Anantara Desaru Coast taps into new karting attraction

 

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is positioning its family and outdoor activities alongside a new karting circuit scheduled to open at Desaru Coast by the end of 2026. 

The 10 million ringgit (US$2.4 million) circuit will form part of The Sports Arina at Riverside, an integrated sports and leisure development. It will feature a competition karting track, karts, electronic timing and an air-conditioned circuit for children aged four to 12. 

Guests at Anantara Desaru Coast can combine karting with activities at the resort, including guided nature walks, cycling, kayaking and beach activities. 

The resort also offers a Mangroves by Firefly Light Eco Tour along the Lebam River, which includes a private evening firefly excursion and picnic. Younger guests have access to Layang Layang Kids Club, while Luncur Ombak Active Zone caters to older children and teenagers. 

Golf is available at the neighbouring Els Club Malaysia, which has the 27-hole Ocean Course, designed by Ernie Els, and the 18-hole Valley Course, designed by Vijay Singh. 

The resort is also offering an Ultimate Golfing Getaway package that includes breakfast, dinner and a round of golf at The Els Club Malaysia.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia boosts tourism connectivity, infrastructure in 2027 budget

 

Malaysia has allocated 935 million ringgit (US$222 million) for tourism and culture in 2027, with measures to improve international connectivity, upgrade tourism facilities and support events as the Visit Malaysia campaign continues into next year. 

Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim outlined the allocation when tabling Budget 2027 in parliament on October 9. 

The International and Charter Flight Matching Grant will support new direct flight routes from China, India, Central Asia and Europe. The grant will also cover cruise ships, ferries and tour buses bringing international tourists to Malaysia. 

Planned tourism facility upgrades include jetty infrastructure and heritage sites with potential for UNESCO recognition, including Danum Valley in Sabah, Lembah Bujang in Kedah and Taman Negara in Pahang. Grants will also be available to industry players organising and promoting tourism events. 

Separately, the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings will provide 1.1 billion ringgit to upgrade roads in port areas and at airports in Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Tawau, Sandakan and Penang, as well as short take-off and landing facilities in Long Banga and Ba’Kelalan, Sarawak. 

Other measures include raising the duty-free purchase limit for visitors to Langkawi and Labuan to 10,000 ringgit, subject to a minimum stay of 48 hours. More products made in Langkawi will be exempt from import duty, while QR payment facilities will be expanded to 15 locations, including resort islands. 

Rebates will be provided to organisers of events at venues with a capacity for at least 10,000 spectators. Tax incentives for incentive travel, international conferences and trade exhibitions will be extended until the year of assessment 2030. 

The budget also provides for a cultural festival in conjunction with the 2027 SEA Games and support for heritage practitioners working in handicrafts, weaving and batik. Separately, the Ecological Fiscal Transfer fund will increase to 270 million ringgit to support conservation, community-based economic activities and ecotourism. 

The budget’s emphasis on connectivity also drew a response from Trip.com Malaysia, which said improved access would need to be matched by destination experiences and easier navigation. 

Stephane Thong, the platform’s general manager, said travel decisions were increasingly being made online before departure. 

“A destination with strong connectivity alongside diverse attractions and experiences, while being easy to navigate and explore, has a real advantage, whatever its size,” he said. 

Industry leaders said the allocation should deliver measurable economic returns rather than focus solely on visitor numbers. 

Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, called for targeted international promotion and market diversification to attract higher-spending visitors who stay longer. He also urged greater support for small and medium-sized tourism operators through digitalisation, AI adoption, product development and skills training. 

“The government should prioritise tourism infrastructure, connectivity and destination development, with clear key performance indicators to measure returns on public investment. Every ringgit spent should generate economic benefits that flow down to local communities, businesses and workers,” Wong said. 

Sri Ganesh Michiel, president of the Malaysian Tourism Federation and national president of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association, said grants and promotional opportunities should be accessible to smaller operators. He also called for stronger enforcement against unlicensed short-term rental accommodation and measures to address rising operating costs for licensed tourism businesses. 

“Malaysia does not simply need more tourists. We need a stronger, better-regulated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that creates real economic value for the entire industry,” he said.

-TTG Asia.

Perak gears up for VM2026 with major tourism overhaul

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) Group is spearheading a major phase of tourism development ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), focusing on the restoration of key state assets, operational restructuring, and the introduction of innovative tourism experiences. 

According to PKNPk, the initiative aligns with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan and the state government's goal of positioning Perak as a leading regional tourism destination. 

The group has earmarked about RM5.5 million to enhance key attractions across the state. PKNPk said that revitalising state-owned tourism assets is central to strengthening Perak's tourism ecosystem and stimulating local economic growth. 

The programme also aims to boost industry confidence while systematically addressing post-pandemic challenges in a transparent manner. 

Among the projects is the restoration of Casuarina Houseboat @ Temenggor 1, which ceased operation since July 2024 due to technical issues. A contractor has been appointed to carry out engine and structural repairs, with completion expected by December 2025. Full operations are projected to resume by February 2026, contributing to the revitalisation of Belum-Temenggor's ecotourism sector ahead of VM2026. 

