Terengganu declares two state parks at Setiu and Kenyir

Setiu Wetlands. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu took a major step in protecting the state's natural heritage by gazetting two new state parks in the Kenyir and Setiu areas.

Mentri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the move will help protect vital catchment areas and ensure a sustainable supply of water for electricity and drinking.

The areas to become state parks involve 10,386 hectares at Lawit-Cenana in Kenyir and 432 hectares at the Setiu Wetlands (another 1,088 hectares will be gazetted in phase two).

"These state parks are also identified as an important refuge for flora and fauna with several threatened species," said Dr Ahmad.

Dr Ahmad said these parks lie in areas designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.

"Scientists have recorded more than 291 bird species within its perimeters," he said in a press statement on Wednesday (Aug 15).

"In fact, an incredible nine out of the 10 species of hornbills that exist in Malaysia can be found in the Lawit-Cenana State Park alone."

Dr Ahmad Samsuri added that the move constitutes "significant progress on Terengganu's commitments regarding the protection of the state's natural heritage".

The parks will be managed by a management council, he said, which will include members from respective federal and state government agencies.

"This council will be responsible to control and manage the state parks and also to ensure that all stakeholders in this eco-tourism industry will be looked after, especially the local residents," he said.

-TTG Asia.

ITB Asia adds a dedicated pavilion for Muslim travel market

Panel discussion at last year’s Halal in Travel – Asia Summit

ITB Asia will this year launch its first dedicated Muslim Travel Hub and Pavilion to host panel discussions and travel suppliers, in addition to bringing back the Halal in Travel Asia Summit for the third time.

By 2020, it is expected that there will be 156 million Muslim travellers, up nearly 30 per cent from 2016, the show organiser shared in a statement, citing figures from CrescentRating. By 2026, the total spend by Muslim travellers is projected to more than double to US$300 billion.

The show organiser notes that key players in the travel and tourism space are demanding insights and best practice in marketing destinations, and how to better connect with Muslim travellers.

The third Halal in Travel Asia Summit will take place on October 17, focusing on the main theme of Innovation & Technology in the Muslim Travel Space. The conference will kick off with the official release of the Mastercard-Halal Trip Digital Muslim Travel Report 2018, revealing insights into the Muslim travel market and behaviours when it comes to trip planning research and engagement in the digital space.

Keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations will touch on topics including how to invest in Halal travel and developing the Halal travel market in the service and destination sectors.

In addition, for the three full days of the show (October 17-19), the new Muslim Travel Hub will host discussions and showcases with topics such as attracting Muslim travellers to destinations throughout the year, further developing the growing Muslim travel market, and creating Muslim-friendly travel packages.

Destination-focused showcases at the Muslim Travel Hub will include ‘Targeting US$126 billion Muslim tourism market with cultural changes’ from Indonesia, ‘Making Muslims feel at home’ from Japan, and ‘Travelling in style’ from Turkey.

Located in the same area, the Muslim Travel Pavilion will be dedicated to exhibitors that offer Muslim travel products and services. The Pavilion will also host talks on winning over Muslim visitors, happy trails with travel apps and addressing Muslim traveller anxieties.

ITB Asia’s key partner, Have Halal Will Travel, will host a conference at at the Muslim Travel Pavilion on October 17, 14.00-15.00.

-TTG Asia.

Tahun Melawat Melaka 2019

Kerajaan Negeri Melaka telah bersetuju untuk menganjurkan Tahun Melawat Melaka (TMM) 2019 bermula 1 Januari 2019 dengan bertemakan Melaka The Gateway To Historic Malaysia 2019/2020.

Berikut adalah Logo Rasmi TMM 2019 untuk perhatian semua. Rasional pemilihan logo ini adalah seperti berikut:

1. Bumbung Rumah Tradisional / Istana Lama Melaka :

Rekabentuk - melambangkan kemegahan & keunikan Negeri Melaka bersejarah.

Kedudukan Teratas - mengekalkan Melaka sebagai pusat pelancongan bertaraf dunia.

