Tourists lap up Malaysian hospitality

Tupitsyna (second from left) and Wang (second from right) posing for a photo with Tupitsyna’s parents at Dataran Merdeka.

KUALA LUMPUR: Maybe it is the sunny weather or the relaxed pace of life in Malaysia that is making Russian tourist Lena Tupitsyna feel as if everybody in Malaysia is on holiday.

“I feel as if everybody is on holiday here. I don’t know why but it’s very relaxing and there’s a holiday spirit in the air,” said the 28-year-old English teacher, who is here in Malaysia for the second time. She was so enthralled by her first experience that this time, she brought along her Russian parents and her China-born husband, Michael Wang.

Wang, a 27-year-old who works as an airport security personnel, is fascinated by the local food. “I’m here for the food. I heard there’s a lot of Indian food here, which is my favourite. “Other than that, I love the economy rice. It’s a fun way of eating as I get to pick the dishes I want and the economical price helps too,” he said.

The group of four heard about the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 launch at Dataran Merdeka over the news and headed to the square to check out the celebration. “We’re really surprised to find out about the launch. We’re excited to see what’s in store,” said Tupitsyna.

One thing about Malaysia that struck Filipina tourist Jen Hizon was the hospitality of the people she encountered. “Everyone, from the restaurant I dine at to the random stranger I ask for help during the journey, is so accommodating.

“Whenever I ask something, I always get the right answer,” quipped Hizon, who is teaching in a university in her homeland. “It’s fantastic! It’s definitely a great experience that I would love to share with my students,” she said.

Malaysia’s abundance of architecture and historical sites is another reason Hizon picked the country for her vacation with her other-half Alessio Bongi, a computer programmer from Italy.

Prior to the launch, performers entertained groups of international tourists as well as locals with songs and dances. Some were seen joining the performers amidst loud cheers.

Ninni Pipitone and Stefania Pisgotto from Italy were delighted with what they have seen so far. “This is our first time in Malaysia and today is our first day in the country. “We were really surprised to find a party here,” they said excitedly.

-thestar online.

Hard Rock Cafe To Open In Putrajaya This Year - Aseh

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Hard Rock International is expected to open a Hard Rock Cafe at the federal government's administrative centre, here, this year.

This will be the fifth Hard Rock Cafe in the country after the ones in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu.

Putrajaya Corporation president, Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat said prominent businessman, Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir had agreed to open a Hard Rock Cafe at Menara Ikhlas in Precinct 3, here.

"Hard Rock Cafe Putrajaya will open in three or four months' time. "It will be a new attraction for the people, especially the younger generation, as well as Harley Davidson motorbike buffs," he told reporters, here, today. Aseh had earlier taken Syed Yusof on a tour of Menara Ikhlas.
-bernama.

VMY 2014: Malaysia Ready To Welcome Tourists - Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014) is set to offer wonderful experiences with a comprehensive range of products to cater the needs and preferences of the targeted 28 million local and international tourists.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said besides Malaysia's natural treasures of flora and fauna, from landscapes of impeccable beauty to cultural tourism, there were also various tourism products and services that would best suit any tourist coming to the country.

"These include the augmented tourism products and services under the key themes or affordable luxury shopping, nature adventure eco-tourism, health tourism, family fun, integrated, major events and business tourism," he said at the launching of VMY2014 at the Dataran Merdeka here, tonight.

Also present were Muhyiddin's wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Muhyiddin said, VMY 2014 would serve as a tool to extend the bridge of friendship and promote better understanding of various cultures and heritage.

Besides socio-cultural benefits, the significant of tourism could also be underscored from the economic perspective, with hope to generate RM76 billion in tourist receipts this year. "This represents a significant increase of RM11 billion in foreign exchange earnings," he added.

In 2012, the total tourism income generated in the economy was recorded at RM103.3 billion in 2012, representing a growth of 7.2 per cent, comprising RM62.5 billion and RM40.8 billion in international and local tourism receipts respectively.

"Having outlined the immense impact of tourism, I hope it serves as a motivation and a clarion call to all of us to offer our very best to the tourists in ensuring VMY2014 a phenomenal success," said Muhyiddin.

Meanwhile, he said Malaysia was well on track to achieve the goal of being a top tourist destination in the world, especially following the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 which had listed the country as one of the top 10 countries to visit.

CNN Travel also ranked Kuala Lumpur as the 4th shopping city in the world and three of Malaysia's pristine islands and beaches -- Perhentian Kecil Island, Juara Beach and Tanjung Rhu as among the Top 50 Beaches of the World's 100 Best Beaches. "These accolades in the eyes of the world bear testimony of Malaysia being a premier tourist destination," he said.

