Hello, Tourism M’sia Cardiff calling

Three flags flutter in the breeze in a house near the entrance of the Cardiff City Stadium. One is the Welsh flag, the other of the city’s football team and the third, the Malaysian flag. Inside the stadium, the words "Visit Malaysia" with the flag have been permanently emblazoned on the top stands around the stadium. As the crowd streams in for the match, the Jalur Gemilang stands out in the corners alongside the Welsh Dragon and other club flags. At the nearby Sports Centre, an inter-university indoor football challenge is in its closing stages. A large group of Malaysian students converge to watch the finals. There are about 350 in the four universities in and around Cardiff. Many of them are wearing wind-cheaters with the words "Malaysian Students Society of Cardiff" on the back.

At the stadium, the man who greets us at the entrance to the directors’ box says: "You must be Malaysians!" "How do you know?" "Only the Malaysians have a smile for us. They are smiling all the time." Keith Cooper is the boardroom host and knowledgeable about football. After the introductions, he drops his first trivia: Name the six players who emerged from the academy to play for Barcelona and Arsenal. Only a walking encyclopaedia could provide the answers but Cooper knows his stuff. He should, because he had been a referee before retiring and taking on his present role.

Elsewhere, Taufiq Shamsuddin, who is pursuing his doctorate at the University of Cardiff, tells us more about the Cardiff-Malaysia connection. The people here, he says, have a special relationship with Malaysia and are thankful for the Malaysian involvement in the club. "They love Malaysians. The demand for Malaysian food has gone up and Malaysian restaurants are reporting increased business. Students are being asked about Malaysia and what they could see when they travel. They view Malaysians as the saviours who saved their club," he says.

The Cardiff City Football Club with a legacy which stretches back to over a century was on the verge of insolvency towards the middle of the previous season. The taxman was after them, creditors were queuing up and the receivers were planning to move in. If it had gone down, it would have meant untold misery and unhappiness for the city and its people, who take so much pride in their football team. The investments from Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Datuk Chan Tien Ghee saved the situation and the club went on to the play-off for promotion, only to lose to Blackpool. The promotion chase continues this season.

In November last year, the fans at the stadium saw yet another first – announcements before, during and after the game were made in English, Welsh and Bahasa Malaysia. A Malaysian mascot, five-year-old Nabil in his resplendent baju Melayu and songkok walked alongside Craig Bellamy, much to the delight of the fans. A 250-member contingent of Malaysian supporters was the most photographed group that day. Last Saturday’s game against Ipswich was telecast live by SkySports which meant an additional few million viewers and the cameras catching anything Malaysian on the sidelines. There were none, bare a Malaysian fan waving a flag whenever there was a good move.

The inevitable question to ask is: Why aren’t we exploiting this golden break to promote Malaysia and tourism? While the tsars sit in their cushy offices in faraway London (two hours by train) and rely on public relations consultants to do their work, opportunities like this are slipping away. They seem content paying fortunes to "ambassadors", whose duties and responsibilities have never been laid-out. We have gone from gardens to golf and from fishing to shoes, spending large sums of money without using Malaysian "connections" to achieve the goals. We are sure that both the club and Tourism Malaysia can work together so that everyone will benefit.

We are in agreement with the sports minister, who last week said that sports can promote tourism. However, it does not mean throwing millions into tennis tournaments with fading stars and have-beens. It has to be a well-coordinated and well-planned effort. We cannot get up one morning and declare: "We’ll have a celebrity golf tournament next month" and expect tourists to arrive by the planeloads.

All said, government agencies must take advantage of the commercial links of the private sector in its endeavour to promote the country and its products. Having a pasar malam in the hope that it would drive the demand for Malaysian products without first having adequate supplies and outlets which offer them for sale, is one of the many ways to spend taxpayers’ millions and making the whole campaign a disaster.
-thesun.

Best Western to launch four Malaysia hotels

Best Western International will open four hotels in Malaysia this year, adding to its Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The chain's flagship property in Malaysia, Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, is scheduled to open in Kuala Lumpur by the third quarter. Three other properties are set to launch in Malacca, Sandakan and Pangkor by end-2011.

Best Western’s group director of sales & marketing for Malaysia, Jonathan Badman, said: “We are positioning ourselves at the top end of the mid-range market in Kuala Lumpur Sentral by offering a wide choice of accommodation types.” The 361-key Best Western Premier Dua Sentral will offer six room types, ranging from superior/deluxe to one- and two-room suites. Its facilities will include five restaurants and bars, as well as 10 meeting rooms, the largest of which will be able to accommodate up to 250 people banquet-style.
-TTG Asia.