On Pangkor Island, Hotel Casuarina@Pangkor is undergoing extensive rebranding and redevelopment.

The temporary closure allows for an integrated upgrading plan, including the introduction of over-water Water Villas, which complements the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) development. Construction is slated to begin in early 2028, with completion expected in 2030. 

Meanwhile, the royal cruise vessel Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari has resumed operations following restoration, enhancing river tourism and reviving Perak's royal heritage. 

Beyond hospitality, PKNPk is strengthening community infrastructure and heritage preservation in Bandar Meru Raya. 

Casuarina Hotel@Meru and Casuarina Convention Centre remain central to hosting government programmes, corporate events, and community activities. 

Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah has been upgraded with smart solar streetlights and hosts the state's longest Ramadan Bazaar, benefiting over 100 local SMEs. 

Traditional Malay houses in Meru Raya are also being restored as entrepreneurship hubs or restaurants, set to open in early 2026. 

Through Majuperak Holdings Bhd, PKNPk continues to expand ecotourism development, managing key assets such as Tasik Cermin. 

In Teluk Batik, a modern 29-unit resort is planned, with construction set to begin in mid-2026 to cater to the growing Manjung district. 

PKNPk said that these efforts represent a large-scale, phased, and data-driven strategy to transform state assets into sustainable economic drivers.

-nst online.

Sunway Pier Harbour poised to boost tourism and local economy: MOT

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sunway Pier Harbour development project at Port Klang, although not under the supervision of the Transport Ministry (MOT), is recognised by the government for its significant potential to boost both the tourism sector and the local economy. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the private sector is leading the project, which is being developed on the site of the former ferry terminal complex that previously operated services to Sumatra, Indonesia. 

"The new development will transform the site into a modern tourism destination, catering to both local residents and international visitors. 

"The new Sunway Pier will offer state-of-the-art, user-friendly facilities to enhance the appeal of Port Klang's waterfront, which has yet to experience world-class development," he said in reply to a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

Dr Halimah had asked about the status of planning approvals, the environmental impact assessment, and the project's potential to create employment opportunities. 

The project, currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2028.

Loke added that the project would also involve upgrading the Port Klang railway station, ensuring direct connectivity to the new pier. This upgrade aligns with plans to enhance future commuter train services. 

In addition, the development will feature not just commercial spaces but also public recreational areas along the waterfront, which is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating job opportunities and business prospects. 

"The project is expected to contribute more than RM5 billion to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next decade, attract over 30 million tourists, and generate more than 1,000 new jobs," Loke said. 

He added that all necessary approvals, including planning permits and building plans, have already been secured from the Klang Municipal Council and various federal agencies, such as the Department of Environment and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. 

In response to concerns from local residents regarding the project's proximity to existing port operations and the Pulau Ketam jetty, Loke reassured that there would be no disruption to logistics activities, adding that the project involves upgrading existing facilities to establish a main gateway to Pulau Ketam.

-nst online.

Citadines Langit in Kuching breaks ground

 

A new hospitality development is underway in the heart of Kuching with the ground-breaking of Citadines Langit Kuching – a joint project between local construction firm Hock Seng Lee (HSL) and its Singapore-based partner, The Ascott. 

Located on Jalan Tabuan, the mixed-use development is scheduled for completion in 48 months. It comprises two 28-storey towers: one housing 220 Citadines hotel apartments, managed by Ascott, and the other containing 64 residential condominiums. 

The towers will be connected by two “floating” clubhouse floors on the fourth and 15th levels, for the exclusive use of hotel guests and condominium residents. 

The fifth-generation Citadines units will be supported by commercial and public areas aimed at attracting both locals and visitors. 

Hock Seng Lee Realty director Yu Ji said he was particularly proud of the grand staircase anchoring the lower three floors of the twin towers, offering one of Kuching’s few privately-owned public spaces. “We intend to activate this area with children’s playgrounds, concerts and art installations,” he shared. 

Ascott’s country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja, said at a recent press conference that Langit is set to become the benchmark for the Citadines brand in Malaysia, with Ascott’s design team leading the hotel interior design. 

Lead architect David Ong said the twin buildings would be among the region’s most energy-efficient high-rises: “As this is a high-tech development, the Citadines component will incorporate an advanced building management system. Condominium residents will enjoy double-glazed windows as standard.” 

Kuching currently has around 8,000 hotel keys across all categories. 

Sarawak Tourism Federation president Audrey Wan Ullok said Citadines Langit Kuching is a welcome addition, especially during large conferences and tourism events. 

Kuching South city mayor Wee Hong Seng stated that international hotel brands play a role in raising the city’s global profile.

“We are proud to welcome the Citadines brand to our city through the launch of Langit, a development that exemplifies forward-thinking urban design harmoniously integrated with lush greenery for which HSL is known for,” he said.

-TTG Asia.

Perlis Sentral to begin operations on March 24

 

KANGAR: The Perlis Integrated Public Transport Terminal, or Perlis Sentral, located in Seriab, is set to commence operations on March 24.

 

However, the Kangar Municipal Council (MP Kangar) has announced that the relocation of express bus companies currently based at the Bukit Lagi Bus Terminal would be carried out in stages.

