Iranians feeling at home in Malaysia

Despite a negative perception from locals, Iranians feel a great sense of belonging as more of them make Malaysia their second home. MORE Iranians are coming to the country either as Malaysia My Second Home participants, on business or as students but public opinion is negative towards them due to many drug-related arrests highlighted in the media.

Iranians are the biggest group of Malaysia My Second Home participants and are shareholders of more than 2,000 companies. There are also about 15,000 students at institutions of higher learning with many bringing along their families.

More to come: Many Iranian restaurants are cropping up catering to the increasing demand.

About 60,000 Iranians live here and some 160,000 tourists were recorded last year, a big increase compared with less than 10,000 in 2002. IranMalaysia Group chief executive officer Pooria Asteraky said their fondness for this country was not a surprise as relationship and interactions went back many years.

“We believe the version of Islam here came from us. It is evident as we share many similarities in our practices. “For example, the type of hijab worn by Malay women are similar to ours which is different from the other Persian Gulf states. “Besides, Iranian products such as books, coins, carpets and fabric can be found in the museum with some dating more than 1,000 years. Even many scenes in P. Ramlee movies were driven from Iranian ancient literature.

Catering to Iranians: Mashid Barzager works at the Persian Palace supermarket in Ampang.

“There are also many Persian words in Bahasa Malaysia and some are very old and not commonly used by modern Persians,” he said. Asteraky said Malaysians were a friendly and diversified society and this had helped newcomers to adapt well in the new place. “Today, we are more globalised than any other time in history. People migrate for various reasons and it is evident in cities like Kuala Lumpur.

“Iranians love property and on average, an Iranian family invests RM1mil in it,” he said. “Malaysia’s laws in protecting foreign investment and good administration creates a lot of trust and is appealing to us. “Iranians residing here spend RM500mil a month and on average an Iranian student contributes RM40,000 to this economy every year. “If we count investors and entrepreneurs, the figures will hit the sky. Last year, each Iranian tourist spent RM8,000 in Malaysia generating a total revernue of RM1.28bil,” he said.

Despite the positive aspects they bring to this nation, the public opinion is negative against them due to many drug-related arrests. “The number of arrests are near 0% compared with the number of us here. “I have noticed that since Bank Negara dropped all banking relations with Iran in 2009, drug is being used as the medium of money transfer. By shutting the legitimate banking many are using illegitimate channels. 

“The only solution that will stop the trafficking is to get legitimate banking channels open again. “We feel like being punished socially because of something which has no relation to us. Our pride is deeply hurt with double standards in banks. We want the bonds of friendship between ordinary citizens of both nations to be stronger and consistent,” he said.

Iranians are slowly opening up many restaurants and grocery stores to cater to the demand. Expatriates mostly live in Ampang, Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Damansara and Bangsar. However, the students naturally live close to educational institutions such as Damansara Perdana, Bandar Utama, Puchong, Sri Petaling, Bukit Jalil, Ampang, Pantai, Serdang, Sri Kembangan, and also in Johor Baru and Penang.

Many Iranians refer to Malaysia as their home. Erfan Resources managing director Ehsan Pakroo said he felt more Malaysian than Iranian. “My family migrated here when I was 12, so I grew up here like a Malaysian,” said the 23-year-old. “I don’t miss Iran much because I have my family and business here. This is my home. I even speak Bahasa Malaysia and mix well with the locals and I have multiracial friends,” he said, adding that it is easy for him to adapt to the culture.

Hairstylist Mehdi Roscami, who has just been here for two years, said he came to Malaysia to experience living abroad. “I came here to complete my studies and I am now working to save money. I don’t know when I will go back as I love Iran and my family is still there. But Malaysia has been a nice place so far,” he said.

Persian Palace Supermarket owner Dara Abizadeh, who manages two shops in Ampang, said he had no plans of moving back because business had been good and he was now expanding his business. “I love my home country but the situation there has been difficult lately and I just want to be happy. Dara Abizadeh said his son was already studying here in 2002, so he decided to move to this country with his family in 2006. “I have never looked back. My daughter is in Teheran and I have a house and a factory there, so whenever I miss home, I will go back. “My son is married to a local Chinese and I have a nice Chinese family here. Now, this is my home and I am happy,” he said.

-thestar online.

