2014 Ramadan Festival Along Merdeka Square And Jalan Raja On Weekends

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Kuala Lumpur, June 29 (Bernama) -- Muslims are invited to attend a breaking-the-fast programme here every weekend during Ramadan in conjunction with the 2014 Ramadan Festival.

Among others, dates, cakes and 'lambuk' porridge prepared by Masjid Jamek in Kampung Baru will be served in the programme on June 29, July 5-6, July 12-13 and July 19 along Jalan Raja and Merdeka Square.

Ministry of Tourism and Culture's National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Datuk Norliza Rofli said it was among six activities held in conjunction with the festival.

"We find the response very encouraging when we implemented the festival two years ago, so we feel we should continue organising the festival. "We succeeded in getting 22,000 visitors last year and this time we target 25,000 visitors," she said during the launching of the 2014 Ramadan Festival with the theme "The Hand that gives is better than that which receives".

She said the programme, organised by JKKN with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, would also be filled with Ramadan religious lectures and Quran recitals by young generation reciters from 6pm.

Norliza said other programmes were Nasyid and Marhaban (antiphonal songs and song of praises for Prophet Muhammad) competition, Tadarus Al-Quran (relay reading of the Quran), Ramadan Raya Bazaar, Muslimah fashion modelling and Ramadan youth camp.

She said the Ramadan youth camp would be held on July 11-13 at the National Mosque and its contents were the Tadarus Al-Quran, midnight prayers, motivational lectures and religious lectures. The festival was a spiritually-based programme to make Ramadan a month to foster the Islamic culture and arts among the general public.
-bernama.

Cruising along the Weston

Seeing the mangrove trees adorned by speckles of light coming from countless fireflies would make one understand why the locals of the small town of Weston in the Beaufort district of Sabah have dubbed Mother Nature’s display the “Christmas trees at night”.

On a medium-sized boat, both children and adult visitors rose from their seats as soon as they saw the glittering natural splendour, located just about a 10-minute boat ride from the Weston River Cruise (WRC) restaurant and jetty.

The surrounding was almost pitch dark, making the “Christmas trees” stand out even more. Some 5 metres away from the mangroves, the boatman stopped the vessel and took out a torchlight with a green filter — drawing the illuminating insects towards the fascinated visitors.

Prior to the firefly boat cruise, the holiday makers are served with a hearty dinner of local kampung dishes at the restaurant which overlooks the river.

Opened in December last year, the restaurant and jetty are among 10 other such premises along the stretch of Sungai Bukau and Sungai Nabahan — a wetland wonder located about 100km from Kota Kinabalu. WRC manager Dayang Anizah Bongsu said the ecotourism destination is gaining popularity among tourists, both local and foreign, who are drawn to the locals’ hospitality as well as the beauty and serenity of the wetlands.

“We started out with a small boat that could carry 20 to 30 passengers at a time, but we can now afford to hire boatmen who can ferry more visitors.

“Tourism is now the main source of income for most of the locals here, whereas the previous generations were mostly fishermen selling freshwater seafood.”

The rivers that meander out to the South China Sea are vivified by wondrous wildlife, such as long-tailed macaques, silver langurs (also known as the silver-leaf monkey), white-bellied sea eagles and more.

If the boat cruise is a show, then these creatures are the cast which visitors from all over come to see.

Superstars of the river cruise, however, are the proboscis monkeys — endemic to the Borneo Island and referred to as bayau by the locals or monyet belanda (Dutch monkey) in other parts of Malaysia.

Upon reaching the town from the capital, the hosts from WRC brought the guests to the jetty — walking distance away — to be served with refreshments before getting onto a boat to see the sought-after long-nosed monkeys.

About 5pm, the boat set sail and within 10 minutes of navigating through the river surrounded by mangroves, nipah and tall swamp trees, the first barrel of proboscis monkeys could be seen. These endangered monkeys, which mostly live in groups and are also the mascot for Visit Malaysia 2014, are rather elusive, so a pair of binoculars would come in handy to observe their antics.

