H1N1 - Sooner or later

Citizen journalist Jimmy Leow is curious about the low H1N1 death rate in Hong Kong compared to Malaysia. Hong Kong recorded 9,350 H1N1 cases with 4 deaths to date, whereas Malaysia has recorded 4,200 cases with 69 deaths as at Aug 24, 2009. The authorities has indicated that the current H1N1 cases in Malaysia are under-reported.

Based on the population of 7 million with a 422 square mile area, Hong Kong is definitely one of the most congested area in the world. It has been recorded that the population density is approximately 6,700 per square mile. Public transport such as buses and MTR are frequently used and most of the time, they are crowded, therefore, the spread of H1N1 should be more serious than of Malaysia. But why is the death rate so low in comparison with Malaysia.

As I searched for clues, I noticed that the public toilets in Hong Kong are extremely clean and they are equipped with hand soap too. Additional to this, there are a lot of anti-bacteria dispenser installed in most of the office buildings, at every lifts, airport, train stations, public places which made it so easy to disinfect your hands. I also believe that the H1N1 early detection method done in Hong Kong has been effective and that is why the death rate is still 4 until today.

Penangites Breathing Ashes

CJ Jimmy Leow asked hikers at Youth Park, Penang what they think about the haze "season" which was set upon them again by the open burning from neighbouring country. It seems to be a yearly affair since the 90's, will we ever see a stop to this irresponsible act from the related parties. Or are we going to continue to choke on ashes year after year..

Capt Francis Light's Grave Unattended

CJ Chan Lilian and Jimmy Leow visited the Protestant Cemetery in Penang to find out where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang was laid to rest. The atmosphere in the cemetery was spooky and the place was not properly taken care of. Both citizen journalists requested the state government and related organizations to take up the challenge to beautify this heritage site for visitors and the generations to come. If left alone, it will definitely be another piece of waste land.

Help us preserve the heritage of Penang.

PISA, Potential Aedes Breeding Ground

CJ Jimmy Leow reminded MPPP to drain the stagnant water in it's fountain to deter Aedes mosquito breeding. PISA is a popular place for the public and it should be free of Aedes mosquitoes at all cost. 

There are currently more than 18,000 cases of dengue in 2009 and the government has spent millions of ringgit getting rid of this health problem. 

I believe Pearl Garden was fogged at least 3 times within a span of 6 months.

A Voice for the Homeless

Homeless - Part 1

Our latest documentary done on the homeless people around Penang. We are a group of citizen journalists who are concerned with the increasing "round ups" of these homeless people by the related authorities and some say that the homeless were badly treated during these raids. 

Please watch this video and tell me how lucky you are when you have a family and a shelter over your head.

Video edited by Lilian Chan.

Special thanks to Lucia Lai, Lim Boo Seng, Owen Koh, Maran Perianen.