Tourism Ministry drafting guidelines for beach sports

GEORGE TOWN: The Tourism Ministry is drafting guidelines on beach sports, including horse riding, which are expected to be submitted within a month to the DAP-led Penang government for consideration. The minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, said Saturday that experts' views were being sought in preparing the guidelines which follow an accident at Batu Feringghi beach where a five-year-old girl was knocked down by a horse.

The guidelines would include safety considerations and suggestions to ensure that local tourism products were not affected by a ban on any sport activity, she said. "We admit that the ministry has no power to intervene in the administration of any state government. After all, we do not have any land in Batu Feringghi. But we hope our effort can help develop tourism products," Dr Ng told reporters after launching the 1Malaysia Parks and Gardens Carnival at the Penang Botanical Gardens here.

In the accident on Tuesday, Azrina Kirana Azrin sustained a thigh injury and a fractured shoulder after being knocked down by a horse while playing with her 12-year-old sister at about 10am. Dr Ng said that the guidelines would include proposed requirements for horse and horse keeper. "I think a horse to be allowed on the beach should not be too big. It should not be the size of a race horse," she added.

She also rejected claims that the equipment that her ministry bought for the Penang Hill funicular train was not good and was a cause of damage to the train. Dr Ng said the train service had been disrupted because of the lack of experienced people to run it. She said the Garaventa AG Switzerland contractor had offered assistance to solve the problem of service disruption and would work with the Penang Hill Corporation. On June 7, the train was damaged and service had to be stopped for the third time in a month after it was resumed on April 25 on completion of a RM73-mil upgrade. 

- Bernama

Fresh new look for hotel

Holiday Inn Resort’s Penang’s RM11mil ongoing renovation is aimed at re-positioning the hotel to increase its occupancy rates from next year. Its general manager Stella Jacobs said in an interview that 161 rooms at the beach wing had been completed and full completion was expected in December this year.

“We will start with the coffee house, the lobby lounge and lobby area soon. “The renovation for the 189-room Ferringhi Tower wing is currently also ongoing,” she said. Jacobs said that for this year, the hotel expected to maintain an average of around 60% occupancy rate, more or less the same as last year, due to a softer market.

“Arrivals from the Middle East have been slower as a result of the (political) turmoil in the region. “We are also getting fewer arrivals from the UK and the rest of Europe due to the challenging economic climate there. “Furthermore, since Ramadan is in Aug this year, the Arab tourists are cutting short their stay so they can go home to prepare for the fasting month,” she said. Tourists from the Middle East comprise about 30% of the Holiday Inn Resort Penang clientele, while arrivals from UK and Europe comprise about 20%. “The remainder includes visitors from Australia and Singapore as well as the domestic market,” she said.

On the renovation exercise, Jacobs said that each room would sport a new contemporary design and a soothing fresh colour. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) televisions, iPod docks and broadband facilities will be installed. “The renovation will also enhance our 16 children’s suites which are equipped with Playstation 3 (PS3) equipment. We are the only hotel in Batu Ferringhi with suites for kids,” she said.

The renovation exercise is part of the Holiday Inn in-house refresh programme, a global multibillion dollar campaign that started in 2007. It was aimed at re-launching the world’s most recognised hotel brand. The highlight of the campaign involved the launch of the new logo for the Holiday Inn brand name in 2007.
-thestar online.

MAS launches second wave of global tactical campaign

Claiming resounding success for its first Global Deals, Dream Getaways sale in May, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) released a second wave of promotions yesterday. This time, up to 80 per cent off airfares to more than 100 destinations worldwide are on offer.

MAS executive vice president sales and marketing, Bernard Francis, said: "The offer covers all travel segments, for business and economy seats. It is an opportunity for everyone planning a romantic getaway, family vacation or group retreat. Even business travellers who have planned conventions or seminars can purchase these deals.” One-way business-class fares range from US$94 for flights from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, to US$417 for flights to regional destinations.

Commenting on the revived promotion, Elok Tour president director, Pauline Suharno, said: “I guess MAS does not want to lose momentum, especially as Thai Airways also has economy- and business-class promotions going on.” Wita Tour sales and marketing manager, Rudiana, said: “There seems to be a shift in marketing strategy by some Asian legacy airlines, to compete with the low-fare longhaul services offered by carriers like AirAsia X and the aggressive marketing of Middle Eastern carriers.

“With lower fares across the board, business travellers who usually fly economy are able to fly with premium airlines like Singapore Airlines. Malaysia Airlines is probably doing this mega-deals promotion to keep this market from shifting away,” Rudiana added.