National Art Gallery acquires pieces from new gallery

The latest addition to the local art scene, KL Lifestyle Art Space was officially launched by National Art Gallery director-general Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad recently. The official launch saw art practitioners and collectors enjoying the gallery’s two concurrent exhibitions, which can be viewed until March 15.

The first exhibition, Peasant Landscape, is a small survey of pastoral landscapes by Khalil Ibrahim and Sharfudin Habib. The exhibition reveals the virtuosity of the two senior artists as they explore the charms and quintessential characteristics of Malaysia’s rich countryside through watercolour and other mediums. Audiences will be able to note the close similarities between the works of both artists. Peasant Landscape is presented in the gallery’s unique and intimate smaller room, which KL Lifestyle Art Space will use to exhibit artworks of more delicate nature, especially those produced on paper.

Village life: Shafurdin’s ‘Sg Besar Series 9 2010’, is now part of the National Art Gallery’s permanent collection.

At the launch, Yusof acquired three watercolours by Sharfudin Habib for the National Art Gallery’s permanent art collection. They were “Gembala”, “Sg Besar Series”, and “Rumah Rakit Kota Baru”. Yusof said these paintings were strong depictions of Malaysia’s east coast and that they represented a distinct time and era in Malaysia’s history. Sharfudin, who was present at the launch, was very pleased with the acquisition. They are his first paintings in the National Art Gallery’s collection, one that now totals over 900 artworks.

In his foreword, founder and director of the gallery, Datuk Gary Thanasan said that KL Lifestyle Art Space’s goal was to bridge the gap between the visual arts and its audience. He noted that the public would be introduced to the gems of the Malaysian fine arts through a series of exciting exhibitions. And by developing a close relationship with local artists, the gallery hopes to be a veritable source of those rare-to-secure pieces from particular periods and also boost the secondary market for pioneer or modern artworks.

“If you’re looking for a rare piece from a specific artist or period, it’s generally very hard to find. We hope the gallery will be able to assist collectors with this, as well as encourage new and younger collectors to begin their own art collections,” he explained. Guests at the launch enjoyed the mixed hang in the gallery’s main hall. The smorgasbord of Malaysian artworks included those by Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, Syed Thajudeen, Raduan Man, and Rafee Ghani.

-thestar online.

Card gives holidaymakers more reasons to travel

EON Bank Group is once again collaborating with the Malaysian Assocation of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in the upcoming MATTA Fair 2011, with exclusive privileges for EON Bank Group MATTA credit cardholders. “With this card, we hope to contribute towards making MATTA Fair a one-stop shop for travellers,” said EON Bank Group head of cards and unsecured lending Aaron Tan.

“The card will help take the load off customers. Now they can travel without worries, plus enjoy the various benefits the card has to offer,” he said. The privileges for cardholders include one per cent cash back on all overseas shopping, triple MATTA points for every RM1 spent, guaranteed gift redemption for every RM500 spent and a free branded trolley bag for RM5,000 and above spent at the fair.

Useful card: (From left) Aaron Tan, MATTA Fair president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun and John Tan looking at the EON MATTA credit card.

Cardholders will also have special purchase-with-purchase offers, where they can buy travel accessories at discount prices, as well as zero per cent interest instalment plans for up to 12 months. They will enjoy free entry to the fair with one guest via the express lane and free access to the Plaza Premium Lounges at KLIA, LCCT, Senai and Changi airports.

For added convenience and peace of mind, the card also offers travel insurance coverage up to RM2mil, which covers incidents such as flight delays, lost baggage and missed connections. Those interested to apply for the card may visit the EON Bank booths at the fair, where they will get on-the-spot approval within two hours as well as a free six-piece travel set.

MATTA Fair organising chairman John Tan said the organisers were expecting a visitor turnout of 80,000 or more at this year’s event, with an expected turnover of over RM100mil. He said MATTA Fair was working with Tourism Malaysia as well as state tourism boards to ensure travel agents exhibiting at the fair were bona fide and not fly-by-night companies. “We always urge our members to deal with clients honestly and transparently. We want to ensure that customers get exactly what they are paying for,” he added.

-thestar online.

MATTA Travel Fair 2011

Date: 11-13 March 2011
Time: 10am ~ 9pm
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre
Web: www.mattafair.org.my

Foresters discover extinct raintree species in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Foresters are excited about the discovery of three tropical raintree species that were thought to be extinct in Sabah. The rare dipterocarp species, known locally as Keruing Jarang was found in the Siangau Forest Reserve, near the coastal town of Weston, about 100km from here. The discovery was made during a survey of the area by a research team from the Forestry Department.

In a statement here yesterday, Sabah Forestry director Datuk Sam Mannan said the species Dipterocarpus lamellatus was last recorded at Beaufort Hill in 1955. The only other record was from Labuan in 1951. The island today is virtually devoid of any natural dry land forests, said Mannan. “It is a very exciting development for us,” he added, saying the research team also encountered four other rare dipterocarps in the reserve.