To all Malaysians, Muhyiddin urged them to take the responsibility to ensure that the foreign guests were treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.

Deputy prime minister also gave his assurance that Malaysia was a safe tourist destination and this could be seen in the vastly ethnic groups living in harmony with a common bond of kinship and solidarity.

He said the government had also taken measures to ensure continued safety and security of tourists, including the National Blue Ocean Strategy of Police Omnipresence at tourist hotspots.

"To our guests and tourists, allow me to once again welcome you to celebrate VMY2014. "Let this land of sunshine and warm friendly people capture your imaginations and hearts to bring home fond memories of your stay in Malaysia," he said.
-bernama.

Malaysia Plans To Boost Islamic Tourism Sector

photo: MOTAC facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to attract more tourists from Islamic countries based on the niche market the country has to offer, which will add vibrancy to the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Ministry of Tourism and Culture Secretary-General Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng said the sector recorded about 23 per cent of tourist arrivals from Muslim countries last year, who among others were keen to explore on the Islamic heritage trail and Syariah compliance services.

"Looking at the country's potentials in Islamic tourism, we project that the arrival of Muslim tourists can rise up to 30 per cent in the long term, and 25 per cent in the short term," he told a press conference after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), Ministry of Tourism and Culture, here, today.

At the ceremony, which was also witnessed by IIUM President Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, IIUM Rector Prof Datuk Seri Dr Zaleha Kamaruddin and its deputy rector for International, Industry and Community Relations Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Berghout as well as ITC Director General Zulkifly Md Said and its Director of Industry Development Yuhaini Yusoff signed the MoU.

Ong said the cooperation could facilitate the government in achieving the target, adding that the sector's expenditure (Islamic tourism) was reportedly valued at USD 130 billion to the world tourism industry in 2012.

Earlier Tourism and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz in a speech text read by Ong indicated that the MoU would provide significant economic returns to the country as well as creating employment opportunities to graduates.

He said the collaboration would also open up opportunities for exchanges of internship and attachment; mobility of staff and students; joint research and publication as well as promotion of Islamic multicultural activities.

Meanwhile, Dr Rais in his remark said it was the university's hopes that the MoU and the subsequent global excellence programmes planned by the university would complement other initiatives by the government to make Visit Malaysia Year 2014 a great success.

"In addition, the existing university's global networking is ever ready to collaborate with the government to promote the country especially the religion-cultural as well as artistic and intellectual activities which will further position Malaysia as the world's leading Islamic referral centre," he said.

The event today also saw the soft launching of selected IIUM Global Excellence Programmes 2014 which among others include the Global IIUM Alumni Homecoming Week 2014, the formation of the Islamic Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) Chair for Quranic Script and the International Research, Invention and Innovation Exhibition.
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CGI spectacle ready for VMY 2014 kick-off

All set: Projection mapping on Sultan Abdul Samad building during the rehearsal for the launch of VMY 2014 at Dataran Merdeka.

KUALA LUMPUR: Visit Malaysia Year 2014 officially takes off today against a backdrop of CGI (computer-generated imagery) visuals of the country’s multi-delights of places, culture and culinary fare at Dataran Merdeka.

Visitors will be amazed by the impressive 3D mapping and multimedia showcase that will light up the night with pyrotechnics effects.

This is aside from the tantalising street food fest, where they will get a taste of delicious Malaysia delicacies, and entertainment by some of the best artistes in the region, including Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.

The country has, for many years, presented to tourists specialties that range from culture and heritage to eco-tourism, with food, shopping, lifestyle, sport, education, medical and luxury tourism introduced in recent years.

VMY 2014 launch public relations manager Ina Hopkins said the team took six months to prepare the spectacular event using innovative CGI technology.

VMY 2014 secretariat senior manager Ibrahim Abdullah described the event in a single word: unique. “The team had little time to set up for the launch since the previous event ended only a few days ago,” he said, in reference to the New Year countdown show at the square. “But we had been preparing for this since July last year,” he added.

“Even the icon looks unique. The mascot for VMY 2014 is a one-of-a-kind icon,” he said of the proboscis monkey, an endangered species found primarily in Borneo and predominantly in Sabah.

Ibrahim said video mapping was being done for the first time on the Sultan Abdul Samad building, the majestic Moorish-designed building at the historic square that once housed the city’s courtrooms.

“We faced some challenges along the way, especially when the weather was bad,” added Ibrahim, thankful that the Culture and Tourism Ministry had helped select the performers for the event.

“I hope VMY 2014 will be spread throughout the world. We encourage people who come to this event to share it with others through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other means,” said Ibrahim.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is due to launch the year-long fest at 10pm, and the celebration will continue right up to midnight with a fireworks extravaganza. Malaysia hopes to draw more than 28 million tourists throughout the year.