However, during this particular excursion, some of the monkeys were seen jumping off the tree branches, descending into the river as well as honking and snarling to communicate with each other. It was truly as if they were putting on a show.

A saltwater crocodile was also spotted on the muddy riverbank along the wetlands, which is connected to Sungai Padas and is a popular spot for white-water rafting. At one point, wading birds, such as herons and lesser adjutants as well as birds of prey, namely, eagles and kingfishers, also made an appearance. The visitors were informed that at a nearby fishing village, the residents usually sell prawns and crabs, but as it was a Friday then, businesses were closed as the fishermen were attending Friday prayers.

The cruise may not excite adrenaline junkies, but it’s a good way to spend a relaxing evening — sitting back in the boat and enjoying the scenery as it journeyed down the river into the sunset.

If the sun sinking on the horizon is an artist with a paintbrush, then he makes the waters, the sky and the trees at Weston river his canvas.

Towards the end of the boat trip, the sunlight coloured the sky a hue of red, orange and yellow, which was reflected the vast river and the trees lining it.

Almost in unison, all passengers aboard became “shutter-happy”, as they took out their cameras to eternalise the enchanting view of the sunset.

After returning to WRC’s jetty and restaurant, the visitors re-fuelled with a wholesome dinner alfresco, before setting off for the fireflies cruise.

The half-day tour is perfect for vacationists who crave a brief getaway from the city and suburban life, or those who just like to be charmed by the wildlife and local hospitality — Weston style.

-nst online.

Shila Amzah Love Live In Malaysia @ MegaStar Arena Kuala Lumpur ( 13 September 2014 )

Artiste Biographies:

Malaysia renowned artist, Shila Amzah, is going to launch her very first live in second half of 2014. No doubt, Shila is currently one of the best voices found in Asia; her unique voice has brought her to another level especially in her achievement in China. The theme of her live is about “LOVE”; Shila believes its will create a harmony and peaceful world. She said love is able to turn enemies into friends, she wishes to use her love songs to conquer the hearts of everyone. Love is able to gather us together even we are from different parts of the world. She wishes that her long songs were able to convey the love stories and be grateful to all the people who love her.

Shila is the up and coming star in Asia. In 2007, she has took part in 8TV’s “One in a Million” second season and won herself 1st runner up. On the following year, she became the champion in “Asia New Singer Competition”, is a singing competition established by Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation in Shanghai, China, featuring younger and relatively unestablished contestants from many Asian countries.

At the later stage, Malaysia famous music producer, Mr Ong Peng Chu has discover the talent of Shila and encourage her to enter the world largest Chinese market, China. In 2012, with the encouragement from her manager Mr. Ong, she decide to join Asian Wave, a Chinese reality singing talent show held in Shanghai by Dragon TV. On 20 September 2012, Shila became the champion in Asian Wave. Shila Amzah had the most online votes among all the contestants, and her winning song is "Zheng Fu (征服)" by Na Ying.

In 2014, Shila Amzah an invitation to “I’m A Singer” (season two). She has finally begun her journey, and been taking on one big, sweeping ballad after another such as Guan Zhe’s Xiang Ni De Ye, Jay Chou’s Zui Chang De Dian Ying and Beyonce’s Listen to rave reviews. And each time she takes the stage, her gait, her piercing eyes, her dramatic gestures speak of the eagerness of a woman who’s knee-deep in the trenches in war – a musical one. Through I’m A Singer 2, besides her remarkable live performance, and yet shehas talents in languages. Being a non-Chinese singer, she just used 4 days to learn a new Chinese song, don’t you think is amazing. Besides, I’m A Singer 2 competition also helping her to have a large base of China and Hong Kong fans.