The survey was part of a statewide inventory by the Forestry Department to determine the conservation status of dipterocarps in Sabah, he said. Forest botanist John Sugau said that of the 267 species of dipterocarps known to exist on Borneo island, 183 were found in Sabah. While some dipterocarps were common and widespread, others are rare and restricted in their distribution. Keruing Jarang was only known to occur in the west coast of Sabah.

In the natural forest, the dipterocarps are large trees that form the upper canopy. Dipterocarps such as kapur, keruing, seraya and selangan batu, make up the bulk of commercial timber from Sabah’s natural forests. After many years of logging, the status of some of the rarer dipterocarps had become uncertain, said Mannan.

-thestar online.

Projek teksi air diteruskan

TASEK GELUGOR 5 Mac – Cadangan pelaksanaan projek perkhidmatan teksi air yang bakal menjadi antara nadi utama sektor pelancongan di Pulau Pinang akan diteruskan. Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop berkata, setakat ini kerajaan tidak mempunyai sebarang cadangan untuk membatalkan projek berkenaan yang kini dalam peringkat perincian oleh Pihak Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA). “Pada dasarnya kajian awal oleh NCIA pada peringkat ini menunjukkan perkhidmatan teksi air boleh memberi impak yang baik bukan sahaja dari segi pengangkutan tetapi juga sektor pelancongan. “Jadi kita akan teruskan, lainlah kalau laporan mengatakan ia tidak sesuai. Setakat ini saya dimaklumkan projek ini akan diteruskan,” katanya selepas merasmikan mesyuarat Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor, di sini hari ini.

Beliau diminta mengulas perkembangan rancangan penyediaan perkhidmatan teksi air Pulau Pinang yang dicetuskan pada 2009 selaras dengan komitmen kerajaan untuk menjadi negeri ini sebagai hab logistik. Berdasarkan penyelidikan fasa pertama yang dijalankan sebelum ini, pengangkutan itu dijangka meliputi lokasi tertentu seperti di Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Pulau Jerejak serta Batu Maung. Di kawasan perairan tanah besar pula, perkhidmatan itu dijangka meliputi kawasan Bagan Ajam, Butterworth dan Batu Kawan.

Bagaimanapun, perkhidmatan teksi air turut menimbulkan isu mengenai kemungkinan ia akan menjejaskan peranan feri sebagai pengangkutan alternatif terpenting di Pulau Pinang. Nor Mohamed berkata, usaha mewujudkan perkhidmatan teksi air bukan sahaja akan menjadi alternatif dalam sektor pengangkutan awam tetapi juga mampu meningkatkan imej pelancongan negeri. Sementara itu, beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Tasek Gelugor berkata, kerajaan akan terus menyalurkan peruntukan pembangunan kepada Pulau Pinang walaupun ia bukan di bawah pentadbiran kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN).

“Tidak timbul isu kita hendak pinggirkan Pulau Pinang, kalau kita pinggirkan sesuatu tempat hanya kerana mereka tidak undi kita, maka sampai bila negara hendak maju? “Dari segi moral, rakyat Pulau Pinang berhak menikmati pembangunan. Dari sudut ekonomi pula, kita perlu menjana ekonomi semua negeri kerana hanya dengan cara itu kita boleh pastikan ekonomi negara secara keseluruhan dapat terus berkembang,” jelasnya.

-Utusan Online.

Michael Learns to Rock set for three-city Malaysia tour

PETALING JAYA: Soft rock band Michael Learns to Rock will be in Malaysia next month for a three-city tour. The Danish act will perform at Penang’s PISA Stadium on April 22, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall (April 24) and Kuantan SUKPA Stadium (April 30).

Ready to rock: (From left) Wanscher, Richter and Lentz of Michael Learns to Rock will be in Malaysia for a three-city tour in April.

Presented by MBI International, their shows will feature well-known MLTR tunes like The Actor, Sleeping Child, Someday, That’s Why (You Go Away), Breaking My Heart, It’s Only Love, Nothing to Lose and You Took My Heart Away. Comprising lead vocalist and keyboardist Jascha Richter, drummer Kare Wanscher and guitarist Mikkel Lentz, they will also be playing tunes from their later albums Blue Night and Eternity. This will be their sixth performance here. Their last show was in 2009 at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands.

Organised by Star Planet, tickets for the MLTR World Tour Live in Malaysia 2011 are priced at RM323 (VIP), RM223 (PS1), RM163 (PS2), and RM103 (PS3). A 15% discount will be extended to the first 800 tickets. This offer is applicable for online booking or via TicketCharge’s appointed ticket outlets. Call Star Planet at 03-9223 3667 or TicketCharge at 03-9222 8811 or visit www.starplanet.com.my

-thestar online.