 

Council president Affendi Rajini Kanth said the relocation process is expected to continue into next month.

 

"Insya-Allah, we will begin operations on March 24.

"Previously, we mentioned it could be by the end of this month or early April, but now we are confident that initial movements will take place on that date. 

 

"For the initial phase, priority will be given to intercity express bus services, followed by e-hailing services and others, which will be introduced in stages," he told reporters after a walkabout at a Ramadan bazaar site in Kuala Perlis yesterday. Also present was State Tourism Committee chairman and Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah.

 

Affendi said all express bus companies operating at Bukit Lagi are expected to fully relocate to Perlis Sentral within a month of its opening.

 

"The new terminal is in the final stages of preparation, with both the express bus operators and the appointed operator working hard to complete the testing of various facilities.

 

"The operator has assured us that operations will begin on March 24, and we have issued relocation directives to all express bus companies starting today," he said.

 

As for local bus services under Bas.My Kangar, Affendi said they will continue operating from the current terminal for now.

 

"The Bas.My Kangar service will remain at the old terminal pending a review of its schedule and operations, which we will coordinate with the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) and the Road Transport Department (RTD)," he added.

 

Perlis Sentral is an integrated transport hub designed to serve as the state's main land transport gateway to various destinations within and outside of Perlis.

 

Facilities at the terminal include three departure and three arrival platforms, six temporary bus parking bays, 25 public taxi parking bays, a surau, public toilets, a diaper-changing room, commercial spaces such as kiosks and stalls, and ticket counters.

-nst online.

Malaysia tunes up cruise tourism development efforts

 

Port Klang Cruise Terminal will be upgraded to accommodate more cruise ships

Cruise tourism development is gaining attention within the Malaysian government, with investments pumped into port infrastructure development to enable the country to attract more cruise ships to homeport and, in turn, lift international tourist arrivals and the local economy.

Transport minister Anthony Loke recently shared at a press conference that improvements included expanding the capacity at Selangor’s Port Klang Cruise Terminal and beautifying the surroundings at Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

Loke noted that ports in Langkawi, Kuantan, Melaka, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching could also support cruise ships with upgraded infrastructure.

A technical committee has been formed to spearhead various cruise industry initiatives and attract more cruise operators to homeport in Malaysia. This is led by both the Transport and the Tourism, Arts, and Culture ministries.

Local media The New Straits Times reported that one of the initiatives of the new technical committee would involve the simplification of customs, immigration, and quarantine procedures to ensure smoother passenger movements and cruise ship stopovers.

“The Immigration Department has introduced a QR code system to expedite immigration clearance for cruise passengers. This system will greatly reduce processing times, enhancing the shore excursion experiences for our cruise tourists,” Loke told the media.

In 2023, Malaysia received 1,055 cruise ships which brought 1.5 million tourists to the Malaysian shores. It was an 85 per cent increase in cruise ship arrivals compared with 2019.

Loke said: “Establishing Malaysia as a (cruise) homeport would encourage passengers to enter through Malaysian airports, stay in local hotels before and after their cruise, and spend more within the country.”

Currently, most cruise ships dock in Malaysian ports for a few hours while passengers go on shore excursions. Ships do not take on new passengers.

-TTG Asia.

More Ascott-branded hotels to open in Malaysia

 

Citadines Prai Penang

The Ascott Ltd. (Ascott), the lodging division of CapitaLand Investment Ltd. (CLI), will open a few hotels in Malaysia's major cities as part of its expansion strategy within the next two years.

The hotels are lyf Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur, Domitys Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, Somerset KL Metropolis Kuala Lumpur, Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu, Citadines Tanjung Tokong Penang, and Harris Sunshine Penang.

Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced apartment with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984 and is now an international lodging owner-operator with a portfolio spanning over 220 cities across more than 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States.

Besides Kuala Lumpur, Ascott is increasing its investments in Penang.

The company recently completed converting Sky Residence Prai into Citadines Prai Penang.

Citadines Prai Penang, located in Bukit Mertajam, comprises studio, one, and two-bedroom serviced residences.

It marked the third operational property and first Citadines within Penang for Ascott Malaysia.

Penang's tourism industry is seeing a strong recovery, with overall passenger traffic at the Penang International Airport (PIA) increasing 681 percent to 4.24 million people in 2022 from 543,519 in 2021, following the reopening of international borders.

Since the borders were reopened last year, the state's tourism sector has experienced a significant upturn.

Yeoh Soon Hin, the chairman of the committee for tourism and creative economies, reportedly said that the tourism sector had rebounded by more than 60 per cent this year.

Even though borders were only opened for nine months in 2022, the state's tourism industry is coming up to the pre-pandemic level, according to him.

By the end of this year, Penang can anticipate a complete return to pre-pandemic levels, said Yeoh.

Another industry insider said that this year's tourist arrivals in Penang are trending better than they were during the same time last year.

"We are seeing higher tourism statistics since more travellers are choosing South East Asia because of our affordable travel costs, special islands, and tourist destinations. We benefit from our advantageous location, and we are a safe and stable country.

"This year and in 2024, we do expect additional hotels and condotels to open in Penang. Some might involve acquiring existing properties and renovating them with greater branding," he told NST Property.