Exclusive bought to you by Mega Ultimate Sdn Bhd and Shila Amzah Entertainment Berhad, Shila Amzah Live in Malaysia will be held at Mega Star Arena on 13th September 2014 (Saturday). The official ticket launch will be held on 28th June 2014. The tickets price category as follow: VIP – RM268, PS1 – RM138 & PS2 – RM98 (All ticket prices exclude RM3 ticketing agent administration fee)

In conjunction with Shila Azmah Live in Malaysia 2014, Shila Amzah is coming back to Malaysia on 19th July for her fans meeting and autographs session at 4:30pm, Paradigm Mall. We will setup an exclusive ticket counter for the public at Upper Atrium, Level UG. An exclusive poster will be given away to each customer, and stand a chance to get her signature on stage.

Shila Amzah Live in Malaysia 2014 is jointly organize by Mega Ultimate Sdn Bhd and Shila Amzah Entertainment Berhad, Mega Star Arena is the Official Concert Venue，My FM & Era FM as Official Radio Station, Paradigm Mall as Official Mall, Premiere Hotel as Official Hotel, Airasia as Official Airline，Alexandre Christieas Official Watch, Special Thank ESS。

Get your tickets from:

1. Online at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com
2. Rock Corner outlets:	The Gardens (TEL: 03 - 2201 4893)
	KLCC (TEL: 03 - 2181 5560)
	Subang Parade (TEL: 03 - 5613 1139)
	The Curve (TEL: 03 - 7733 1139)
3. Victoria Music outlets:	Sg Wang(TEL: 03 - 2148 7208)
	Amcorp (TEL: 03 - 7956 0592)
	Tropicana (TEL: 03 - 7722 2955)
4. Artist Gallery:	Gurney Plaza, Penang
	Queensbay Mall, Penang
5. KL Life Centre	TEL: 03 - 2162 2570
6. Tune Store	Low Yat Plaza

-AirAsiaRedTix.

An All - Malaysian Shopping Experience

Kuala Lumpur, June 28- If you're an avid shopper travelling in Asia, do try and drop by Malaysia - a retail haven that is now firmly rooted in the shopping agendas of many.

The local shopping scene has always been exciting with a vast selection of merchandise on offer ranging from the latest in tech and electrical equipment to exclusive and also trendy fashions, unusual knick-knacks and intriguing souvenir items. Adding to it is the long line of cultural and contemporary activities, and sales happening nationwide throughout the year.

The story of Malaysian shopping however, began way back in 1995 when it was promoted as an annual event in October for a period of 2 weeks. In 2003, a special secretariat called the Shopping Malaysia Secretariat was set up to develop the nation's shopping attractions and aggressively market it to regional and international audiences.

A national three-leg shopping campaign was modelled comprising the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale targeted at visitors arriving for the Petronas Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival designed for tourists on summer holidays as well as the Middle Eastern market and, the 1Malaysia Year End Sale which catered to domestic and foreign visitors on year - end holidays.

The position of shopping as a vital tourism component was further elevated when tourism was identified as one of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA). In developing the Tourism NKEA, 12 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) were launched. Of these, three focused on shopping i.e.

Epp1; to position Malaysia as a Duty Free Shopping Destination

Epp2; to designate the Bukit Bintang- Kuala Lumpur City Centre (BBKLCC) area as a vibrant shopping precinct and,

Epp3; to establish three Premium Outlets in Malaysia

To this effect, Malaysia was declared a Duty Free destination in 2011, meaning shoppers could then on expect to indulge in a huge array of imported goods and get more value for their money. The Bukit Bintang KLCC Tourism Association was formed as well, to coordinate promotional activities to develop the BBKLCC district into a prime shopping venue.