PM’s official residence boasts beautiful grounds and architecture

PUTRAJAYA: Like the White House, the Seri Perdana Complex here has become a tourist attraction. Set on a hill, the Prime Minister’s official residence comprises three blocks and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Putrajaya Lake. Open for public viewing are the Banquet and Protocol Blocks, both two-storey buildings that serve various functions. On a guided tour, visitors can admire the latest souvenirs gifted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in the gallery section of the Banquet Block.

Serenely beautiful: The Prime Minister’s official residence, the elegant Seri Perdana Complex overlooks the Putrajaya Lake. Seri Perdana is open for public viewing daily from 9am to 3pm except Fridays.

Some of these include precious gemstones from Brunei, an Olympic gold and jade medallion set from China and a model of a Middle-Eastern school that the Saudi Arabian Government gifted to Rosmah. The Banquet Hall is situated on the second floor and features a grid framework ceiling, Malay-Islamic traditional details and a massive light blue and gold carpet which covers the entire floor. Also of interest is the Special Dining Hall in the Protocol Block where Najib holds banquets for local and foreign dignitaries. Here, glittering chandeliers, french doors and charming alcoves are a sight to see.

The Dome Gallery is situated upstairs and boasts a stunning centrepiece of a huge floor-to-ceiling length tapestry with holy inscriptions gifted by the Saudi Arabian Government. New Zealander Carol Cross, 40, said she loved the calm and serene atmosphere of the Main Guest Salon where heads of states are welcomed. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I love it and will tell all my friends to visit this place,” said the first-time tourist to Malaysia.

The White House in the United States and the Buckingham Palace in Britain also allow public tours to certain parts of their sprawling complex. While visitors to the White House have to make their requests through their Congressional representatives, tickets are available for Buckingham Palace during certain times of the year only. Located in Precinct 10, weekday visitors to Seri Perdana must register for the guided tour seven days in advance while walk-in visits are allowed on weekends and public holidays. Seri Perdana is open to the public daily from 9am to 3pm except Fridays. Visit www.seriperdana.gov.my for details.

-thestar online.

Peneroka jadi duta kecil negara

DUA pelancong Jepun cuba mencanting kain sebagai tanda kehadiran mereka ke Inap Desa Felda Jengka 25 di Kuala Krau, baru-baru ini.

KUALA KRAU 4 Mac - Tanah Rancangan Felda Jengka 25 di sini merupakan satu kawasan penempatan peneroka yang bergantung kepada hasil sawit bagi menampung keperluan kehidupan seharian.

Kini masyarakat di situ boleh berbangga kerana wujudnya program inap desa, sekali gus memberi pendapatan tambahan kepada mereka.

Dikenali sebagai Program Inap Desa Felda Jengka 25, pelbagai kemudahan dan pakej pelancongan menarik disediakan kepada pelancong tempatan dan asing.

Tanah rancangan itu yang terletak dalam gugusan Jengka Segi Tiga begitu dikenali oleh pelancong khususnya dari luar negara.

Kawasan itu boleh dihubungi melalui jalan raya utama sejauh 20 kilometer (km) dari Bandar Jengka, 45km dari Temerloh dan 180 km dari Kuantan.

Inap Desa Jengka 25 yang mula beroperasi pada 2004 menawarkan pelbagai pakej pelancongan seperti kebudayaan, kehidupan masyarakat peneroka dan agropelancongan. Kedudukannya yang hampir dengan Pusat Rekreasi Gunung Senyum menjadikan tanah rancangan itu lebih popular bagi pelancong asing untuk menerokai tujuh gua misteri di situ.

Penyelaras Inap Desa Felda Jengka 25, Mohd. Tamrin Zakaria berkata, tanah rancangan itu dibangunkan pada 1978 dengan tanaman kelapa sawit seluas 629.45 hektar dan 67.72 hektar pula untuk dijadikan sebagai perkampungan peneroka yang kini dihuni 1,450 orang. "Felda Jengka 25 juga berdekatan dengan lokasi pelancongan bertaraf dunia seperti Gua Kota Gelanggi, Taman Negara, Jerantut, Pusat Penyelidikan Pertanian Sungai Tekam (PPPTR) dan Sungai Pahang," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini baru-baru ini. Beliau berkata, aktiviti yang dijalankan ialah merasai kehidupan sebenar masyarakat peneroka tentang kegiatan memetik kelapa sawit, menyusuri Sungai Pahang, memancing ikan, membuat kuih tradisional dan majlis perkahwinan.