2 Tingkat - sasaran utama pelancong domestik & pelancong asing.

2. Melaka 2019 - Rekaan khas "typeface" khusus untuk Negeri Melaka dan 2019.

3. Tangga Unik Rumah Tradisional Negeri Melaka :
Warna-warna & corak - keharmonian lambang kepelbagaian pengisian kebudayaan & tapak lawatan yang tersedia.

Tangga batu - mengalu-alukan kedatangan pelancong domestik & antarabangsa.

Anak tangga - meningkatkan momentum sektor pelancongan kepada ekonomi Negeri Melaka.

Kerajaan Negeri Melaka juga mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan tahniah kepada pereka logo tersebut iaitu En. Ashaari Mohd Nasir, Creative Director, TUDEA Creative di atas pemilihan logo tersebut sebagai logo rasmi TMM 2019.

-Tourism Melaka.

Tourism Selangor pilots local experts programme

The initiative could help generate supplementary income for hosts

in rural communities; man operating a rice transplanter in in Sekinchan, Selangor

Tourism Selangor is piloting a state-endorsed initiative to train and certify locals in Sabak Bernam, Klang and Kuala Selangor as community experts to tourists.

Training for the first batch of 26 locals in the Selangor Community Host Programme, set to conclude in September, comprises four parts, each spanning four days over a five-month-period. It culminates in a written examination which candidates must pass to receive a certificate from the Department of Skills Development.

The certificate is also recognised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Tourism Selangor.

Tourism Selangor general manager, Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din, said the pilot was initiated to groom community experts with knowledge of the history, culture, heritage, local food and the rich stories in their areas.

The project will also have a social impact, helping rural communities earn additional income through guiding and showcasing cottage industry products and local craft products.

Tourism Selangor will also help them market their services through its website, and the local experts can broker guiding arrangements with inbound agents, added Noorul.

She further shared that Tourism Selangor plans to roll out the training programme to four other districts in Selangor, namely Ulu Langat, Gombak, Ulu Selangor and Kuala Langat.

Azizi Borhan, managing director, Asutra Convex, said: “Local community guides is not a new idea. It is practised in other countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil, where local guides… take over (from) tourist guides (when the tour) reaches their areas of specialisation.”

While local community guiding brings social benefits and complements

the service of existing guides, Azizi pointed out that it might also result in an increase in tour guide fees.

“Now two guides will have to be paid, instead of one. The payment mechanism will have to be sorted out. What could be done is to pay the travel agency guides to do the transfers and for the specialised guides to do their tours within their specialised areas,” Azizi remarked.

-TTG Asia.

Tukar gambar orang utan pada logo TMM 2020

KUALA LUMPUR 14 Ogos - Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya akan menukar gambar orang utan pada logo Tahun Melawat Malaysia (TMM) 2020 dengan imej lain.

Menterinya, Mohamaddin Ketapi berkata, gambar Menara Berkembar Petronas pula akan ditonjolkan dengan lebih jelas dalam logo baharu nanti.

“Kita ubah suai satu dua, tak buang semua. Mungkin orang utan itu kita hilangkan dan tambah dengan yang lain serta terangkan lagi gambar Menara Berkembar Petronas.

“Kita ubah suai logo sedia ada, gambar orang utan yang pakai kaca mata itu kita tukar. Ramai yang kritik dan menyatakan tak cantik. Saya tengok pun logo itu tak cantik,” katanya kepada pemberita di bangunan Parlimen, hari ini.

Terdahulu, beliau merasmikan Majlis Pelancaran Persekutuan Perpustakaan dan Institusi Antarabangsa (IFLA) Kongres Perpustakaan dan Maklumat Dunia (WLIC) 2018.

Dalam perkembangan lain, Mohamaddin memberitau, kemasukan pelancong dari China meningkat sebanyak 37 peratus manakala 12 peratus dari India bagi tempoh Januari hingga April tahun ini.

Katanya, bilangan pelancong dari dua negara itu terus meningkat selepas Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-14 (PRU14).

“Statistik selepas pilihan raya belum ada tapi jumlahnya terus meningkat. Tiada kesan penurunan apabila peralihan kerajaan baharu,” katanya.

Semalam, Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad mahu membatalkan beberapa projek infrastruktur yang ditandatangani bersama China dalam usaha keluar daripada belenggu hutang.

-utusan online.