The efforts haven't been in vain, what with Kuala Lumpur clinching the fourth spot amongst 12 of the World’s Best Shopping Cities as announced by CNN in 2013. Beating world renowned shopping havens like Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and Milan, the crowning came on the heels of yet another success, that of being voted the second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific in 2012, surpassing traditional shopping hotspots like Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Tokyo and Seoul. It was only to be expected seeing that Kuala Lumpur offers some of the best bargains, a wide range of quality stores and malls, endless local and imported brands of merchandise, dining experiences to relish, classy yet affordable accommodation and, the warmest of hospitality.

The shopping landscape itself is eclectic with bustling ‘mom and pop’ stores, exotic bazaars and night markets interweaving with glamorous shopping malls that sprawl out like the very popular Suria KLCC, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Mid Valley Megamall or 1Utama in Klang Valley; Queensbay Mall, Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon and Straits Quay Tanjong Pinang in Penang ; Johor Bahru City Square, Galleria @ Kotaraya, The Zon Shopping Mall and Johor Premium Outlets in Johor; and, 1Borneo Hypermall Autocity, Suria Sabah, The Spring and Hills Shopping Mall in East Malaysia.

And if you feel like trading the air- conditioned environs for the unpredictable and fun-filled atmosphere of sidewalk bazaars and night markets, look up popular street marts like Petaling Street, Little India, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Hartamas and the Curve in Klang Valley. Elsewhere, the Little Penang Street Market, Batu Feringghi Night Market and Chowrasta Bazaar in Penang offer a hodgepodge of items to fill your cart up, and over in East Malaysia, the many native-run 'Tamu' will simply hold you captive! Jonker Walk in Melaka makes for great antique hunting while the Siti Khadijah market in Kelantan and flower markets in Cameron Highlands will have you clicking away with your cameras.

Whatever your cup of tea, the shopping experience in Malaysia is heightened by its highly successful sales carnivals- the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale (1MGP Sale) in March, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (1MMSC) that runs from June to August and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (1MYES) held from November to early January. Though shopping is an obsessive hobby enjoyed all year, it is during these sale periods that the prices of merchandise are slashed to retail lows and one witnesses the popularity of the shopping activity in Malaysia.

If bargains and special offers aren't enough, other thrilling events are held concurrently with every sale carnival too. The Petronas Formula 1 Grand Prix and Malaysia International Shoe Festival run during the 1MGP Sale; the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival is held during the 1MMSC; and the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, Malaysia International Gourmet Festival, ASEAN Food Heritage Trail and, Street Food and Restaurant Food Festival are held alongside the 1MYES.

Shoppers will be happy to know that with Malaysia being declared a Duty Free destination in 2011, they now have the pleasure of paying less for items like perfumes, handbags, apparel, gadgets, rugs, bed linen, footwear, hats, jewellery and toys. Retail prices have been reduced by an average of 20% by many luxury brands in Malaysia too.

Great shopping experiences, favourable exchange rates, delicious cuisines, fascinating attractions and a unique mix of culture and heritage make Malaysia a must-visit destination as guaranteed by the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign. So come enjoy a grand shopping rendezvous with us- Go SHOP MALAYSIA!
-Shopping Malaysia.

Supermokh Sebuah Muzikal Restaging @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur ( 8~21 September 2014 )

Penganjur	:	Tall Order Production
Tempat	:	Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya
Jenis	:	Teater
Tarikh	:	8 - 21 September 2014
Masa	:	8.30 pm, 3.00 pm
Harga Tiket	:	Matinee (3.00 petang): RM38, RM78, RM86, RM102, RM134, RM190, RM246   Malam (8.30 malam): RM46, RM96, RM106, RM126, RM166, RM236, RM306
Tiket Online	:	http://www.ticket2u.biz
Hotline	:	+603 4147 8600

-www.istanabudaya.gov.my

Tourism Ministry, Visa Join Hands To Promote Major Tourism Events

photo: MOTAC facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The tourism and culture ministry has partnered with Visa to promote the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 campaigns.

Both sides inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today, making Visa the official card for both events.