PEGAWAI dan kakitangan Felda melihat tapak semaian benih kelapa sawit menggunakan teknologi baru yang menjadi tarikan pelancong ke Felda Jengka 25 di Kuala Krau, baru-baru ini.

Jelasnya, produk pelancongan lain ialah aktiviti kembara jelajah 18 gua termasuk Jebak Puyuh yang terdapat di Gunung Senyum.

"Kita juga mempamerkan kebudayaan dan adat resam orang Melayu kepada pelancong asing yang datang ke situ seperti Silat Gayung Pattani, adat perkahwinan masyarakat Melayu dan aktiviti keagamaan," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Mohd. Tamrin berkata, cadangan mewujudkan program inap desa dibuat berikutan terdapat banyak potensi yang boleh dilakukan sebagai salah satu produk pelancongan di tanah rancangan itu.

Menurutnya, potensi produk pelancongan di situ mendorong penduduk bersetuju menjalankan program itu sekali gus meningkatkan pendapatan mereka.

"Inap desa Jengka 25 menawarkan pakej percutian menarik yang mana pelancong akan tinggal dengan keluarga angkat masing-masing bagi mengetahui kehidupan peneroka," katanya.

Katanya, kewujudan program itu turut mendapat sokongan Jabatan Pembangunan Masyarakat Felda dan pengurusan Felda Wilayah Jengka. Selain itu, katanya, kerjasama kerajaan negeri, Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Pahang, Persatuan Inap Desa Pahang, Perbadanan Kemajuan Bukit Fraser dan Lembaga Minyak Sawit Malaysia turut mengangkat Jengka 25 sebagai destinasi pelancongan baru di negeri itu. Tambahnya, antara pelancong asing yang melawat tanah rancangan itu adalah dari Jepun, China, Singapura, Amerika Syarikat, Indonesia, Pakistan dan Afrika Selatan.

Menurutnya, bagi memantapkan program tersebut, pengusaha terbabit perlu mengikuti kursus yang dianjurkan seperti protokol menyambut tetamu, bahasa, budaya dan personaliti. Katanya, tanah rancangan itu turut menandatangani perjanjian persefahaman dengan dua ejen pelancongan dari Korea Selatan pada tahun lalu sebagai usaha mempromosikan kawasan itu kepada masyarakat di negara tersebut.

-Utusan Online.

Pulau Aur tiada tandingan

KEMUDAHAN bot laju disediakan untuk kemudahan pengunjung ke Pulau Aur di Mersing, Johor.

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MERSING 4 Mac - Bagi pencinta alam semula jadi, keindahan pantai dengan pasir yang halus memutih serta keunikan dan kecantikan batu karang di Pulau Aur dekat sini sudah cukup membuatkan hati terpaut. Terletak kira-kira 76 kilometer dari bandar Mersing, Pulau Aur adalah pulau yang paling jauh dari tanah besar dan terhindar daripada pencemaran dengan perjalanan menaiki bot ke pulau itu mengambil masa kira-kira dua setengah jam.

Keindahan batu karang dan hidupan laut yang banyak terdapat di situ menjadikan kawasan dua batu nautika dari pantai pulau tersebut diwartakan sebagai Taman Laut Johor. Bagi penggemar aktiviti snorkeling, pasti tidak jemu menyaksikan keindahan dasar laut itu yang dihuni pelbagai spesies ikan dan terumbu karang. Kejernihan dan kedinginan air laut pasti membuatkan pengunjung berasa segar semasa mandi-manda ditambah pula dengan pemandangan pulau-pulau kecil berhampiran yang cukup indah sehingga terlupa seketika kesibukan kota.

Jika dilihat dari jauh, keunikan pulau itu terletak pada bentuk muka buminya yang berbukit-bukau serta pohon-pohon yang menghijau. Bagi pengunjung yang bercuti di Pulau Aur mereka tidak perlu khuatir dengan kemudahan calet yang disediakan terutama di bahagian tumpuan pulau iaitu Kampung Teluk Berhala yang kini dikenali sebagai Kampung Teluk Sakinah.

KEDUDUKAN Pulau Aur yang jauh daripada kesibukan kota menjadikannya destinasi pilihan keluarga untuk bercuti.

Pengurus Blue Water Holiday Resort, Siti Salsiah Mohamad, 33, berkata, caletnya menyediakan 16 bilik berhawa dingin dan empat tanpa hawa dingin pada kadar yang berpatutan dan mampu disewa para pengunjung. Harga yang ditawarkan bagi bilik standard berhawa dingin ialah RM180 semalam dan RM120 bagi bilik tidak berhawa dingin.

