Sarawak rejects proposed share of tourism tax

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg (second right) arriving for the opening of the Second International Conference on Special Education. He said Sarawak will negotiate with Putrajaya again to get better deals from the tourism tax collection, July 31,2017.

— Picture by Sulok Tawie

KUCHING, July 31 — The Sarawak government has rejected Putrajaya’s offer of 10 per cent from collections of the Tourism Tax, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg said today.

“That (RM1 for every RM10 collected) is not what we have discussed with the federal government before,” he told reporters after opening the Second International Conference in Special Education at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

He said that when discussing with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it was agreed that Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia would equally share the revenue.

“We will negotiate with Putrajaya again. Initially, it is not supposed to be RM1,” the chief minister said.

He said Sarawak and Sabah will submit a joint memorandum to Putrajaya on the share of the tax revenue.

Under the federal tourism tax that will come into force tomorrow, foreigners will pay RM10 per room per night at all local hotels. Malaysians are exempted.

Initially, the rates were to start from RM2.50 per room per night for non-rated hotels to RM20 per room per night at five stars hotel, but this was changed following public feedback.

-malaymail online.

AirAsia offers up to 45 per cent discounts

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is offering discounts of up to 45 per cent on local and international flights with its latest Buy More, Save More campaign.

From July 31 to Aug 6, travellers can get 15 per cent off flight bookings for one passenger, 25 per cent off for two passengers, 35 per cent off for three passengers and 45 per cent off for four or more passengers on the same booking.

Travellers can also get a 20 per cent discount via a Fly-Thru flight booking or opt for the AirAsia X Premium Flatbed.

The promotion is available for travel between Feb 26 to Aug 28, 2018.

“This promo has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to travel alone or with your family or friends, we will get you to the destination for less," said AirAsia group chief commercial officer Siegtraund Teh.

The low-cost carrier flies to more than 120 destinations across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and the US.

-thestar online.

Sabah and Sarawak could ask for higher share of tourism tax

Need for speed: Tourists experiencing the thrill of the region’s
first jet boat ride service in Tanjung Aru.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak may seek a more equitable share of the tourism tax collected from foreigners visiting Malaysia.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said both states had been carrying their own tourism promotions over the years.

“We have done this at our own cost and I hope this will be taken into account in the division of the revenue from the tourism tax,” he said after launching the Smart Hero jet boat service in Tanjung Aru near here yesterday.

Masidi said he would be discussing the matter soon with his Sarawak counterpart Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah over the phone.

It was earlier reported that revenue from the tax, expected to be in place by Aug 1, would be shared equally between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

Sabah, said Masidi, was appreciative of the Tourism and Culture Ministry’s move to only impose the tax on foreign visitors, adding that this was also its common stand with Sarawak.

However, he said the ministry should consider the RM10 flat rate per room per night only for tourists staying at four- and five-star hotels.

“It should consider a RM5 flat rate for those staying in hotels rated three stars and below.

“Such a tax will be easy to collect as well,” said Masidi, adding that both Sabah and Sarawak had agreed that the tax should not impede the industry which was sensitive to changes.

On Wednesday, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said the tax would apply to all hotel categories.

However, it will not be applicable for premises with four rooms or less, homestays and village stays.

The tax had previously met with resistance from Sabah and Sarawak, which were seeking a deferment on its implementation.

Earlier, Masidi also launched the region’s first jet boat thrill ride.

The 15-minute jet boat ride will take passengers to waters near the Tengku Abdul Rahman marine park islands, allowing them to experience a 360-degree spin.

Operated by Smart Hero (Malay­sia) Bhd, the rides are similar to those offered at various rivers and lakes in New Zealand and other countries.

The jet boats can accommodate up to 12 passengers and tickets cost RM150 each.

-thestar online.

G-DRAGON 2017 World Tour "ACT III, M.O.T.T.E" In Kuala Lumpur ( 17 September 2017 )

G-DRAGON has included Malaysia in his 2017 World Tour !

With 6 years of training in YG Entertainment, G-DRAGON debuted in the year 2006 with his members in BIGBANG. 3 years later, G-DRAGON debuted as a soloist and resulting a huge amount of success by winning various awards throughout the years. The talented idol has written over 23 hit songs including for his band; Loser, Lies, Bang Bang Bang and much more. His first ever EP won him a Record of the Year at the 22nd Seoul Music Awards. The EP broke his previous record, Heartbreaker, for being the highest-selling album.