World Tourism Day 2018 - "Tourism And The Digital Transformation" ( 27 September 2018 )

Digital advances are transforming how we connect and inform ourselves, transforming our behaviour, and encouraging innovation and sustainable, responsible growth strategies.

We must better understand the growing economic, societal and environmental impacts of technology and innovation in tourism if our sector is to sustain continuous and inclusive growth in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

“Tourism and the Digital Transformation” is the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD).

We know that a digitally advanced tourism sector can improve entrepreneurship, inclusion, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other important development objectives. This year’s WTD will help us to further explore the opportunities provided to tourism by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

In June 2018, in anticipation of WTD and to give visibility to innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way we travel and enjoy tourism, the World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) and Globalia launched the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition. The startups with the best projects will be announced as semi-finalists during the WTD official celebration in Budapest.

World Tourism Day 2018 is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the potential contribution of digital technologies to sustainable tourism development, while providing a platform for investment, partnerships and collaboration towards a more responsible and inclusive tourism sector.

-UNWTO.
http://wtd.unwto.org/content/world-tourism-day-2018

Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2018 @ MITEC Kuala Lumpur ( 23 November ~ 2 December 2018 )

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS18) is billed as the largest and most significant motor show in Malaysia.

The 10-day show is set to showcase a range of motoring machines from passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, accessories, etc. There will be concept cars, performance cars, new model launches, and many exciting activities.

This 9th edition of KLIMS enters a new era as for the first time it will be held at the country’s newest and largest exhibition centre i.e. Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Beyond Mobility
As KLIMS reinvents itself to include more than automobiles, visitors can expect a showcase that offers innovative technologies amidst exhibits that demonstrate a connected lifestyle.

• model launches
• provocative concept cars
• thrilling performance cars
• bespoke cars
• the spectrum of wheels from motor bikes, commercial vehicles ,etc.
• automotive products and services

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/klims2018

Chinese delegation in awe of Sarawak’s attractions

Feng (second from right) shaking hand with Lee during the visit.

MIRI: The magnificent caves and other natural attractions in Mulu National Park and the rest of Sarawak need to be promoted more aggressively in China.

Guang Dong TV from mainland China, sent a crew to Mulu to shoot footage and they came away fascinated by the views.

Its senior newscaster Feng Xue Qing said mainland Chinese tourists would love the Mulu attractions.

“The awesome caves will surely attract nature lovers from China cities who love to visit overseas countries with special features of nature.

They are in Miri for further tours.

Guang Dong TV, which has an audience of 130 million viewers, is in Sarawak to produce a special documentary about Sarawakian food, culture and nature.

The TV station which has its headquarters in Guang Dong Province, deployed a 10-member crew of writers, actors and Feng who is a famous TV newscaster cum editor, to tour Miri, Mulu and Kuching.

The delegation will be here for a nine-day tour of all the famous attractions for food, culture and nature.

Yesterday they arrived in Miri after visiting Mulu National Park.

Lee agreed with Feng that there is more needed to be done to promote Mulu and the rest of Sarawak in China.

“Yes, it is true that China tourists do not know much about Sarawak. My ministry has gone on many trips to China to promote the state and there is more to be done,” he stressed.

Lee said the state government is glad to host the Guang Dong TV delegation.

“Guang Dong TV is one of the biggest television companies in China, ranking among the most-popular TV stations. They have an audience of 130 million viewers in China. Apart from movies and other shows, the TV network have a huge number of young fans who are followers of teen-actor Jerry Tsu.

“The newscaster Feng Xue Qing is also a popular TV personality. They will shoot the interesting tourism attractions in Miri, Mulu and Kuching featuring on local food, culture and fascinating natural sites like the Mulu caves. All these scenes will be compiled into a documentary to be aired in China,” Lee said.

He said the keen interest in Sarawak will serve as a tremendous boost to the state as it will help to give Sarawak publicity to millions in China.

“Since Guang Dong TV have a huge audience, the documentary film will provide Sarawak with enormous publicity. It will help showcase our natural wonders, food and cultural attractions to the vast population of people in China.

“More China citizens are travelling abroad for holidays and vacations every year. 