Citadines Prai Penang - a distinctive lodging for expats, business travellers

The 168 serviced apartments are positioned to fulfill various lifestyle needs in Bukit Mertajam, which is home to multinational corporations (MNCs), offices, and high-tech businesses, according to Ascott's country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja.

"Penang mainland is now booming with expats especially from China, and South Korea, and with industrial parks, paving the way for foreign investors to boom into a mega-development.

"Our main objective is to tell the world and educate about Penang heritage, the culture, the food the traditions of Penang hence a safe place for a holiday and there are so many places in Prai to explore," he said during the establishment revamp proclamation ceremony recently.

Juru Sentral and Icon City are both within easy walking distance of the serviced apartment.

The building is owned by Exopuri Development Sdn Bhd, which is also the developer of projects in Juru Sentral that include condominiums, a SoHo apartment tower, and store spaces for small businesses.

Ng Kok Leong co-founded Exopuri in 1996, and it has already completed projects with a RM250 million gross development value.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event, said that Seberang Perai is growing rapidly with various tourism, industrial, residential, and commercial projects underway.

"Through the various initiatives of the state government in collaboration with the private sector, we can continue to capitalise on the opportunities available and spearhead the development of Seberang Perai as the new destination of choice for people to live, work and visit," he said.

-nst online.

MOTAC jamin bantu naik taraf kemudahan pelancongan tempatan

 

KOTA KINABALU: Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) akan membantu menaik taraf kemudahan dan premis pelancongan tempatan di Sabah.

Perkara itu dimaklumkan sendiri oleh Menterinya, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing semasa pertemuan bersama Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah, Datuk Jafry Arifin di Putrajaya hari ini.

Jafry berkata, dalam pertemuan itu, King Sing memberi jaminan kementerian di peringkat Persekutuan akan membantu usaha menaik taraf kemudahan infrastruktur pelancongan tempatan yang terdapat di Sabah.

Beliau berkata, pelancongan berasaskan kominiti kini menjadi pilihan pelancong tempatan dan juga pelancong asing di Sabah maka, bantuan harus diberikan bagi membolehkan produk pelancongan ditawarkan memenuhi harapan pelancong.

“Kita lihat trend pelancongan kita sudah berbeza kerana lebih ramai yang pergi ke tempat seperti ini dan mereka mahu melihat keindahan alam semulajadi sekali gus mengalami sendiri kehidupan serta budaya masyarakat di sesebuah tempat,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.

Hadir sama dalam Kunjungan Hormat itu ialah Timbalan Pengerusi Lembaga Penggalakkan Pelancongan Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Anil Jeet Singh Sandhu dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah, Noredah Othman.

afry berkata, Kementerian Pelancongan di peringkat negeri menyabut baik hasrat Motac dalam membantu pengusaha pelancongan menaik taraf kualiti infrastruktur sedia ada demi memberi keselesaan kepada pelancong.

Menurut beliau lagi, antara perkara yang dibincangkan dalam pertemuan itu termasuk isu pembaharuan lesen bas persiaran dan kenderaan sewa pandu (BPKSP) di Sabah.

Jelas beliau, Motac memandang serius isu pengoperasian sektor pelancongan dan King Sing komited untuk menyelesaikan isu terbabit secara tuntas.

Usaha-usaha sebegitu dilihat akan membantu memulihkan sepenuhnya industri pelancongan negara.

Jafry juga yakin kerjasama strategik antara Kementerian Pelancongan di peringkat negeri dan Persekutuan bakal memberi impak besar khususnya kepada pembangunan industri pelancongan dan kebudayaan di Sabah.

Dalam memastikan penggiat industri pelancongan terus berdaya saing, kementeriannya juga akan memohon bantuan atau insentif kerajaan menerusi Motac bagi membantu dari segi promosi dan pemasaran produk-produk pelancongan dan kebudayaan Sabah.

-utusan online.

Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuantan dijangka beroperasi 2026

 

KUANTAN: Kerajaan negeri hari ini menandatangani dua memorandum persefahaman (MoU) bagi pembinaan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuantan dan Pemajuan Pembangunan Bercampur Bandar Aeroangkasa di kawasan Gebeng, di sini. 

Majlis itu disaksikan Pemangku Raja Pahang, Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah di sebuah hotel di pusat bandar raya ini, hari ini. 

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail berkata, bagi projek pembinaan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuantan, MoU ditandatangani  Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Pahang Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Datuk Mohd. Khusaini Harumaini yang mewakili kerajaan negeri bersama Pengerusi Eksekutif Gading Group Berhad, Datuk Seri Johari Harun (pemaju utama), serta Ketua Perwakilan AVIC Intl ke Malaysia, Zhuo Yue. selaku rakan strategik projek tersebut.

“Pembinaan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuantan dengan kos pembangunan RM2 bilion bermula tahun depan dan dijangka beroperasi pada 2026,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini. 

Wan Rosdy berkata, bagi Pemajuan Pembangunan Bercampur Bandar Aero-angkasa, MoU ditandatangani oleh Johari dan Pengarah Syabas Seribumi Sdn. Bhd., Mohamad Nor Hamid. selaku rakan strategik. 