G-DRAGON is also the first Korean soloist to hold a dome tour for his first worldwide tour in the year 2013. He does not only excel in talents but also in fashion. The soloist is famously known for his unique and charming ways of dressing up. He has worked with multiple designers even becoming a brand ambassador for Chanel in Korea. The artist has been flattered and attended fashion shows.

The influential idol has begun his tour of ‘G-DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR ‘after a kick start in Seoul and has extended to 29 cities in Asia, North America as well as Europe. The concert reflects the idols “loneliness and anguish hidden behind the glamorous life from his massive success.”, in other words, his true self. World famous Creative Director, Willo Perron, is going to collaborate with G-DRAGON on this much anticipated tour. For over twenty years, Perron has been pushing culture forward, lending his creative touch to the most innovative artists, including Rihanna, Kanye West, and Drake. He has also contributed in the interior designs of various global brands and is the pioneer in leading culture with his own story telling.

G-DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR IN KUALA LUMPUR organized by IME Malaysia on 17th September 2017 (Sunday), 7:30pm at Stadium Merdeka.

Ticket launch will be held on 29th July (Saturday) at Cheras Sunway Velocity Mall, 1st floor V Boulevard Entrance from 10am till 3pm. 1 person can purchase maximum 10 tickets.

A limited giant concert poster will give away for ticket purchaser on the spot (1 ticket can redeem 1 poster, first come first serve). Online purchase will open on same day start from 4pm through TicketCharge website (www.ticketcharge.com.my).

Ticket outlet sales will begin on 31st July (Monday), fans can purchase ticket at selected outlets for Speedy video, Rock Corner, PJ Live Arts, information counter at The Mines shopping mall and 1 Shamelin. Outstation outlets such as Eden Ultimate (Kuantan) and Blonde Brunette (Penang) and TicketCharge KL& Penang office. You also can dial TicketCharge hotline purchase +603-92228811 for ticket purchase.

TICKET PRICES :
• Rock zone – RM690 (free standing)
• V.I.P – RM710 (numbered seat)
• Cat 1 – RM590 (numbered seat)
• Cat 2 – RM490 (numbered seating)
• Cat 3 – RM390 (numbered seating)
• Cat 4 – RM298 (free seating) 
• Cat 5 – RM210 (free seating)
** All ticket prices inclusive of 6% GST but exclusive of RM4 processing fee.

FAN BENEFIT:
Fan’s who purchase rock zone or VIP ticket stand a chance to win sound check passes by lucky draw based on your ticket barcode.

For the latest updates, follow IME Asia Facebook, @IME_Asia on Instagram, @IMEProduction on Twitter, or @IMEProductions on WeChat.

-www.ticketcharge.com.my
http://priority.ticketcharge.com.my/gdragon2017/gdragon2017.html

Merdeka Promotion @ Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur

-Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Website : http://www.seripacifichotel.com

M'sians exempted from tourism tax, foreigners pay RM10

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will be fully exempted from paying the Tourism Tax which is expected to be implemented on Aug 1, said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (pic).

This follows earlier plans to exempt locals from paying the tax at only three-star and lower hotels.

Nazri said that foreign tourists will, however, be charged a flat rate of RM10 per night and per room for all types of hotels and accommodation.

“We will impose a RM10 flat rate from five-star to zero-star hotels for foreign tourists, and Malaysians will be exempted from the tax across all classifications of hotels,” he said in Parliament on Wednesday.

He was responding to a question from Anthony Loke (DAP - Seremban) on plans to standardise the tourism tax rate and whether locals would be exempted from paying it.

Nazri said that there was nothing left to discuss on the matter, adding that it was now up to the Prime Minister to decide when the tax would be officially implemented.

Hotel guests were originally expected to be charged between RM2.50 and RM20 for overnight stays depending on the hotel classification.

Collection of the tax will be handled by the Customs Department.

-thestar online.

Stay & Eat Durian @ Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai

-Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai.

AirAsia unflinching as it darts towards Davao

photo: AirAsia facebook

Undaunted by uncertainties in Mindanao, AirAsia will connect Davao to Kuala Lumpur beginning December 21, with plans to develop the city into a hub for the BIMP-EAGA initiative that comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The 180-pax, four-times weekly services will be the second carrier to connect Davao to South-east Asia after Singapore’s SilkAir service, despite efforts from the Philippines to attract foreign carriers to Davao.

Speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of the Davao Investment Conference last Friday, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Life is all about taking risks… (it comes down to) how you market Davao. I really hope the airport supports us (in terms of) incentives and marketing.”

This would not be the first time AirAsia is opening a route that “nobody dreamt of doing”, Fernandes said, referring to the airline’s Macau services, the first from South-east Asia, and other pioneering routes including to Bandung, Langkawi and Clark.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador added that the airline is planning flights from Davao to Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei and other destinations in the BIMP-EAGA corridors.

Comendador said Davao’s airport is willing to waive airport landing fees and other charges while BIMP-EAGA doesn’t charge travel taxes, making it feasible for the carrier to serve the region.

This would help alleviate a key challenge for LCCs, as he said that airport fees constitute one of the biggest costs for budget airlines, even higher than passenger fares in some instances.

-TTG Asia.

Kuala Lumpur International Youth Marching Band Competition 2017 @ Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium ( 27 ~ 29 July 2017 )

-Kuala Lumpur International Youth Marching Band Competition 2017 facebook.

Titanland Festival 2017 @ Selangor Turf Club ( 25 November 2017 )

Titanland Festival 2017 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s Largest Inflatable Festival
An Event from Titanland

It's finally here! The fantasy playground is back and bigger

Never dreamt of your child play being enlarged to fit an adult? Look no further.

The iconic Titanland Festival is back taking the center stage at The Selangor Turf Club, Malaysia on 25th November 2017 with an expectation of 15,000 visitors nationwide.

This year Titanland Festival will be setting up the facade of a 1 acre land with new thematic features of the route run with a 38m X 28m man-made pool at the race course.

Besides having the inflatables run as the main event, Titanland Festival will be launching its Titan Kingdom on a full scale thematic theme park for visitors to participate in this momentous event, full of excitement!

The fantasy city Titanland aims to bring the inflatables run to the next level!

Join us now. And regret not.

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/titanland_festival_2017

Shila Amzah “My Journey” Concert in Malaysia 2017 @ Arena of Stars, Resort World Genting ( 26 August 2017 )

NurShahila binti Amir Amzah, better known as Shila Amzah, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter, record producer, businesswoman and actress.

Shila released her second pop studio album in 2005, Sha-Hila. Her single “Patah Seribu” was awarded Pop Song of the Year and Song of The Year at the 19th Malaysian Music Awards.

Following her international debut in Shanghai, China, Shila eventually emerged as the winner of Asian Wave, the hit Chinese reality singing talent show. Her success in the China market earned her the Kembara Award (International Music Breakthrough Award) at the Malaysian Music Awards, making her the youngest honoree.

After that, Shila continued her career in the mandopop industry by breaking out to Hong Kong in 2015 where she released some new singles, conducted an international press conference and established her second record label and global management company, Shilala (HK) Limited.

Her success on international stages has gained her honorific titles such as Asia’s Sweetheart, Princess of Music, and National Treasure of Malaysia.

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

Tiga badak tarikan unik Taman Negara Kuala Tahan

Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Raza k (tiga dari kanan) beramah mesra dengan penduduk

kampung dalam majlis ramah mesra di Kampung Besul, Jerantut, baru-baru ini.

JERANTUT 20 Julai – Tiga ekor badak di Taman Negara yang me­rupakan badak Sumatera terakhir di Semenanjung Malaysia antara produk pelancongan unik yang bakal menjadi tarikan utama di Taman Negara Kuala Tahan.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Tahan, Datuk Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak berkata, tiga ekor haiwan hampir pupus yang berada di Pusat Biodiversiti Badak Taman Negara itu akan diperkenalkan sebagai antara pro­duk baharu Taman Negara.

“Sebenarnya kita telah mem­belanjakan hampir RM12 juta bagi membangunkan Pusat Biodiversiti Badak Sumatera dan perkara ini sengaja saya tidak hebahkan kerana menunggu jalan raya ke kawasan itu siap.

“Selepas ini kita akan memperkenalkan semula bahawa Je­rantut mempunyai pusat biodiversiti badak walaupun hanya ada tiga ekor tetapi membuktikan badak Sumatera masih ada di Taman Negara Kuala Tahan,” katanya selepas majlis ramah mesra di Kampung Besul di sini baru-baru ini.

Menurut Wan Amizan, pusat biodiversiti badak bernilai lebih RM12 juta itu telah dibangunkan di kawasan seluas 160,000 hektar bermula dari Kuala Atok ke Gunung Tahan sejak empat tahun dahulu.