We in Sarawak will be able to draw a sizeable portion of them to come here because of the natural traditions, various food delicacies and nature that we have such as the world biggest cave in Mulu, as well as our unspoilt diving spots.

“Our ministry is looking forward to the Guang Dong TV documentary on Sarawak,” he said.

Last year, China’s CCTV crew also visited various places of historical significance in the northern and central regions of Sarawak.

They came to Miri and then went into the Kapit division and to Sibu town to shoot videos of the important sites there.

-thestar online.
https://sarawaktourism.com/

The Borneo Rhythms of Rimba (ROR) Wildlife Festival 2018 @ Nexus Resort & Spa, Sabah ( 15 & 16 September 2018 )

The Borneo Rhythms of Rimba (ROR) Wildlife Festival is an annual, 2 day festival of creative and impactful environmental content. Organised by the Future Alam Borneo (FAB) society from Sandakan, Sabah, the festival platform is a not-for-profit effort, with a vision of being a global platform for environmental ideas and innovation.

In this 4th Edition of the festival which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, ROR2018 will highlight Marine Environments, the pervasive impact of Plastic Waste, and the quest for a Sustainable Planet.

Through a concept of ‘Experiential Education’, sharing knowledge through practical, immersive and hands-on experiences within these 5 zones – Conservation , Adventure , Creative , Music , Sustainability. We believe in making environmental content accessible, inspiring & fun.

Engage with exhibitors from local & international CONSERVATION bodies like Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, HUTAN, Bornean SunBear Conservation Centre , WWF Sabah, Sea Shepherd Asia (HK), Jane Goodall Institute (SG), Reef Defenders, Scubazoo and many many more wildlife and habitat conservation orgnisations.

In our ADVENTURE zone, Skytribe, (formerly Moab Monkeys) based out of the majestic desert of Moab, Utah in the United States,a group of professional athletes, filmmakers and high angle riggers based out of the majestic desert of Moab, Utah in the United States will also be working with a local eco-architect Arkitrek to reinterpret the Bagang – a traditional anchovy fishing structure – into a place of play, performance and conservation. Be sure to experience this exhilarating installation.

Hang out with friends from the global movement The Big Canopy Campout up in the forests and take that all important treehugging selfie! Or just fly between trees on our exhilarating zipline experience.

Join designer Jonathan Yun Jewelry as he launches his marine-inspired collection on our FAB Bagang in the CREATIVE zone. If family-fun is your thing, register for our upcycling Sandcastle building competition – featuring upcycle artist Japson Wong and The Trashpacker.

Other fun-filled family activities includes interactive craft with creative workshops run by Pangrok Sulap, Cracko Art Group , Borneo Bengkel, and more.

This year's SUSTAINABILITY highlights include guest speaker Kimi Werner a decorated spearfishing and free diving champion from Hawaii, with 2 documentary series featuring her adventures on National Geographic Channel & Discovery Channel. She will be sharing her life living in harmony with the planet, as well as engage with our community group PACOS Trust on cooking!

Jacqui Hocking, Forbes 30 under 30, a 2-time TEDx speaker, cofounder of VSStory and the Singapore Eco Film Festival, an environmental film maker who has captured stories all over the world, will be crossing the oceans from Singapore to share her passion for the environment and ideas to bring conservation to the commercial world.

All the way from KL will also be friends from Zero Waste Malaysia & Samaph Menyampah movements, sharing how to lead a low waste, low carbon footprint life.

Wrap up each evening with the sounds of MUSIC in the perfect natural setting of Sabah.

Lighting up our stage this year will be bintangs in our night skies, Ning Baizurah, Juwita Suwito, Rozella, Beverly Matujal, and others. A special, first ever performance in Sabah will also be Alena Murang who will bring her blend of sape magic to our shores.

With over 50 content providers, spread across 2 days on the beautiful beach front venue of Nexus Resort & Spa, Karambunai, Kota Kinabalu, FAB firmly believes the ROR experience will transform your outlook on our planet earth; how it is both our playground and home, and needs our urgent protection.

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/ror2018  

Keunikan Pulau Tinggi

KEINDAHAN pemandangan pantai di Pulau Tinggi.