-TTG Asia.

photo: Pelancongan Kini

Malaysia Airlines to join oneworld

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is scheduled to join the oneworld alliance in late 2012.
"With the world airline industry increasingly focused on alliances, we have carried out careful analysis of the global airline groups, and oneworld is clearly the best option for us,” said MAS' managing director and CEO, Tengku Azmil Aziz, adding that the alliance would "allow (MAS) to fast-track (its) own expansion plans".

MAS already code-shares with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian, and will be expanding bilateral links with other oneworld member airlines. Aside from tapping into the alliance's global coverage of almost 950 destinations in 150 countries, MAS will also integrate its Enrich frequent flyer programme with those of the alliance's other member airlines.

Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agent chairman, Mohd Khalid Harun, said: "This is a great strategy that will directly benefit both ticketing and inbound travel agents, as well as enhance the viability of MAS' hubs in Malaysia.” “The Malaysian government should now focus on making MAS a more competitive and reliable airline, by benchmarking its product and services against other quality airlines," he added.

- TTG Asia.

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/

photo: Pelancongan Kini

Clowning around in Borneo

SARAWAK will be hosting one of the most fun-filled conventions on the planet, when the World Clown Association Convention comes to Kuching in March 2013.
The annual event provides an educational platform for amateur and professional clowns to share their expertise and promote the art of clowning. Previously hosted in Canada and the US, this will be the first time it will be held in Asia.

The six-day meeting will attract about 200 professional clowns from around the world, and is expected to bring in tourism revenue of over 500,000 ringgit (US$166,000). The winning bid was clinched through a team presentation by local host, Sam Tee of Uncle Button Clown Supplies (Kuala Lumpur), the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau and the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

I wonder how the clowns will be able to keep their face paint from running in this tropical climate. And not to mention the most important issue of all – will anyone be able to take the keynote speakers seriously?
- TTG Asia.

Dawos: Conserve tourism attractions

LANGKAWI: Tourism industry players should help conserve and maintain Malaysia’s natural environment, which is a major draw for tourists coming to the country. Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said efforts to make the tourism sector a major source of income for the country would fail if these natural attractions were contaminated.

Dawos urged the island’s residents to cooperate by taking care of public amenities and prevent vandalism, as it would cause losses not only for the Government, but the people as well. “Vandalism will frustrate plans to develop Langkawi’s economy,” he said when closing the 2011 Langkawi Geopark Carnival organised by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) at Dataran Lang, here on Saturday. The carnival was held in conjunction with the fourth anniversary of Langkawi’s status as part of the Global Geopark Network by Unesco in 2007. Dawos suggested the carnival should be made an annual event to attract more visitors to Langkawi.

He expressed hope that Langkawi Geopark would continue to be a member of Unesco’s Global Geopark Network after its audit and evaluation this year. Lada general manager Datuk Azman Umar said the declaration of Langkawi as a geopark had boosted the island’s tourism industry.
The five-day carnival saw a variety of events such as geo-hunts, exhibitions, shadow plays, beach volleyball and cultural performances.

— Bernama

Photo: Pelancongan Kini

Super GT International Series Malaysia 2011

www.supergt.com.my

MIDE 2011

Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE 2011)

Date: 1 ~ 3 July 2011

Time: 10am ~ 7pm

Venue: Putra World Trade Centre

Website: www.mide.com.my/2011

Tarian Sebaya-Baya Repo tarikan pelancongan

KUCHING 4 Jun - Tarian Sebaya-Baya Repo mampu menjadi daya tarikan dalam industri pelancongan di negeri ini, terutama kepada mereka yang berkunjung ke Rumah Panjang Pueh, Sematan dekat sini, sempena sambutan Hari Gawai setiap 1 Jun. Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Opar, Ranum Mina berkata, tarian itu bukan sahaja menghiburkan, tetapi berupaya merapatkan silaturahim antara penduduk rumah panjang dengan para pengunjung.

Pada masa sama, katanya, program yang dilaksanakan pada hari itu penuh dengan semangat Gagasan 1Malaysia yang mengutamakan perpaduan rakyat. "Tarian ini cukup unik serta menghiburkan dan paling utama ia berupaya merapatkan hubungan persahabatan penduduk rumah panjang dengan pengunjung.