Selain itu, caletnya turut menawarkan kemudahan bilik seminar yang boleh menampung 100 orang untuk mengadakan kursus, seminar dan mesyuarat dengan kadar harga RM300. Blue Water Holiday Resort yang beroperasi di pulau tersebut lebih 10 tahun turut menyediakan pakej untuk aktiviti snorkeling di pulau berhampiran iaitu Pulau Lang serta kembara hutan di Batu Cina.

Pemandu bot laju syarikat itu, Asfarizal Nasrul, 33, yang telah empat tahun bekerja menyifatkan Pulau Aur adalah pulau yang paling cantik di daerah ini. "Walaupun terletak jauh dari bandar Mersing, keindahan dan kecantikan Pulau Aur tiada tandingannya," katanya.

Rakannya, Selty Rosemy Alias, 31, pula mengakui amat bertuah kerana dapat bekerja sebagai pemandu bot pelancong kerana dapat mengenali pulau-pulau yang terdapat di sekitar perairan Mersing dengan lebih dekat. Seorang penduduk pulau itu, Zainab Awang Kechik, 68, memberitahu bahawa pembangunan di pulau itu semakin rancak dan kehadiran pelancong semakin bertambah berbanding 20 tahun lalu.

-Utusan Online.

Johor on track for Asia's first Legoland

Malaysia is set for Asia’s first Legoland next year.

Asia’s first Legoland theme park is on track to open next year in southern Malaysia, its builder said, as the region goes all out to lure tourists with a series of big ticket attractions. Earthmovers have flattened a vast expanse of oil palm-covered hills to make way for the 31ha Legoland Malaysia, one of the main attractions of the Iskandar economic zone

Siegfried Borst (left) and Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab admiring a Lego model of pre-war shophouses on Jalan Wong Ah Fook in Johor Baru

The park, which will offer 40 rides, shows and displays of the famous Lego toy bricks of Denmark, is just across the causeway from Singapore, which opened South-East Asia’s first Universal Studios entertainment complex last year. Zainal Ashikin Muhammad, chief executive of IDR Resorts, the builder of Legoland Malaysia, said the new park will complement Universal Studios Singapore rather than compete with it. “Is there a saturation of theme parks? In this region, no. There’s still a lot of growth for theme park development,” he said during a recent media tour organised by Iskandar Malaysia.

European visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments, whose stable includes Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and SEA LIFE, has been roped in to operate Legoland Malaysia. When completed, Legoland Malaysia will be the sixth of its kind in the world after those in Denmark, Britain, California, Florida and Germany.

Hard at work: A Lego model builder assembling a structure for the Legoland Malaysia theme park.

Zainal said the Malaysian version will be one of three internationally branded theme parks that will operate by 2025 in the Iskandar region, in an ambitious project covering an area three times the size of Singapore. With these theme parks, a 50km radius spanning Singapore and Iskandar will become like Orlando, Florida, which hosts Disneyland, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, Zainal said. “That is what we aspire to,” Zainal told reporters. “We have the natural resources, we have the land. This is a catalytic project.”

He said the regional market was big enough for more theme parks, despite the presence of Universal Studios in Singapore, Disneyland in Hong Kong and smaller attractions by local players. Singapore welcomed a record 11.6 million foreign visitors last year, up 20% from 2009, thanks largely to the lure of its two new casino resorts, one of which has Universal Studios in its complex. Wearing a hard hat under a hot sun, Zainal said the project had been progressing well since they broke ground in December 2009, building over an area of bushes and plant life. Primary infrastructure, including roads, power substations and drainage systems, is about 50% to 60% complete.

Construction of the main theme park would start in March, he said, adding that of the RM720mil cost, RM200mil in contracts had already been awarded. The fabrication of the rides has begun overseas while the construction of the 15,000 Legoland model structures to be displayed at the park has started in Malaysia and abroad. About 30 million Lego bricks will be used to build the model structures.

“Everything is in place,” Zainal said. “Some rides are already here but the majority will be shipped in July or August.” Siegfried Borst from Legoland Germany, who was recruited to help run the Malaysian version, told reporters it would offer the same rides and attractions available in Europe, but with an Asian touch. The “miniland” displays will consist of Lego replicas of iconic buildings and structures in Asia, including Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers, formerly the tallest building in the world, he said.

Because of the tropical weather, queuing areas in Legoland Malaysia will be covered, and the developer has ordered thousands of trees to be planted within the park grounds. Borst said they are targeting at least a million visitors in the first year of operation. “I’m pretty confident that we can live up to the standards that we have in the other Legoland parks,” said Borst, who has 20 years of experience in the theme park business.

-thestar online.