MERSING 9 Ogos - Pulau Tinggi merupakan satu lagi ‘permata alam’ dari­pada gugusan kepulauan yang kaya dengan alam semulajadi dan tidak dapat diungkap dengan kata-kata selain menarik kedatangan pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara.

Keindahan yang terdapat di Pulau Tinggi tidak terucap dan tidak hairanlan kedatangan pelancong dari luar negara pa­ling ramai suka berkunjung ke sini kerana menikmati panorama suasana kedamaian jauh dari kesibu­kan kota.

Bagi anda yang inginkan percutian menyeronokkan untuk keluarga dan kenalan, mengapa tidak memilih Pulau Tinggi sebagai destinasi yang menjanjikan pengalaman baharu, mendamaikan dan memuaskan hati.

Pulau Tinggi merupakan satu daripada enam kumpulan gugusan pulau di bawah Taman Laut Sultan Iskandar (TLSI) di daerah ini selain Pulau Rawa, Pulau Aur, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Pemanggil dan Pulau Besar yang kaya dengan khazanah flora serta faunanya.

Pulau-pulau ini mendapat jolokan 'permata laut Johor' kera­na banyak kemudahan dan keunikannya. Begitu juga menjadi pilihan pelancong dalam dan luar negara untuk bercuti.

Pulau Tinggi yang mengambil masa kira-kira satu jam menaiki bot dari Terminal Feri Tanjung Leman pastinya akan menggamit mata yang memandang ekoran deruan angin dan hempasan ombaknya mengharungi Laut China Selatan.

Malah, dunia alam marinnya kaya dengan pelbagai spesies hidupan laut dengan kejernihan air laut sudah tentu menjadikan percutian ke destinasi kepulauan ini tidak pernah mengecewakan.

Uniknya kepulauan ini kerana keistimewanya iaitu terdapat gua, lapan pulau kecil berdekatan dan gunung. Airnya sangat jernih, firus di kelilingnya dan boleh melihat pelbagai spesis ikan dan batu karang dengan pasirnya putih bak mutiara.

Terdapat beberapa jeti di Pulau Tinggi yang cukup terkenal antaranya Jeti Maksu, Jeti Pak Bakar dan Jeti Tok Mok yang setiap satunya mempunyai keistimewaan tersendiri dan berbeza satu sama lain.

Ketiga-tiga jeti itu menawarkan tempat penginapan selain pelbagai aktiviti menarik dan mencabar untuk diterokai para pengunjung.

Sebagai contoh di Jeti Maksu, terdapat air terjun yang cantik dengan keindahan 

alam semula jadi yang asli termasuk pantai, batu karang dan keindahan hutan.

Di samping itu, pengunjung boleh memancing, snorkeling, merentas hutan, mandi di air terjun manakala pada waktu malam boleh melihat penyu bertelur sambil menikmati hidangan barbeku di tepi pantai.

Selain itu, pelancong boleh dibawa untuk aktiviti snorkeling di Pulau Lima, Pulau Mentigi dan Pulau Kukus yang terletak berhampiran serta kaya pelbagai spe­sies hidupan marin.

Di jeti lain pula boleh melakukan aktiviti yang sama selain berkayak, memancing dan terdapat kawasan pantai peribadi serta aktiviti pengunjung akan ditemani pemandu pelancong.

Ketiga-tiga jeti berkenaan mempunyai semua kemudahan antaranya tempat penginapan seperti resort dah chalet yng dikelilingi kehijauan tropik mengikut pakej bersesuaian.

Terdapat bilik dengan beranda peribadi, dilengkapi alat penya­man udara, televisyen, cerek elek­trik. peti sejuk kecil, kemudahan pancuran mandian peribadi dan bidet tangan.

Pengunjung juga tidak akan terputus hubungan dengan dunia luar kerana terdapat kemudahan internet di pulau berkenaan.

-utusan online.

Happy Birthday Tourism Malaysia!

The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament.

With the inception of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism on 20 May 1987, TDC was moved to this new ministry; and became the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) through the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992.

Popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, its full focus is on promoting Malaysia domestically and internationally.