"Semua itu dapat dirasai apabila para penduduk sama-sama menari dengan pengunjung, pendek kata, tarian ini unik dan menjadi aset daya tarikan pelancong di rumah panjang ini," katanya selepas merasmikan Majlis Ambang Gawai di Rumah Panjang Kampung Pueh dekat sini, baru-baru ini. Ranum berkata, pada program itu juga dapat dilihat bagaimana sambutan ambang Gawai turut mengadunkan semangat 1Malaysia dengan pelbagai kaum berhibur bersama-sama.

-Utusan Online.

2,500 mangrove trees planted to protect coast

MUAR: A group of concerned Malaysians planted 2,500 mangrove trees to instil awareness about the importance of protecting coastal areas from erosion and other natural threats. Headed by Johor Special Branch chief SAC Datuk Ramli Hassan, the group took two days to plant saplings from two species of mangrove –bakau kurap and bakau minyak – at Tanjung Ketapang here. “We have seen how mangrove trees in several parts of the world played a major role in protecting lives during the 2004 tsunami.

A grove-y idea: SAC Ramli (left) and Baharuddin discussing the importance of mangrove trees to the environment in Muar yesterday.

“We now want the people to protect the coastal environment by planting mangrove trees,” he told reporters at the launch of a community policing programme here yesterday. Meanwhile, Johor Forestry Department senior ranger Baharu-ddin Bahran said mangrove trees protected the coastal swamps from erosion caused by strong tidal waves.

-thestar online.

Ancient sandstone on show in Langkawi

LANGKAWI: Sandstone from Gunung Macinchang, which dates back to some 550 million years, is among the attractions at this year's Langkawi Geopark Carnival. Sales and exhibition committee secretariat member Norlia Mat Saad said visitors would also be able to find the island's limestone and marble on display as well as information and photographs of the geopark at the event.

“We have received encouraging response from visitors and tourists on the two-day exhibition held at Dataran Lang here since it began yesterday,” she said. She said besides the sandstone and other displays, the event also saw 26 government department booths and 22 sales booths being set up, adding that a quiz on the geopark was also held for the public. The carnival was organised by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).

Lada public relations officer Ramizi Hassan said the carnival was held in conjunction with Langkawi's fourth anniversary as part of Unesco's Global Geoparks Network since 2007. “The carnival aims to cultivate an appreciation for nature among the people and instill in them values on how to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said. Ramizi said 20 activities had also been planned for the carnival, including a kenduri (feast) for the people, wayang kulit (shadow puppet show) in Pulau Tuba, a guided walk in Kilim, a sales exhibition at Dataran Lang, a “geohunt” at the Pekan Rabu Complex, a lecture at the Al Hana Kuah Mosque, folk games, futsal, and beach volleyball at Taman Lagenda.

There will also be children's cultural shows, a scooter convoy, a Most Beautiful Motor contest and a cooking competition to add to the merriment. Ramizi said he hoped the activities would help boost the Langkawi Geopark among tourists, which is the first in South-East Asia. The geopark covers much of Langkawi, from Kilim River to Gunung Macinchang. 

- Bernama

AirAsia expands Bandung service

Indonesia AirAsia (IAA) yesterday expanded its Bandung-Kuala Lumpur and Bandung-Singapore services with Airbus 320 aircraft. Two more daily flights have been added to the Kuala Lumpur route and one daily flight added to the Singapore route. IAA president Dharmadi said: “Our other flights are still served by our Boeing 737-300s, and we will gradually change them to A320 aircraft.”

With the ramped-up services, AirAsia now has five daily services between Bandung and Kuala Lumpur, and three between Singapore and Bandung. Capacity has increased from 149 to 180 seats. Dharmadi said the increased frequency and capacity would strengthen the airline’s business out of Bandung, one of the most popular Indonesian destinations among the Malaysian travellers.

Commenting on the increased capacity, Batik Holidays Bandung managing director, Maktal Hadiyat, said: “Malaysian arrivals are really booming for Bandung. The majority of travellers (from Malaysia to Bandung) are ethnic Malay, and they have been coming here several times.” “On one hand this is good for the local economy, as travellers know their way around Bandung, and spend their money on shopping and eating, but it gives little business to the travel trade,” he added.
-TTG Asia.

Promoting Pulau Besar

MALACCA: The state Museum Corporation (Perzim) had unveiled an intriguing tour package for gutsy holiday makers to spend a night at Pulau Besar, an island off the coast here with mythical tales likesaints and genies. Perzim’s general manager Khamis Abas said the package dubbed ‘a night in the museum’ is anticipated to receive an overwhelming response when the tour is launched on June 11.

