A group of ‘powerful’ people recently sought the help of a certain exco member for permission to set up a so-called ‘voluntary anti-crime squad’ in Jalan Gangsa in Island Park in Penang. For some unknown reason, the request was granted.

With the permission, they set-up a ‘pondok’ - comprising a container - right in the middle of the beautiful walking track along Jalan Gangsa. They then asked the Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) to install electrical and water supply.

They slowly expanded. To finance their so-called ‘voluntary anti-crime activities’ , they allowed three hawker stalls to operate in the shed erected just outside the ‘pondok’. I do not know whether they collect rentals from these three hawkers.

They cemented more area around the pondok. Chairs and tables are provided so that their customers can eat in comfort. Like other kopitiam, the ‘pondok’ ‘boss’ sells the drinks.

They stay in the ‘pondok’ during the night. In short, it has become the home for them, thanks to Penang’s Pakatan Rakyat goverment. They even have laundry lines and an altar.

It was reported in the media recently that those wanting to use the word ‘Penang’ for functions, events, publications and other purposes must first get the permission of the the state government.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there had been complaints of the word being used in functions, events and magazines which had nothing to do with the state government.

Well then, why do the police allow the term ‘anti-crime squad’ to be used by all and sundry?

The ‘pondok’s two so-called emergency numbers, 013 444 2188 and 016 451 3151, that you are supposed to call during emergencies are not even in service!

I guess this particular exco member is so naive that he believed what these ‘powerful’ people said in their application for the ‘pondok’ ie, that it is a base to voluntarily combat crime in this area.

I dread to think otherwise. Is he one of these ‘powerful’ people? Does he gain in any way by allowing this to happen?

Why is this happening when the service centre of the Sri Delima state representative is just a stone's throw away? Why is this happening when the police are having their own surveillance?

Why have my complaints with my name, address and phone number to the DAP Penang Headquarter, the Pulau Pinang Municipal Council and through the Sri Delima rep (through his website) all fallen on deaf ears?