-Tourism Malaysia.
http://www.malaysia.travel/

Malacca to get 4.6ha water park in the sky

Hatten Land’s Colin Tan; Hatten Group’s Eric Tan; chief minister of Melaka Adly Bin Zahari; Hatten Land’s Edwin Tan; Everland Resort’s Tommy Byungsuk Jeong; and

Polin Waterparks’ Emre Büyükgüngör

Malacca is expected to welcome a RM200 million (US$49.2 million) water theme park spanning 4.6ha, the largest in the Malaysian UNESCO World Heritage city.

A collaboration between Singapore’s Hatten Land, Samsung C&T Corporation – which also operates South Korea’s Everland Resort – and water slides designer Polin Waterparks, Splash World @ Harbour City is due for completion by end-2019 and expected to be opened to the public in 1H2020.

The partners said in a joint statement that the water park, located 14 floors above ground, will be “the world’s first ‘sky’ theme park”. Nestled between two 30-storey towers on the 14^th floor deck of Harbour City @ Melaka, a mixed development shaped like a ship, the four-storey park will offer indoor and outdoor areas and more than one kilometre of water slides.

A man-made river will meander over two floors to intertwine more than 50 attractions, including 11 extreme slides for thrill-seekers, a Sky Beach and a dedicated children’s water play park. After dark, the Cosmic Waters light show will illuminate the park, accompanied by a water circus, trapeze stunts and other entertainment in an amphitheatre.

Splash World @ Harbour City hopes to attract 850,000 to one million visitors annually after the first year of operation. Malacca hosts nearly 17 million visitors a year.

Melaka chief minister Adly Bin Zahari commented: “Splash World @ Harbour City will bring a transformational new dimension to our travel and leisure landscape, and make Melaka an even more compelling international attraction.”

-TTG Asia.

Johor ready for visitors during Visit Malaysia Year 2020

JOHOR BARU: Johor is ready to welcome domestic and foreign visitors in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020, said state women development and tourism committee chairman Liow Cai Tung.

She said the year 2020 was also important to Johor as the state will also be hosting the 20th Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) that year.

“As such, we can still do more to promote Johor and at the same time improve infrastructure and tourism facilities in the state,” Liow said in a press conference during the launch of Johor Matta Fair 2018 at Danga Bay Convention Centre here.

She said last year’s statistics showed Johor was the top three destinations in Malaysia and had received some 7.4 million domestic and foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, MATTA secretary-general Nigel Wong said they had expected at least 13,000 visitors at the three-day fair from Aug 3 to 5.

“There were 150 booths at the fair, including those of travel agencies, hotels and resorts, water parks as well as national tourism organisations from Japan and Indonesia.

“We contributed RM1 from entrance fees collected from each visitor to Tabung Harapan Malaysia,” he said.

-thestar online.

PATA Travel Mart 2018 - Langkawi Welcomes You!

-Production Division, Tourism Malaysia.
https://www.pata.org/ptm/
http://www.malaysia.travel/
https://www.lada.gov.my/

Move to boost Peranakan community in Terengganu

Tun Ahmad Faisal (third from left) and Low (second from right) with T-shirts featuring Mek and Awang batik swatches at the press conference to announce this year’s Peranakan festival.

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCCI) is intensifying efforts to have the state’s Peranakan community recognised on a wider scale in this year’s Peranakan festival.

Known as Mek and Awang, the community has assimilated with locals in Terengganu, similar to how the Straits Chinese in Penang and Melaka adopted and assimilated with the ways of the locals in those states.

“The community here has worked tirelessly to introduce their culture to outsiders through the annual event,” said Terengganu Tourism Department director Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Abdul Razak.

He said the festival, which is now in its fifth year, has become an iconic event in the state’s tourism calendar.

TCCCI president Datuk Low Wan Cheong said in the past four years, the community has managed to raise greater awareness about the existence of the Mek and Awang community.

“In the next four years, we want to work on sharing our unique culture by commercialising products made by the community,” he said.

Low, who heads this year’s festival organising committee, hopes to see an increase in visitors to this year’s event.

The festival attracted about 100,000 people last year and the organising committee hope to see this increase to about 130,000 this year.

“We are thankful that we have received the support of the state government and we hope this will continue to help showcase the Mek and Awang culture to a wider audience,” he said.