“We want people to experience for themselves the so-called eerie feelings that is often linked to Pulau Besar although the package is introduced with an objective to debunk the perception that the island is full of supernatural occurrence,” he told StarMetro recently. Khamis said Pulau Besar looks like a pregnant lady lying on her back and locals attribute it to many legends.
“The island has also become a place of pilgrimage to a large number of people, especially Muslims from the Indian continent and China,” he said. “Many pilgrims come to Pulau Besar to visit a mausoleum believed to be of a wali, Sultan Ariffin Syeikh Ismail Waliallah.”

There are also numerous other graves visited by pilgrims such as that of Datok Janggut, Datuk Puteh and Nenek Kebayan Khamis and the island’s houses at least 23 legendary and holy spots which could be accessed through boat rides from jetties on the mainland. Some of the mystic spots on the island are Sultanul Aarifeen Tomb, a pious man who came from Baghdad in the early days when Islam arrived to the Malay Archipelago, a well which was used by Japanese soldiers during World War Two to behead prisoners and a skull rock, a rock similar to the shape of a human skull. Apart from that, many sunken trea­sures like gold coins are also believed to be buried at Pulau Besar just like Monte Cristo, a island in Italy.

When told about the new package by Perzim, a boat operator from Anjung jetty here, Zahidi Ismail, 54, said he welcomed the move by the museum authority to woo more visitors to the island. However, he cautioned the museum authority to remind the visitors on the taboos of the island as he claimed there are about 146 genie villages here.

“Of course you cannot see it with the naked eye but I am plying between the mainland to the island everyday and we know what the genies dislikes when humans enters their sites,” he claimed. He said visitors should also avoid flaunting when visiting the ‘Ripping Stone’ site where the huge stone at the center of the island, believed to carved by a warrior known as ‘The Black Tounge’ and also when visiting the snake shrine- a shrine made by a priest who could transform into a giant snake.

-thestar online.

ERL bags international awards

EXPRESS Rail Link (ERL) chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor became the first recipient of the Personality of the Year Award at the inaugural Global AirRail Awards 2011 held in Riga, the capital of Latvia recently. The other accolade presented to the air-rail operator was the Best Customer Service Award for its KLIA Ekspres VIP service.

Noormah said winning the award for KLIA Ekspres VIP Service was a tremendous boost for the company and a great recognition of the staff’s outstanding efforts. “It is really gratifying to be honoured with this achievement. We have come a long way since we launched the VIP Service in 2004,” she said in a telephone interview. She added that over the years ERL strove to improve the service, expand its coverage and ensure the highest levels of service and consistency across all operational areas.

“I would like to thank the staff at ERL and E-MAS (ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd) for their continued dedication and commitment to the job they do so well,” added Noormah. The KLIA Ekspres VIP Service is a premium service that combines the efficiency of its train service with personalised meet-and-greet, porter and executive limousine services. This exclusive service takes passengers door-to-door from the airport to their city centre hotels, offices or homes. “The KLIA EKspres VIP Service appeals to discerning travellers who appreciate all-round excellence,” said Noormah, who picked up the awards at a ceremony held during the international conference on “The Future of AirRail – Innovations and Modern Tech-nologies”.

The awards, organised by UK-based AirRail News, is the first ever international awards ceremony dedicated to the air-rail market as part of its programme to promote rail connections with airports and recognise best practices. “The Best Customer Service Award looks at initiatives that improves the customer experience and delivers excellent results,” Noormah said.
“With the KLIA Ekspres VIP Service, we are able to create a seamless journey experience for our customers from KL Sentral to the KL International Airport in just 28 minutes,” she added.
As for the Personality of the Year, the award goes to a person who through his or her work contributed greatly to promoting and growing the air-rail business in the world.

The award recognises Noormah’s efforts in sharing her knowledge and expertise with many in various international events and meetings. She was also honoured for constantly innovating to improve passenger experience without forgetting to seek new knowledge and finding ways to prove that airport expresses were the best railways in the world.
-thestar online.

Penang’s a draw for holiday crowd

Hotels in Penang are enjoying high-occupancy rates as tourists are taking advantage of the two-week school holidays to visit Penang and enjoy the food and beaches. A number of beach and city hotels have revealed that they are fully booked over the weekend due to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday which falls on this Saturday.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang marketing and communications manager Elisa Saw said the hotel was seeing 100% occupancy rate for its 250 rooms on Saturday. “Our market is mainly local tourists. We have about 80% occupancy rate on weekdays during the school holidays.” Parkroyal Penang Resort marketing communications manager Saw Wei Wei said the 309-room resort was also fully booked on Saturday, adding that the management was expecting bookings for next weekend to pick up as well.