Pelaksanaan projek ini, katanya, diilhamkan pada akhir 2019, dan mendapat kelulusan Majlis Perancang Fizikal Negara (MPFN) ke-39 yang dipengerusikan oleh Perdana Menteri pada 21 Oktober lalu. 

“Ia adalah projek berimpak tinggi yang melibatkan pemindahan lapangan terbang sedia ada ke kawasan baharu dan seterusnya menyokong Rancangan Fizikal Negara Ke-3 iaitu sebagai bandar pembangunan transit nasional (udara, darat dan laut) secara bersepadu.

“Pelaksanaan projek ini turut mengambil kira faktor hub ekonomi yang lain kerana ia terletak di Kawasan Industri Gebeng selain berhampiran Pelabuhan Kuantan dan Projek Laluan Rel Pantai Timur (ECRL), serta menjadi pintu masuk utama ke negeri-negeri Pantai Timur.

“Pemajuan projek ini dijangka menjadi pemangkin pertumbuhan ekonomi negeri melibatkan Gross Development Value (GDV) RM7.5 bilion setahun atau bersamaan RM150 bilion dalam tempoh 20 tahun,” katanya. 

Wan Rosdy berkata, kerajaan negeri juga menyasarkan menguasai sekurang-kurangnya satu peratus pasaran Maintenance, Overhaul & Repair (MRO) Asia Pasifik yang dianggarkan bernilai RM15 trilion.

Komponen projek berkenaan, katanya, melibatkan 70 peratus untuk MRO dan 30 peratus bagi pengoperasian lapangan terbang itu sendiri.

“Pembangunan projek ini dibangunkan di atas tanah seluas 5,042 hektar di kawasan Gebeng, Kuantan secara usahasama iaitu melalui Inisiatif Pembiayaan Swasta (PFI) yang berkonsepkan pembangunan secara Build-Operate-Own (BOO) di mana pengoperasian lapangan terbang ini akan dikendalikan oleh pihak syarikat sepenuhnya melalui pembentukan syarikat tujuan khusus (SPV) iaitu Pahang Airport Berhad.

“Projek ini juga bakal membuka peluang pekerjaan baharu dengan sasaran 20,000 peluang pekerjaan bagi pengoperasian lapangan terbang serta 30,000 peluang pekerjaan lain melibatkan tenaga kerja mahir dan separuh mahir melalui pembangunan sektor perindustrian, perkhidmatan dan pelancongan.

“Melalui projek ini juga, kerajaan negeri menyasarkan peningkatan kedatangan seramai 40.79 juta orang pelancong bagi 2050 setelah mengambil kira situasi normal tanpa isu pandemik dan kemasukan pelabur-pelabur baharu,” katanya.

-utusan online.

BPMB launches RM1 billion Tourism Infrastructure Fund

KUCHING, June 21 (Bernama) -- Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB) has launched a RM1 billion Tourism Infrastructure Fund to encourage industry operators to develop travel facilities as part of efforts to help the nation achieve a target of 30 million foreign tourists and generate RM100 billion in tourism income by 2020.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the tourism sector had been earmarked as one of the government’s focus areas and an enabler for the transformation of Malaysia into a high-income nation.

“We hope the fund will play a catalytic role to spur investment in the development of tourism facilities,” he said when launching the fund together with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi here, today.

Lim said travel and tourism had a crucial role in stimulating economic sectors such as accommodation, transport, shopping, food and beverage, entertainment, handicrafts, spa, wellness, healthcare and education.

“Over the years, the industry has grown significantly both in tourist arrivals and economic contribution — from 10.2 million tourist arrivals in 2000 that brought in RM17.3 billion in tourism receipts, to 25.8 million visitors last year, contributing RM84.1 billion in tourism receipts,” he added.

Previously, the Ministry of Finance launched the RM3 billion Industry Digitalisation Transformation Fund and RM1 billion Sustainable Development Fund, both also facilitated through BPMB, as part of Budget 2019 initiatives.

Lim said the Federal Government had in March distributed half of the 2018 tourism tax revenue totalling RM67.74 million to all the state governments as promised.

“The amount distributed to state governments included RM2.58 million to Sarawak, RM12.67 million to Sabah, RM10.98 million to Penang, RM10.30 million to Selangor, and RM7.99 million to Johor,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohamaddin pointed out that the tourism industry continued to be a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth, with tourist arrivals growing 2.7 per cent to some 6.7 million visitors in the first quarter of 2019 compared with 6.5 million during the same period last year.

“In terms of tourist expenditure, Malaysia also saw positive growth of 16.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2019,” he said in the speech at the launch.

Elaborating on the fund, Mohamaddin said BPMB was offering a competitive financing rate from 4.0 per cent to 5.5 per cent per annum and the facility is available through Dec 31, 2020 or until the fund has been fully utilised.

“The fund is available to all tourism infrastructure projects such as those that contribute to the development of the tourism industry and not limited to hotels, convention centres and facilities related to education, medical or agro tourism,” he added.