"As the official card for the two events, Visa will leverage on its status as the world's most recognised payment brand to promote Malaysia as a top tourist destination across the globe," said Visa vice-president for consumer products, Ruben Salazar Genovez.

He said Visa was committed to bringing in more visitors to Malaysia and its objective was to promote it in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Australia, as well as important international markets including Saudi Arabia, Japan, India, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia and others.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the ministry would work closely with Visa to identify events, festivals and attractions nationwide, which could be promoted internationally.

They include interesting, innovative and unique tourism experiences encompassing eco-tourism, golf-tourism, medical tourism, homestay experiences and many more, he said in his speech read out by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng. The MoU was signed by Ong and Genovez for their respective organisations.
-bernama.

Malaysia Showcases Luxe Attractions To International Travel Advisors

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 JUNE 2014: Travel + Leisure, the world’s most influential travel magazine has chosen to convene its Travel Advisory Board meeting in Malaysia from 18 to 26 June, thus creating a platform for Malaysia to raise its destination profile in the minds of an influential group of tourism industry players.

Working closely with Tourism Malaysia, Travel + Leisure invited a total of 20 advisors and tour operators specializing in luxury tours from the United States, Australia, China, India and Indonesia to Malaysia for a familiarisation tour and networking event with Malaysia’s best tourism industry players.

Tourism Malaysia welcomes this opportunity to introduce the country’s diverse attractions to an elite group of industry players. It is also an opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen its presence in these markets and build on the interest to promote Malaysia as a luxury destination.

The group’s visit included tours to Kuala Lumpur’s heritage enclave to admire the Sultan Abdul Samad building and the historic Independence Square, as well as to Royal Selangor’s interactive pewter gallery. In Selangor, they experienced authentic traditional games and the serenity of kampung lifestyle at the Banghuris homestay. The group also had a chance to witness a traditional Malay wedding ceremony.

Shopping was also on the agenda to allow board members to grab the rock-bottom bargains at the on-going 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival.

Their visit to Malaysia continued to the paradise island of Langkawi where they stayed at the award-winning The Datai resort and indulged in local cuisine at some of the island’s best restaurants.

Langkawi’s wealth of natural history was also revealed through an ecotourism tour and sunset cruise.

Besides The Datai, properties such as The Majestic and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur also hosted the board members throughout their stay.

Today, the Travel Advisory Board meeting commenced, the highlights being presentations by YTL Hotels, Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia. Panel discussions were held during which board members shared their perspectives of Malaysia and advised Malaysia’s tour operators and industry players on how to compete in the North America market.

Besides networking with Malaysia’s leading travel trade players, the board members will also meet with Tourism Malaysia Director General Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab at a farewell dinner at Saloma Bistro, Kuala Lumpur, later tonight.

The US, China, India, Indonesia and Australia are among the twelve most important markets for Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia currently operates 15 overseas offices in these five markets alone, including one each in Vancouver, Canada, and Hong Kong.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Klia2 To Support Projected Air Travel Growth For Next 10-15 Years - Najib

www.klia.com.my

SEPANG, June 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said klia2 Terminal (klia2) is another flagship international gateway to the nation, with the capacity to support projected air travel growth for at least the next 10 to 15 year.

He said the mega terminal was enable to handle up to 45 million passengers per year, three times more than the previous Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)'s capacity.

"Based on the passenger traffic projection for this year, klia2 will see about 25 million passengers passing through the terminal by year's end in far greater comfort than was ever possible at the old LCCT," he said at the official launch of klia2 here today.

Klia2 began commercial operations on May 2 this year and since then has successfully handled more than three million passenger movements and 24,000 aircraft movements. The airport is able to handle 45 million passengers per year - three times more than the previous LCCT's capacity.

Najib said over the last decade, the low-cost air travel sector in Malaysia had consistently recorded double digit growth every year. He said the robust growth was expected to continue on this trajectory given the demand and competition dynamics in the sector.