Bayview Hotel Georgetown marketing communications manager Lim Hui Hui said a full occupancy rate had been recorded for Saturday, and 80% for Friday and Sunday. E&O Hotel general manager Marco G. Battistotti said the hotel in Farquhar Street as well as the Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi were seeing high occupancy rates of over 75% for the school holiday period. Battistotti, who is also Malaysian Associations of Hotel (Penang chapter) chairman, said the 42 hotels on the island were expect- ing a 65% and above occupancy rate in June compared to only 50% in May.

“May is normally the slowest month of the year as there are no festivals or holiday periods. “Many tourists also pick hotels or service apartments near a marina such as the one in Straits Quay,” he said, adding that it would be good to have a hotel built near the marina in the future.

-thestar online.

MTV World Stage all set to sizzle

Details on how to get the exclusive passes to the MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia 2011 “party-like-a-rockstar” are out. Passes for the previous concerts were not sold but this time around the organisers are making it a little easier by allocating 500 “Fire and Ice” packages valued at RM300 each for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Each package comprises one pass, 10 Snowalk@i-City tickets and 20 outdoor ride tickets.

Ready for action: Pop Shuvit members (from left) Rudy, JD, Uno, Moots, and AJ will be in action at the MTV World Stage on July 24.

Those who spend RM100 at i-City from June 10 to July 10 in i-City also stand a chance to win some of the 300 passes up for grabs. Meanwhile, the first 1,000 new or existing Debit MasterCard cardholders who spend RM30 and RM60, respectively, will be entitled to SMS their entries to claim two passes.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu, I-Berhad chief executive officer Datuk Eu Hong Chew and executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Lim Kim Hong were present at the announcement yesterday. Gan applauded i-City for its efforts in reaching out to the youths. “Encouraging the youth to be involved in socially responsible and engaging activities such as this are important. “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

“Engaging them in a manner that relates to them such as music and arts is key to reaching out to this group of vibrant individuals. “No public figure should demonise an event like this,” he said, commenting on criticism by certain parties on the chosen venue being unsuitable for an event of this kind.

Eu said the vision of i-City was to function as a hub for knowledge and tourism. “We are proud to host this global event which is set to put i-City on the world map with the concert broadcast globally to 154 countries, reaching more than 550mil households to portray Selangor and Malaysia as a vibrant country with a vast array of attractions and offerings that appeal to the old and young,” he said. About 15,000 people are expected to attend the event.

MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2011 will be staged at i-City, Shah Alam on July 24. Doors will be open at 4.30pm. It will also be broadcast on Astro Channel 713 at midnight on Aug 8. For more information on how to get the passes, visit www.i-city.my.

-thestar online.

Malaysia targets Singaporean nature lovers and bargain hunters

Malaysia will woo its largest source market, Singapore, with more ecotourism products, even as it continues to bank on its annual sale campaigns. Speaking at a thank-you luncheon for the Singapore travel trade, Azizan Noordin, acting director general, Tourism Malaysia, said the NTO would be focusing more on nature-based offerings such as parks and gardens and homestays. “We have designated about 22 parks and gardens throughout the country, and we are going to promote 12 first,” he said.

 

Azizan also pointed out that Singaporeans made up more than half of the 49,000 homestay tourists last year. Fascinating Holidays assistant director, business development, Hamid Samad similarly observed that homestay programmes were fast gaining popularity among Singaporeans, who were eschewing five-star hotels “to go back to basics and get an authentic experience”. He has four groups of about 30 pax each planned for June alone, with enquiries pouring in daily.

 

Azizan also said that shopping sales continue to be a major draw, “contributing about 28 per cent of tourism expenditure”. The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, previously known as the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, will run from June to August at shopping malls and retail outlets. This year, however, other industry sectors such as F&B, hotels and tourism attractions will also be participating as part of the Malaysia Unified Sale. Other tourism events in 2011 include a three-month 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival from July, a Fabulous Food 1Malaysia event from October to November, and a year-end Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival.

 

In 2010, Malaysia received 13 million tourists from Singapore, which generated 28.4 billion ringgit (US$9.4 billion) in tourism receipts, or roughly half of the 24.6 million arrivals and 56.6 billion ringgit achieved in total by the country.

-TTG Asia.