-bernama.
http://www.bpmb.com.my/

Not Enough Hotels In Langkawi To Meet Demand

photo: PelanconganKini

LANGKAWI, March 22 (Bernama) -- Langkawi's lack of hotel rooms to meet an influx of tourist has caused airlines to shun direct flights to the resort island.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said the number of hotel rooms in Langkawi had to be drastically increased to lure direct schedular flights. "There were direct flights in the past.. from Germany.. China when Langkawi was constructing many rooms. Now we have about 7,000 rooms and hotels in Langkawi. "In terms of percentage, the occupancy is very high. When we raise with airlines (on direct flights from abroad) they say they cannot do so if there is not enough rooms.

He was speaking to reporters after a function to introduce Rahsia Estates Resort Residences, Eco-Hotel and Spa here, Saturday. Work on the the RM480 million resort started in the middle of last year and would be completed by mid-2016. It featured the first Green Building Index Initiative in Langkawi.

The absence of scheduled direct flights was said to be why foreign tourists preferred Bali and Thailand, despite many conceding Langkawi is far better compared to other islands in the region.

In another development, Mukhriz said the Kuah Jetty here was being upgraded with a RM70 million allocation from the Transport Ministry.

"The Kuah Jetty is quite congested...cannot accommodate many passengers, must improve on it. However, it is no use if we upgrade Kuah Jetty but don't do so for the Kuala Kedah Jetty. We are also in the process of upgrading facilities at the Kuala Kedah Jetty. "At the same time, there is also a proposal to build a new Kuala Kedah Jetty nearby as the existing one has no room for expansion," he said.
-bernama.

Malacca expects RM400mil cruise terminal and others to drive its growth

MALACCA: The development of a RM400mil marina jetty terminal in Malacca for cruise liners is in the works, one of many projects lined up to drive the state’s growth.


Malacca was eyeing RM8bil of investments this year – RM3bil and RM5bil for manufacturing and services sectors, respctively, Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam told StarBiz. He said the manufacturing sector would create 6,000 jobs this year and the services sector, 2,000.

Last year, investments into the state totalled RM5.3bil. And in 2011, RM4.3bil was secured for the manufacturing sector. Though on average local investments had outpaced that of foreign, the converse had been true for some years now, Ali Rustam said. The state has 26 industrial parks.

He said that in the past 12 years till 2012, the state government had managed to secure RM29bil worth of investments, of which RM20.46bil was foreign. In the last few years, gross domestic product stood at between 5% and 6%, while the unemployment rate was at 0.7% and poverty, 0.5%.

Ali Rustam said for this year, he expected RM800mil in investments from US-based Guardian Industries – a global float-glass maker – to set up a high-technology glass products manufacturing plant in Jasin; a RM1.8bil solar thin film plant by US-based WNK Solar; and RM500mil worth of small projects for the manufacture of electrical and electronics as well as warehousing and automation.

“The groups are in the process of getting the various approvals to invest in Malacca,” he said.

Earlier, US-based Sunpower Corp had committed to invest RM3.7bil, of which RM2.4bil had already been pumped into a solar panel plant that has started operations. This year, the company is expected to invest the balance RM1.3bil to expand operations.

“Our focus is on the K-Economy and high technology, and our manufacturing is all high-tech. We also now have investments in green and biotechnology. Our manufacturing and services sector, tourism and health tourism are strong,” Ali Rustam said.

On tourism, he said with the increasing numbers of tourists coming to Malacca every year, plans were in place to build more resorts and hotels, an underwater world and a theme park.

“We are talking to Eden Enterprises for the Seaworld/Underwater world project and with an Indonesian party for the theme park project,” Ali Rustam said.
Two new specialist hospitals – in Ayer Keroh and Kelebang – also have been planned. They would be developed by local companies.

On the marina jetty terminal, Ali Rustam said it would be undertaken by Kejuruteraan Asas Jaya Sdn Bhd on a 121.81ha site. “The jetty would be built for RM100mil and the needed land would be reclaimed for RM300mil. All these are initial investments,” he said.

This development will facilitate cruise liners docking at least twice weekly at the jetty. Each liner carries about 3,000 passengers. “Even if each passenger spends RM100 a day in Malacca, the spillover business activities would be huge over time,” he noted.

Tourist arrivals in the state in 2000 was 1.6 million, and rose to 12 million in 2011. Last year, the number increased to 13 million and Ali Rustam expects a steep rise with the docking of the cruise liners. “That is also why we need more hotels and resorts to cater to this new growth,” he said. The jetty terminal should be completed by 2015.

Malacca also made the New York Times’ list of 45 cities to be visited in the world this year. This could be attributed to its World Heritage City status granted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2008, a report said.

Ali Rustam has been the Chief Minister since December 1999 and has, over the years, managed to make Malacca more attractive to investors, for instance, initiating a one-stop approval centre to facilitiate investor needs and requests.
-thestar online.

KLIA to be developed into major aeropolis soon

PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will soon be developed into a major aeropolis or airport city.


Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said this would be the airport’s next phase of growth.

“We will have Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, the first upscale Japanese factory outlet park by Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd in South-East Asia.

“Aside from retail and commercial offerings, KLIA will also host operations of a high-tech industrial and logistics complex to serve the need for aviation-related MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) activities as well as high-value, time sensitive cargo operations,” he said. KLIA had come a long way since it was first opened in 1998.