"The low cost carrier business models have also evolved in line with market needs that include hybrid and premium offering as well as transfer and transit connectivity," he said.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, said the terminal played a critical role as part of the KLA system to realise the potential to be the region's leading aviation hub. Under the National Airport Master Plan (NAMP), he said the government had laid out a strategic development road map to provide for the growth in air travel demand across the nation over the next 50 years.
-bernama.

From Malaysia to Barcelona, anything to make their dreams come true

Hafiza Rofa and Adam Norrodin are two Malaysian riders of the FIM CEV Repsol who left their lives in their country to live in the High Performance Center in Sant Cugat, Barcelona.

Future riders all over the planet know that the FIM CEV Repsol is consolidated as the threshold of the World Championship and all of them want to stand out in this series to be able to jump to the World Championship. Hafiza Rofa and Adam Norrodin want to be able to make their dream of competing in the Continental Circus come true and for that reason they left their native country, Malaysia, and moved to the HPC, the High Performance Center in Sant Cugat del Valles (Barcelona).

At the HPC’s facilities, they share training and free time with other riders and athletes. Among them, there is Maria Herrera, who has been studying and training there for more than a year. With their bags full of hope when they arrive in Spain, Hafiza Rofa and Adam Norrodin will do their best to prepare with the aim to show their full potential at the FIM CEV Repsol.

This Championship will have a new round this weekend at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, where the Moto3 class –where Hafiza Rofa and Adam Norrodin compete‒ will have two races on Sunday at 11:00 and 14:00h. The Superbike and Moto2 classes will have their races at 12:00 and 13:00h, respectively.
-www.sepangcircuit.com

Artists @ KLIA ( Daily 3.00 pm ~ 10.00 pm )

Jom beramai-ramai datang menyaksikan aktiviti Artists@KLIA di Bangunan Satelit, Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). Sakiskan demonstrasi seni visual seperti seni lukis, seni catan, batik, karikatur, seramik, kaligrafi, seni kraf dan banyak lagi. Kenali dan beramah mesra bersama pelukis tanah air seperti Ismail Itam, Fauziah Hj Yahaya, Faizal Samat dan Azhar Arshad. Program ini dibawa khas untuk anda oleh Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd dan Balai Seni Visual Negara.
 
ARTISTS@KLIA
Bangunan Satelit, Terminal Utama,
Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA)


Satelite Building, KLIA Main Terminal
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
-www.artgallery.gov.my

Malaysia Airlines’ Mid-Year Marvels

Subang, 22 June 2014 – It’s bargains galore with Malaysia Airlines’ Mid-Year Marvels! The national carrier will be offering irresistible air fares at up to 50 percent savings to some of your favourite destinations from 23 June until 7 July.

Customers can purchase value for money Economy class return airfares from Kuala Lumpur to London, Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Bali, as well as favourite domestic routes, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Johor Bahru, Alor Setar, Kuantan and Sandakan.

The promotional airfares to Penang, Johor Bahru and Alor Setar start from only RM150, while return flight offers to Bangkok and Jakarta start from RM369. Other attractive return fares include RM759 to Hong Kong and RM2799 to London.

Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Senior Vice President Malaysia, Dato’ Muzammil Mohamad said, “We are delighted to offer these value-for-money fares to our customers, with no hidden costs, and this offer comes just in time for the Raya holidays. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option to balik kampung for Hari Raya or for a quick buka puasa trip, be a smart traveller and fly with us. In fact, you may be able to save more when you travel with us in the month of August as we are offering additional discounts for selected routes for departures in the Merdeka month.  Do hurry, as this offer is limited.”

“On another note, in conjunction with the launch of Jualan Bersepadu 1Malaysia by Kementrian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan (KPDNKK), Malaysia Airlines Mid-Year Marvels sale will begin on 22 June exclusively for Government officers. To make ticket purchases, just head on over to any of our ticketing offices nationwide. Just produce your staff ID and we will issue the ticket for you,” he added.

