Story by Chan Lilian Pix by Shum Jian-Wei THE power of social media, when harnessed and put to good use, is certainly beneficial to the community. One such example is the recent case of the landslide at Bukit Kukus (or commonly known as Bukit Awana). A resident of the nearby condominium at Bukit Awana, Leow Beng Hock, had posted on his Facebook about the incident. Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who heard about the matter, went for a site visit on Sept 9. Thereafter, the developer covered the exposed hill slope with plastic sheets. However, another landslide happened due to the rainy weather, with residents staying in the area complaining of “teh Tarik” water flowing from the slope. Ramkarpal made a second visit on Sept 16. Leow was surpised to see Ramkarpal and posted on his Facebook, “When it comes to serving the people, YB Ramkarpal is very serious. After I posted the latest landslide situation located behind Bukit Awana, he and his personal assistants arrived to the site within an hour. We are so lucky to have such a committed team. No joke man!! Thank you YB and team!” Following the two incidents, the assemblymembers for Air Itam Wong Hon Wai and Paya Terubong (Yeoh Soon Hin) together with Ramkarpal’s representative Darren Quah met the Penang Island Municipal Council’s Engineering Department on Sept 18 to resolve the matter. Penangites now have access to their respective assemblymembers and Members of Parliament through Facebook. You can find some of these leaders’ FB at : Ramkarpal Singh – https://www.facebook.com/ramkarpal Wong Hon Wai – https://www.facebook.com/wonghonwai99 Yeoh Soon Hin – https://www.facebook.com/yeoh.soonhin.1