Bashir said MAHB airports handled 67.2 million passengers last year, of which 32.8 million were international passengers. KLIA handled 85.4% of the international passengers.

He said KLIA handles 59.4% of Malaysia’s total passenger traffic and 84% of international cargo. “As such, most of the economic contribution by the aviation sector in Malaysia originates from KLIA,” he said.

He added that KLIA is also the main revenue generator for MAHB and supported 29 other non-profitable community and rural airports. “Some rural airports in East Malaysia operate on a corporate social responsibility basis, with no airport tax or passenger service charge being imposed on travellers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Plus Expressway Bhd (PLUS) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Noorizah Abdul Hamid said those who worked on the North South Express-way (NSE) in 1986 – considered one of the country’s first major privatisated projects – had benefited from the experience in terms of knowledge transfer.

She said locals learned from the foreign consultants working on the project.
“This gave them international exposure and many are now working overseas,” she said.

Besides shaving off travelling time and cost, the NSE had also provided an economic lifeline to more than 700 traders as well as mobile hawkers operating at its rest and recreation (R&R) areas. As per Plus’ policy of benefiting the local community, only locals who are staying within a 20km radius of the R&R areas are allowed to trade there. “In the early days, traders would hang their produce by the guardrails and not many vehicles stop-ped.

“Because of that, we built the R&Rs so that they have safe and comfortable areas to sell their products. The expressway had also become the main artery around which townships, commercial centres and industrial parks have sprouted.
-thestar online.

Malaysia to have 6 more Plaza Premium Lounges by Q2 2013

SEPANG: Plaza Premium Lounge Management Ltd, a Hong Kong-based operator of airport lounge services, is investing RM10 million to open six more lounges in Malaysia by the second quarter of next year, said its CEO Song Hoi See.

"We're currently constructing lounges at both the domestic and international departure halls of airports in Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Kuching. Each lounge will have an average of 2,000 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft and the investment is around RM1.2 million to RM1.5 million per lounge," he told reporters after launching the newly-revamped Plaza Premium Lounge at the KL International Airport (KLIA) here on Monday.

The Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA was first opened in 1998. Spanning 7,500 sq ft, the facility recently underwent a RM3.8 million facelift and now offers services such as massage, shower rooms, a business centre and a buffet counter. It offers several lounge-use packages, starting from RM128 for a two-hour usage.

Globally, Plaza Premium Lounge operates in 91 locations at 22 international airports in Asia, the Middle East and North America. In Malaysia, it is presently in KLIA, the low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang, and Langkawi.

 "Our overseas expansion, which includes Vancouver, Uganda and Macau, is in the pipeline for this year. We will easily touch 100 facilities by year-end," added Song. The group serves 3.5 million customers per year, generating an annual revenue of HK$750 million (RM300 million).
-thesundaily.

Subang Skypark To Invest RM420 Million To Emerge As Aerospace City By 2015

KUALA LUMPUR: Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd is set to embark on a RM420mil ambitious infrastructure development plan to transform the former Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, now known as Subang Skypark, into a full-fledged aerospace city by 2015.
Its executive director, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, said the company was planning to utilise between four and 4.8 hectares of land, opposite Terminal 3, to build a boutique hotel, an aviation museum and a theme park as part of a retail mall. “We are in the final round of talks with our expert joint-venture partner, a local established player in the retail and hotel industry.

“The development, named Skypark Nexus, will have an approximate built-up area of one million sq ft and will rejuvenate the airport's branding as well as enhance the wholesomeness of customer experience in the airport and its surrounding areas,” he told Bernama. Ravindran said all negotiations were expected to be concluded by year-end and works were expected to commence in January.

He added that Skypark Nexus, which would be completed in 24 months, was budgeted to cost between RM300mil and RM350mil. He said the proposed retail mall and hotel would be between four and five-storeys high and Subang Skypark was now talking to the local government to widen the main roads fronting the proposed development to avoid traffic congestion. While describing the project as a perfect public-private partnership, Ravindran said the cost would be financed through internal fundings and bank borrowings.

“The special aspect in the development is that, there will be a bridge linking the mall and the terminal building - a concept rarely seen in any other city airports worldwide,” he said, adding that Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd would invest more than RM70mil to build five new hangars across the current airport runway. “We have just awarded the contracts and the hangars will be sprawled over 12 ha across the runway. “The works have begun and we expect them to be operational June next year. “These hangars will be for parking and maintenance, repair and operations of both private and corporate jets. Each of the hangars can accommodate up to five aircrafts at any one time,” he said.

He added the new facilities would elevate Subang Skypark to be on par with other city airports and corporate aviation operators worldwide. Since most aviation-related corporations headquarters were situated in the surroundings of Subang Skypark, Ravindran said Subang would be better known as a aerospace city in the next three years. “We want to be a fine example to Malaysia Airports on how to develop a city airport. This place will surely boom in years to come as all aviation-related investments will come to this area.

“There are also plans to establish an aviation technical college, of which Measat Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd, is currently looking at that proposal,” he said.