Katanya, apabila kemudahan jalan raya ke pusat berkenaan siap kelak, usaha mempromosikan kawasan itu akan dilakukan terma­suklah mengadakan simposium peringkat dunia mengenai badak Sumatera di Taman Negara.

“Setiap tahun ada pelbagai pihak datang dari Singapura, Eropah dan negara-negara luar mahu melakukan kajian tentang badak tetapi kerana kemudahan hendak masuk tidak ada, maka kajian tidak dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik.

“Jadi kali ini apabila terbina jalan raya tersebut dengan pintu masuk khusus untuk pergi ke Kuala Atok, maka kawasan Pusat Biodiversiti Badak Sumatera itu akan kita perkenalkan sebagai salah satu pintu masuk ke Taman Negara,” katanya.

Sementara itu, beliau berkata, usaha berterusan akan dilakukan bagi mempelbagaikan lagi produk pelancongan Taman Negara Kuala Tahan seperti pendakian Gunung Bakar dan juga Safari Night.

Ujarnya, pintu masuk lama ke Taman Negara iaitu Kuala Tembe­ling juga akan dibangunkan dengan produk pelancongan baharu seperti ­river cruise dan juga tarikan pertembungan dua sungai iaitu Sungai Tembeling dan Sungai Jelai.

-utusan online.

HANDS 20th Anniversary Concert - WIND OF NOMADS @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur ( 4 ~ 6 & 11 ~ 13 August 2017 )

The Wind of Nomads concert is a 1.5 hour concert featuring several new works on African and Asian percussion. This is the culmination of a three year project between HANDS and Dafra Drum of Burkina Faso, West Africa. And the first of HANDS Percussion’s 20th anniversary concert this year!

Why the title, Wind of Nomads:
Since the beginning of time, humans have migrated, reimagining and rebuilding their lives through beauty, tolerance and innovation. Wind of Nomads is a metaphor reflecting human and cultural migration, the passage of energies throughout generations, globalization and integration. This work is inspired by the soul of two of the world’s great deserts in Africa and China. It will be a travel in time and space with the ancient Manding Empire (West Africa) rhythms on Djembés and Dun Dun bass drums; and ancient Chinese drums and techniques.

This exciting and percussive new work is a multicultural and multi artistic melting pot. The stage will vibrate with rhythm and movement, simulating a poetic earthquake. The coming together of these two musical traditions gives birth to the sunrise. The seven strings of the Djeli ngoni and the twenty one strings of the Kora followed by the complex language of the talking drum in synchronization with the Tabla and hang drum, balanced by the gong will bring peaceful harmonies.

Marimba player, Tan Su Yin will be collaborating in this production.

www.facebook.com/handspercussion

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

Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai for the motoring enthusiasts

Forte Hospitality Management Sdn Bhd, the operator of Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai, Negri Sembilan has introduced Asia's first boutique hotel which is fully based on the motoring concept depicted via its image, style as well as interior and exterior design.

NILAI: Forte Hospitality Management Sdn Bhd, the operator of Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai, Negri Sembilan has introduced Asia's first boutique hotel which is fully based on the motoring concept depicted via its image, style as well as interior and exterior design.

The hotel is strategically located in the middle of Nilai town complete with basic facilities.

The hotel is 15 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Sepang International Circuit and about 40 minutes from the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai offers 75 rooms which is uniquely designed and conceptualised after motorsports.

Some rooms are themed after some of the world's motoring legends such as Ferrari Formula One's (F1) famed Michael Schumacher, renowned MotoGP ace Valentino Rossi, motocross racer Tony Cairoli, rally driver Sebastian Loeb and others.

Forte Hospitality Management Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Johari Mohd Yusof said the firm did a detailed study for several months to find a suitable theme before coming up with the motoring concept and theme.

"No hotel in Malaysia and even in Asia has ever introduced a motoring world concept and this is the best chance for us to introduce this inaugural concept to the Malaysian people and Asia.

The launching ceremony of Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai was officiated by deputy director general Tourism Malaysia (Promotion) Datuk Seri Abdul Khani Daud.

He said Malaysia will be hosting the Formula One racing (F1) between Sept 29 and Oct 1, and the hotel does not want to miss the opportunity to offer the complete package to those who are interested to watch the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix 2017.

-nst online.
http://www.hypenilai.com/