MATTA: Consumers can buy tickets without fear

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers can purchase flight tickets at the Malaysian Asso­ciation of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fair without any worry of falling prey to any fly-by-night scams. Association president Datuk Khalid Harun said they have vetted all travel operators who will be participating in the fair. “We have worked with the Tourism Ministry to make sure all participants are licensed,,” he said after witnessing the launch of the Firefly MATTA Packages.

Last December, it was reported that 38 victims had taken a travel agent to the Consumer Claims Tribunal for cheating them of their money. They had purchased the packages at a travel fair last September but later found out that the agent did not have a licence to sell outbound (overseas) packages. Khalid said any travel agent caught cheating would be charged for the criminal offence and their licence revoked.

“It is also compulsory for all members to have travel insurance so customers could be compensated if the agents are not able to give them the special offers,” he said. He also estimated that 70,000 people would be coming to the MATTA fair next week and advised the people to take public transport as the response to the fair every year was overwhelming.
-thestar online.

Dr M lauds AirAsia for boosting tourist arrivals

SEPANG: AirAsia has played a big role in helping the country achieve 22 million tourist arrivals, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. “Hitting the target of 28 million is very realistic, especially after AirAsia came into existence. “They have contributed enormously by bringing in huge numbers of tourists and we can achieve the target with their help,” said the former prime minister after visiting the budget airlines’ office and academy here yesterday.

He was accompanied by AirAsia Bhd Group CEO Datuk Seri Dr Tony Fernandes and AirAsiaX non-executive independent chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz. Dr Mahathir also attributed the high number of arrivals at the KL International Airport to AirAsia. “I think we have exceeded the initial projection of 25 million passengers annually. “I would like to see AirAsia continuing to contribute to the growth of KLIA for it to become the hub for air travel, not just in South-East Asia but the world,” he said.
-thestar online.

Festival Tekstil Tangkak 2011

Tarikh: 3~6 Mac 2011
Tempat: Bandar Tangkak, Johor

Aktiviti:
- Lelong!! 4 Mac 2011, 8malam~12tengahmalam
- Artis Popular
- Jualan Sepanjang Mac 2011
- Kuiz Pelancongan
- Persembahan Kebudayaan
- Kompang Kreatif
- Pertandingan Mewarna Kanak-kanak

Penganjur:
Tourism Malaysia - Johor
Tel: 07-222 3590/07-222 3591/012-767 9608
Sekretariat Shopping Malaysia
Tel: 03-2614 8698/03-2615 8188
Majlis Daerah Tangkak
Tel: 06-978 1261/06-978 2226/012-209 0063

Malaysia sering dirujuk sebagai destinasi menarik di Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY 1 Mac - Nama Malaysia yang sekali sekala timbul dalam majlis perjumpaan keluarga atau "diwaniya" yang kerap diadakan masyarakat Kuwait, di sini, sering merujuk kepada kisah-kisah menarik mengenai Malaysia. Duta Besar Malaysia di Kuwait, Datuk Ashaary Sani berkata, pelbagai inisiatif yang dilaksanakan pihak berkuasa bagi menarik kunjungan usahawan dan juga pelancong dari rantau ini ke Malaysia, menambah lagi kekerapan nama negara disebut dalam majlis-majlis diwaniya. Beliau berkata, pembabitan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dalam persidangan "Invest Malaysia 2011" di Abu Dhabi hujung bulan lepas, jelas menyerlahkan hasrat Malaysia membentang permaidani merah kepada para pelabur dari negara-negara Teluk.

Persidangan itu menyaksikan Malaysia dan Majlis Kerjasama Teluk (GCC) menandatangani Perjanjian Kerangka Malaysia-GCC mengenai Ekonomi, Komersial, Pelaburan dan Kerjasama Teknikal, yang sekali gus mencerminkan peningkatan ketara dalam hubungan ekonomi antara Malaysia dan keenam-enam negara anggota GCC yang terdiri daripada Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE), Arab Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman dan Bahrain. Ashaary yang meluangkan masa bertanya khabar kepada wartawan Bernama yang berada di sini untuk mengikuti sambutan Jubli Emas Hari Kebangsaan Kuwait, ulang tahun ke-20 Kemerdekaan Kuwait, dan ulang tahun kelima pertabalan Amir Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, berkata kunjungan Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen pada Mei tahun lepas turut meninggalkan kesan terhadap nama Malaysia di sanubari penduduk di sini.