The Peranakan festival is scheduled for August 17 to 22.

-thestar online.

Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show 2018 @ MIEC Langkawi ( 10 ~ 12 August 2018 )

This August, the mystical island of Langkawi will see its signature event, the Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show (RLCCS), making a comeback from 10 to 12 August 2018. The event will see the island being ‘visited’ by a lineup of beauties, namely vintage and classic cars from all around the world. 

Some 50 cars will be on display at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) for visitors to view and apreciate rare models and vintage makes, all the way from as early as 1934. Other eye-openers include three generations of different Porsche models which are Porche 356, Porshe 964 and Porshe 944; a 1925 Rolls Royce; a Ford Capri; a Volkswagen Kombi; an Austin 7 and many more. If you are a MINI fan, some precious Minis like MK3 and Mini Traveller will make their debut. 

Visitors to the show last year will remember the crowd favourite – a pink Cadillac and a lovely Ford Model 18 built in the 1930s. Well, this year, let’s see which are the darling models. 

This “show and shine” event will also see all cars vying for some prize money and trophies in five categories namely Vintage (before 1945), Classic 1 (1946-1960), Classic 2 (1961 – 1975), Modern Classic (1976 – 1990) and a new category, Japanese Classics (up to 1990). Total prize purse is RM30,000 with the grand winner bagging the Langkawi Cup and Sultan’s Choice Award. 

Under the patronage of HRH Sultan of Kedah, the show is the biggest auto show in the northern area. Over the three days, the show is open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm.

-Tourism Malaysia.
The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show

Langkawi: Nilai barangan dikecualikan cukai dinaikkan kepada RM1,000

PERDANA Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berucap pada Majlis Perasmian

Pusat Khidmat Ahli Parlimen Langkawi di Kuah. - Foto Azhar Ramli

LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mengumumkan nilai barangan dikecualikan cukai bagi pelancong dari tanah besar yang membeli-belah di Langkawi dinaikkan daripada RM500 kepada RM1,000.

Perdana Menteri berkata, keputusan terbabit membolehkan pelancong tempatan berbelanja dengan lebih selesa, sekali gus meningkatkan ekonomi pulau bebas cukai itu.

"Maka saya mahu isytiharkan bahawa kerajaan membenarkan pelancong yang membeli belah tidak dikenakan cukai jika membeli barangan bernilai sehingga RM1,000.

"Bagaimanapun, rokok dan arak tidak termaktub dalam keputusan ini kerana kerajaan mahu rakyat mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat," katanya dalam ucapan perasmian Pusat Khidmat Ahli Parlimen Langkawi di Langkawi City, Kuah, di sini hari ini.

Peraturan had nilai barangan itu sudah lama tidak dipinda sejak digubal pada tahun 1986.

Sementara itu, Perdana Menteri turut meluangkan masa hampir sejam meninjau kemudahan dan pesakit di wad Hospital Langkawi (HL).

Dr Mahathir, yang juga Ahli Parlimen Langkawi, dan isteri, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali kemudian menerima taklimat tertutup berkaitan operasi harian HL yang disampaikan Pengarahnya, Dr Mansor Ismail.

Hospital itu memulakan operasi pada 1915 dan Dr Mahathir adalah Pegawai Perubatan kedua bertugas di hospital itu pada 1956.

-berita harian online.
https://www.lada.gov.my/

Royal Floria Putrajaya 2018 @ Anjung Floria, Putrajaya ( 25 August ~ 2 September 2018 )

Royal FLORIA Putrajaya is a festival of flowers and gardens organised by PPj since 2007. Due to the overwhelming response from visitors, it became an annual event since 2009. The festival showcases commercial products from the horticulture and landscape industry, show gardens, floral design and floristry demonstrations as well as flower shows from local and international participants, where all the attractions are presented in a garden setting.

Royal FLORIA Putrajaya 2018 will open to the public from August 25th to September 2nd, from 9:00 am – 10:30 pm (Monday to Thursday) and from 9:00 am to 12:00 midnight (Friday to Sunday).

Visitors are encouraged to purchase FLORIA 2018 tickets online from May 1, 2018 at a lower rate than ticket purchases at the counter.

- http://floriaputrajaya.com.my/