Dato' Muzammil said, “The Mid-Year Marvels also include excellent oneworld deals. Getting to destinations in Europe such as Rome or Vienna is easy and affordable by flying from Kuala Lumpur to London for RM2799 (on Malaysia Airlines), and for an additional RM400, get connected with a return flight to Rome, Milan, Dublin, Munich, or Vienna via our oneworld partners. With our oneworld connections, the options are so many.

The travel period for Mid-Year Marvels begin from 25 June 2014 to 31 March 2015. All prices quoted exclude applicable surcharges and are valid for travel from Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Golden Holidays, the tour arm of Malaysia Airlines will be offering 3 nights package to Bali from RM1430 and Siem Riep from RM1000. Visit their website at holiday.malaysiaairlines.com or the new flagship service centre at KL Sentral to find out more. Counters are open from Monday to Friday, 10am – 7pm.

There are also more destinations on offer, as well as Business class fares available during this sale.

For more information and reservations, please log on to www.malaysiaairlines.com or call Malaysia Airlines’ 24-hour Call Centre at 1-300-88-3000, or contact Malaysia Airlines’ appointed travel agents. For queries on Golden Holidays’ packages, please contact +603 7863 400 or emailgoldenholidays@malaysiaairlines.com

-Malaysia Airlines.

2014 Putrajaya Royal Floria Awarded By Malaysia Book Of Records

photo: PelanconganKini

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- The 2014 Putrajaya Royal Floria Festival recorded history this year with it being awarded a Malaysia Book of Records certificate for the most international participation in a flower festival.

A total of 43 international garden designers and florists from 24 countries were involved this year, which is the seventh held since 2007.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat said such a festival was not just a flower exhibition but also created economic opportunities and promoted growth of the flora, landscape and tourism industry. "Floria 2014 is the best branding to raise Putrajaya's name to an international level and hope it will continue to become the best location to hold such an event," he said during the closing of the festival Sunday.

Some 200 local and international operators of the landscape and flower industry took part in the exhibition, demonstration, sales of flowers besides arts and crafts at the carnival.

Until last night, the 2014 Putrajaya Royal Floria recorded more than RM2.1 million through sales of flowers, crafts as well of food and beverages.
-bernama.

About 200,000 Visitors Mesmerize By Glittering Flotilla Parade At Magic Of The Night

photo: PelanconganKini

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- About 200,000 visitors were mesmerized by the glittering parade of 15 flotillas at the Magic of the Night throughout the nine nights of the event.

The fourth edition of the parade, themed "Colours of Harmony' involved 15 flotillas from different states and organisations, each representing their own unique attractions with lighted decorations.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said Magic of the Night truly embodied the heart and soul of the country's attractions, culture and heritage as displayed through creative interplay of light, colour and creativity.

"The location in Marina Putrajaya, set against the silhouette of Putrajaya's iconic landmarks, proffers a truly memorable panorama that will surely linger in the minds of all visitors for a long time," he said at the closing ceremony of Magic of the Night 2014 here Sunday night.

"I am pleased to inform you that the response for Magic of the Night 2014 has really been overwhelming," he said, adding that feedback from the tourists and visitors had been positive. He said his ministry also anticipated many more editions of the event in the years ahead.
-bernama.

Pullman doubles presence in Sarawak

Pullman Miri Waterfront will debut in 4Q2015 as the second international brand in Miri and the second Pullman hotel in Sarawak.

The 328-room Pullman Miri Waterfront comprises 18 storeys of high-rise strata titled suites and 10 units of three-storey shophouses, all to be located at Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre – a mixed development project by local developer and owner, Unique Harvests.

Meeting facilities at Pullman Miri Waterfront include a ballroom with 1,000-pax seating capacity and six other state-of-the-art function rooms. The executive lounge on the 24^th floor will offer panoramic views of Miri city and the South China Sea.