Walaupun mengakui bahawa saiz dagangan Malaysia dengan negara-negara Arab, terutama Kuwait yang komoditi utamanya adalah minyak, masih agak kecil, beliau berkata, potensi untuk ia berkembang dengan pesat sentiasa ada. Katanya, jumlah dagangan antara kedua-dua negara dari Januari hingga Oktober tahun lepas menjangkau RM1.7 bilion, iaitu peningkatan sehingga 41.12 peratus berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Katanya, pelbagai langkah yang diambil Malaysia seperti kunjungan delegasi promosi, pembangunan prasarana untuk memenuhi keperluan pelancong Arab, meletakkan diri sebagai akses kepada pelaburan di negara-negara Asean buat pelabur Timur Tengah, di samping menampilkan ciri-ciri sebuah negara bersaudara Muslim, menghantar isyarat jelas mengenai usaha Malaysia menyambut kunjungan pelawat dari Kuwait, sama ada bagi tujuan sosial mahupun perniagaan.

Kadar tukaran mata wang asing yang cukup menarik (satu Dinar Kuwait bernilai kira-kira RM13) turut memberikan banyak kelebihan untuk kunjungan pelawat dari negara minyak ini ke Malaysia. Dari aspek pelancongan pula, beliau berkata, pelancong dari Kuwait biasanya memilih satu destinasi yang menyediakan segalanya, daripada percutian di taman tema, pantai indah, hutan hijau, kepada syurga membeli belah, dan keselesaan untuk pelbagai urusan perniagaan, dan Malaysia menyediakan segalanya. Menurutnya, hakikat bahawa jumlah pelancong Kuwait yang melawat Malaysia meningkat 15 peratus tahun lepas berbanding tahun sebelumnya, membuktikan bahawa sektor pelancongan negara cukup berpotensi di sini.

Bagi persekitaran perniagaan di sini buat pelabur dari Malaysia pula, Ashaary berkata, Kuwait menyediakan laluan kepada pengusaha untuk meneroka pasaran terbuka di Iraq. Beliau berkata, pengusaha boleh menjadikan Kuwait sebagai pangkalan untuk memasuki negara jiran, Iraq, yang kini sedang giat dibangunkan dalam era selepas Perang Teluk. Selain itu, kemakmuran rakyat Kuwait yang menenggelamkan sebarang petanda kemungkinan berlaku apa-apa rusuhan, juga boleh dijadikan faktor "penarik" bagi orang ramai untuk berminat untuk berkunjung ke sebuah negara Arab, berkunjung ke Kuwait.

Ashaary berkata, komuniti Malaysia yang berjumlah sekitar 200 orang di sini yang terdiri dari kalangan pelajar dan profesional memiliki hubungan yang rapat dan sentiasa saling mengambil berat antara satu sama lain. Katanya, Persatuan Rakyat Malaysia Kuwait di sini sering mengadakan perjumpaan dan acara-acara bersama bagi mengeratkan lagi hubungan. Menurutnya, hakikat kewujudannya jauh beribu batu menjadikan persatuan ini sentiasa dengan senang hati menyambut ketibaan sesiapa jua rakyat Malaysia yang bertandang ke Kuwait, dengan hati yang girang dan tangan yang terbuka.
- Bernama

Special fares for funicular train

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The state government should consider having special fares for the disabled, senior citizens, students, MyKad holders and frequent users who travel on the newly-refurbished Penang Hill funicular train. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the state should not overlook these groups of people when planning the fare list. “We leave it to the state to decide, but I would like to suggest that they consider various tiers to ensure that the service is fully utilised,” she told reporters at the ground-breaking ceremony of SJK(C) Beng Teik Pusat in Kota Permai here yesterday.

“We have fixed March 19 for the train service’s official handing-over ceremony to Penang Hill Corporation, following its request to postpone the ceremony from the original date on March 3,” she added. She also told the state tourism committee to counter the issue of the water scooter incident where a Chinese tourist had broken her legs. “I was very sad when I read a report which quoted the particular tourist as saying that she did not want to come back to Malaysia.”
On Feb 5, Zhu Li, 47, from Liao Ning, China, broke her legs when two Myanmar nationals on a water scooter rammed into her while she was taking a stroll on the Batu Ferringhi beach with five family members. Later, Dr Ng, who is also Penang MCA chairman, gave out grants worth RM100,000 to 38 Penang-based non-Muslim religious organisations at the Bukit Mertajam MCA division office in Jalan Asmara.
-thestar online.

AirAsia X launches massive sales campaign

SEPANG: AirAsia X has kicked off its “Massive Sales” campaign Tuesday to all its long-haul destinations (excluding Teheran and Tokyo). This promotion will be available for six days only for online bookings from Tuesday (12:00 noon KL time) to March 6 (00:00 midnight KL time), for travel from Sep 13, 2011 to Feb 29, 2012. The Massive Sale low fares offer are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively online via http://www.airasia.com/.

Guest may be able to grab the low fares offer to London (Stansted), Taiwan (Taipei), China (Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Chengdu), Australia (Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth) and India (Mumbai, Delhi), Korea (Seoul), New Zealand (Christchurch) and France (Paris).
-thestar online.