzzles me. I have been riding on the ferry numerous times both in person and in my car. The staff of Penang Port are always there to ensure that all passengers and vehicles and on board before they raise ramp/ gate of the ferry. The huge windows on both sides of the ferry providing stunning views of the Penang Channel have very high walls to prevent people from over-leaning and fall into the water. So safety is not the issue. Now what about the well-being of its passengers? The ferry has spacious interior with high ceiling, it is very cooling thanks to the large windows/ openings that allow sea breeze into the vehicles. I find it very comfortable and relaxing every time I'm on one of this iconic ferry.
So if safety and well-being are not the real issue, what then drove the government's decision to cancel this much loved iconic and historic vehicles from keep on operating? The answer lies in the operating and maintenance costs. Everyone knows that an old car requires more frequent service/ repairs than a brand new one. More spare parts have to be changed due to prolonged wear and tear. Now imagine that your car is 126 years old! So does this justify the government's decision to scrap it all together. Lim Guan Eng argues that there are only 3 such ferries in operation, new engines can bee fitted into them and the cost will not be exhorbitant.
Cast politics aside, I think we should keep at least one of such ferry for its significant historical values especially when George Town is an Unesco World Heritage city. We should still use it as transport vessel and not just for recreational purposes as there is no issue with its safety and well-being to its passengers. In Melbourne, old trams were fitted with new spare parts and equipped with air-conditioned and still carrying passengers around its century old rail network. It can be done technically but there must be a political will to do it.
However, we must also welcome the government's plan to introduce modern fleet to improve efficiency in carrying people across the Penang Channel. Let's get less political and focus on logic and practicality. Same goes to all the other issue that the country is now facing.
Went to Phillip Island before Christmas for a short weekend getaway. All Melbournian can't wait to go to regional Victoria to reclaim their freedom after the harshest lockdown they experienced months before. We didn't manage to see the penguins this time due to it being fully booked. However, Phillip Island has a lot more to offer besides the penguin.
Whether it is in the day or at night, heritage buildings around Melbourne remain majestic during lockdown.
There are bridges connecting Melbourne CBD with Southbank, all with its own unique design.
Right across the road from Flinders Street Train Station is another icon of Melbourne - Federation Square or Fed Square as the Aussie likes to call it. It is a popular gathering space with public performances and exhibition. The place is so popular that it was once a target of a terrorist attack! Thank GOD that the police preempted the plan and caught the culprits before they have the chance to do any serious harm to the public. One could only imagine what would happen if a bomb were to explode in a jam packed public place!
Another victim of Covid-19, Fed Square is empty day and night.
Melbourne Stage 4 Lockdown has resulted the city became a ghost town overnight. This post is the first of a series to celebrate the uniqueness of this great Australian city.