Subang Airport was officially opened to traffic on Aug 30, 1965, and had the longest runway in South-East Asia, replacing the old Sungai Besi Airport. Before the 1998 opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport served as Kuala Lumpur's main international airport.

The airport underwent renovation works at Terminal 3 from February 2008 and was completed in October 2009, and was later renamed as Subang Skypark, which is the current hub for Berjaya Air and Firefly.
-Bernama.

New ferry service between M’sia and S’pore by end 2013, says Kong

KOTA TINGGI: A new ferry service between Malaysia and Singapore will be introduced by end 2013 linking Tanjung Belungkur and Changi, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha on Tuesday.

The Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) service for vehicles and passengers would make travel between both countries, he said adding that the distance between the two ferry terminals was quite short. This would be the first modern RORO service between the two countries, he said.

"The RORO service is similar to the one in Penang. Johor is being developed, with many mega projects, especially in southern Johor such as in Pengerang or in Mersing," he said.

-thestar online.

RM3j naik taraf lokasi pelancongan

KUALA TERENGGANU 30 Jun - Kerajaan negeri memperuntukkan lebih RM3 juta bagi kerja-kerja menaik taraf dan penyelenggaraan enam lokasi pelancongan di negeri ini sepanjang tahun ini.


Ia melibatkan kawasan peranginan Lata Berani, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Air Terjun Lata Belatan (Besut), kawasan sekitar daerah Marang, projek Taman Laut Terengganu dan di Rantau Abang, Dungun. Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan negeri, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd. Said berkata, usaha itu untuk memberi nilai tambah kepada produk sedia ada.


"Ia merangkumi penyelenggaraan kawasan sekitar, membaik pulih kemudahan awam serta menambah baik struktur bangunan sedia ada," katanya ketika ditemui di sini semalam.
Katanya, kerja menaik taraf di Lata Berani dan Pulau Perhentian Kecil melibatkan pembinaan dua unit gazebo, satu kolam tadahan air serta laluan pejalan kaki dengan kos RM200,000. Selain itu, sebanyak RM230,000 diperuntukkan bagi kerja-kerja membaik pulih pagar, wakaf, membaiki jalan masuk dan membaik pulih tandas di Air Terjun Lata Belatan di mana kerja menaik taraf dilaksanakan oleh Pejabat Daerah Besut dan dijangka selesai tidak lama lagi.


Tambah Abdul Rahin, di Lata Tembakah pula melibatkan peningkatan kemudahan termasuk tempat letak kenderaan, tapak perkhemahan, pondok rehat, wakaf, tandas awam, bilik persalinan, sistem amaran banjir kilat, tapak permainan kanak-kanak serta menaik taraf denai-denai.
-http://www.utusan.com.my/

Up-to-date info on MRT

In anticipation of the MyRapid Transit (MRT) project, MRT Corporation has geared up with packed information for the public at all times.

Five MRT Info Centres have been established in Kota Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL Sentral, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Kajang. Since they began operation in November 2011, some 10,000 people have visited the centres which channel vital and up-to-date information to the public on the next phase of the transportation system.

Hello: A staff member attending to a call at the centre

A kiosk has been set up in Bukit Bintang while a mobile info van, which will be rolled out in a month’s time, will be reaching to local communities along the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line. The centres are strategically placed in areas with high volume of traffic, to serve as a one-stop centre for comprehensive information with feedback avenues.

There is also an interactive “Hawk-Eye” 360-degree application that gives visitors a virtual view of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang alignment. So far, the info centres have received positive feedback as people are able to obtain vital information at an early stage. Information officers at the centres and call centres provide almost immediate feedback to queries raised by concerned public.

Ready to serve: Information officers are prepared to answer queries from the public.

Speaking more about the info centres MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd general manager (project management department) Adil Putra Ahmad said they were prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly in disseminating information related to the project.

He said since end of January, a system had been set up to get all the complaints and feedback locked in before any action was taken. Taking the lead from previous train projects, Adil said they were well aware of what to expect.

“Usually when construction starts, the number of complaints picks up, but for now we have received mostly positive feedback from the public. We aim to empathise with the public to resolve their grouses. “We will have traffic announcements, put up notices on traffic diversion and management programme to minimise the effects on the public.

“The contractors have even started their safeguard traffic plans and this was made sure during the tender process. “Emergency response team, safety measures, people manning traffic and environmental factors are all taken into consideration because we want to minimise the inconveniences to the public,” he said.

Adil added that information or complaints would be vetted with the site managers before further action was taken to rectify problems. “Sometimes five out of 10 complaints received may not be related. That is why all feedback received by the system, whether they are emails or SMSes, are transmitted to the ground personnel to be checked. “They have to investigate within 15 minutes after receiving a complaint to get a clearer picture of the problem. However, the speed of the response will depend on the nature of the complaint.

“Traffic will be a major concern, so early preparations are needed as some of the schemes need one to two months of approval from the relevant authorities and stakeholders,” he said. He added that they would be going to schools and engaging residents’ associations in areas surrounding the MRT line with activities and events as a way to inform the communities. For details on the MRT, call the hotline at 1-800-82-6868 or visit www.kvmrt.com.my

-thestar online.