There were several offers, but none was willing to meet the minimum asking price of US$130 million (RM543 million), already half of its original price.

The project, which connects Bukit Chagar in Johor to Woodlands, Singapore, is expected to ferry up to 10,000 passengers per hour each way.

“Unlike in areas where vast plains meet the sea and waterspouts can reach tornado speeds, those in Penang are weak and dissipate in less than 30 minutes.”

"There will be one to three witnesses to be called on that day after the opening statement is made. The number would depend on how the proceedings go on that day," the source said.

Doan Thi Huong was ordered to serve the sentence from the date of her arrest, which was Feb 15, 2017.

“Sunderam Vadiveloo does not speak for the entire Rumah Panjang community, and his association excludes many of us who are recognised residents of the Rumah Panjang,” Bukit Kiara Rumah Panjang Residents Association secretary M Sivakumar said.

She said the country’s leadership had not forgotten the problems faced by the people, and would do their best to help in all aspects.

He is deemed to have not declared income of close to RM4 billion.

"People don’t like it if you treat them like idiots."

“The people are surely awaiting an explanation from former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the decision by his administration to sell the land and building through direct negotiations and not an open tender,” he said.