Unique Harvests project director, Alice Hu Yun Bin, said: “A new international presence is a continued indication that our city of Miri is both safe and secure, and that opportunities for international investment and business exist here. We know that international companies watch each other for signs of potential business opportunities and a new international presence here can mean an expected increase in the amount of international interest and planned projects for the future.

“The Pullman Miri Waterfront will not only create luxury accommodation for our guests and visitors, but also produce many new jobs for the local workforce with our human resource plan calling for training of local labour to work alongside international managers and staff.”

Adam Kamal, deputy president 2 of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, said: “The additional rooms will help attract more affluent tourists from neighbouring countries. The big ballroom with banqueting facilities will also attract more small- to medium-size MICE groups to the destination.”

Miri's other international hotel brand is a Marriott Resort & Spa.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia’s biggest shopping kick-off

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22, 2014 – While football fans are still gripped by the World Cup fever, shoppers nationwide are set for the nation’s biggest shopping kick-off ever. The strategic move to jointly launch the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival & 1Malaysia Unified Sale Carnival is right on target to lure Malaysians and tourists to go on a shopping spree and grab the best bargains Malaysia has ever got to offer.

A shopping season like no other, it is launched today by the Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz and the Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, YB Dato’ Seri Hasan bin Malek.

Both sales run from June 18 to September 1, 2014 offering shoppers more than enough time to browse around for the most attractive deals as well as take part in many rewarding activities such as contests and other fun-filled promotional drives put together by malls, retails stalls and other participating trades throughout Malaysia.

Dubbed the “Mother Of All Sales”, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival promises mega shopping excitement, delightful dining options, endless entertainment and fun-filled activities that add to a truly wholesome shopping spree. The carnival returns this year with plenty of action not only in Kuala Lumpur, but also in other major shopping hubs, such as in Selangor, Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. Participating merchants also rally all their outlets nationwide to make the carnival sales even bigger and better.

1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is one of the three major shopping seasons in the country. The other two are 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale in March and 1Malaysia Year-End Sale from November to December, which wraps up the year’s shopping thrills. Tourism Malaysia continues to spearhead the country’s shopping campaigns as these have significantly contributed towards the performance of the country’s tourism industry. Shopping expenditure holds the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after the accommodation sector. Tourists spent RM19.8 billion on shopping in Malaysia last year, an increase of 6.3 per cent over the 2012 shopping expenditure of RM18.6 billion.

While the three sales have helped in boosting tourist spending in the country and bringing numerous benefits to the local retail sector, the 1Malaysia Unified Sales Carnival unites the three main annual sales into one central, co-ordinated event with much larger participation cutting across a wide spectrum of industrial sectors. Similar to previous years’ campaigns, the 1Malaysia Unified Sales Carnival 2014 is aimed at creating greater spill-over effects of consumer shopping, and helping to increase tourist arrivals and spending, as well as boosting trade and business transactions. The targeted sectors such as the banking, spa, housing development, telecommunication, fitness, airline, hypermarket, automotive, and health product sectors, will also offer shoppers a multitude of attractive deals, incentives and value-added services.

The details of the various Events & Happenings during this mammoth sales period are featured in a special Shopping Malaysia booklet produced by the Shopping Malaysia Secretariat and distributed through Tourism Malaysia offices and Tourist Information Centres nationwide.

Also unveiled during the launching of 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2014 and 1Malaysia Unified Sales Carnival 2014 is a Commemorative Book For Tourism Malaysia: Malaysia, Simply Spectacular Shopping, which is the result of the collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Malaysian Shopping Malls Association.

Indeed, Malaysia is a spectacular place for shopping as the country has already proven to be a leading shopping destination in the region. Kuala Lumpur, after all, has been ranked for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) by the global news network CNN as the 4th Best Shopping City, after New York, Tokyo and London and ahead of Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, making our capital city the best shopping destination in Southeast Asia and among the top in Asia.

-Shopping Malaysia.