-thestar online.

Foreign Media & Tour Agents Witness The Grand Launch Of VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2014

photo: MOTAC facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 January 2014 – In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2014 Grand Launch, Tourism Malaysia has invited a total of 219 international travel agents and media from 25 countries to Malaysia under its Mega Familiarisation Programme.

The Mega Fam participants who hailed from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand,  Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore & Batam, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Vietnam are here to report and publicise the event and, in the case of travel agents, to help create more holiday packages to Malaysia.

The participants attended a Destination Seminar at Shangri-La Hotel KL today, where they were briefed by the Director of Communications and Publicity Mohmed Razip Hasan on the country’s latest tourism development followed by a presentation by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s Tourism Unit Head Noraza Yusof. The Marketing Director of Sarawak Tourism Board Benedict Jimbau also delivered a presentation to highlight Sarawak’s latest tourist attractions and developments. There was also a video presentation on Luxury Malaysia and Express Rail Link (ERL).

Express Rail Link Sdn. Bhd., which is the high-speed train operator, is sponsoring a one-way ERL ticket to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for all the Mega Fam participants.

After the Destination Seminar, the participants enjoyed a lunch hosted by the Director General of Tourism Malaysia YBhg Dato’ Mirza Mohammed Taiyab, where they were also presented with a certificate of participation.

The Minister of Tourism and Culture, the Hon. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz also personally welcomed all the Mega Fam participants by hosting a dinner at Shangri-La Hotel KL. During the dinner, the Minister also presented Mega Fam Corporate Partners with certificates of appreciation.

The participants will take part in a half day city tour around Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on 4 January before attending the Grand Launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at Dataran Merdeka in the evening.

The following day, the Mega Fam participants will proceed to their post tours to selected tourist destinations around the country.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Terengganu Introducing New Tourism Products In Conjunction With VMY2014

KEMAMAN, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Terengganu welcomes Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014) by introducing a number of special tourism products to draw more tourists to the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said among the new products would be the Elephant Village at Tasik Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu which was already completed. "We are also providing more comfortable facilities for visitors to the Kelah (Mahseer) Sanctuary by building a 800-metre pedestrian bridge to the place," he said when met by reporters, here, Friday.

Ahmad said the state had just finished holding its Visit Terengganu Year 2013 (VTY2013) programme which managed to draw the targeted four million tourists.

He said tourist arrivals at Tasik Kenyir last year alone until October reached 450,000, exceeding the target of 400,000, and he was confident that until December the number could have reached 500,000.

Ahmad said Tasik Kenyir would be the main tourist attraction when all the facilities at the duty-free area became operational soon. "This will provide income opportunities for the people, especially those living around the lake area, by selling local products and offering various services to tourists," he added.
-bernama.

VMY2014: Homestay Operators Excited To Promote Uniqueness Of Kampung Life

Program Homestay Malaysia logo

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- With the new year, homestay operators throughout the country are surely excited about promoting the uniqueness of Malaysian village life to tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014).

They said besides must-do activities like cultural performances, new activities had been planned to make the tourists' homestay experience a memorable one.
Coordinator for the Haji Dorani homestays in Sungai Besar, Selangor, Abd Rahman Daud said in conjunction with VMY2014, the coconut tree would be made the main tourism highlight instead of the padi field, chosen previously.
"There are many coconut groves but they are neglected. Rather than remaining a waste, it's better to make the coconut tree a tourism product as it has numerous uses," he said when contacted.

Abd Rahman said besides plucking young coconuts and drinking their refreshing water, tourists would also be able to see how coconut oil was produced the traditional way, as well as making of handicrafts from the coconut trunk and shell.

According to him, the villagers would also be introducing a traditional Javanese dish called "Sambal Tahun", said to have got its name from its long-lasting quality, remaining edible for a year from the date it was cooked and even tastier from being repeatedly heated up. "Long ago, it was difficult to get food, so the villagers of Javanese descent cooked Sambal Tahun in large quantities and kept them. The ingredients include cili padi, galangal, shallots, garlic, coconut milk and can be mixed with cockles, squid, chicken and beef or beef tripe," he explained.

Coordinator for the Kampung Temenin Baru homestays in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Zainoh Musa said in conjunction with VMY2014, tourists would be taken on a trip tracing the history of the Johor Sultanate as the area was where it began.

He said the historical tourist spots to be visited included the tomb of Sultan Mahmud Shah II, the last Johor ruler who descended from the Melaka Sultanate, and the tomb of Laksamana (Admiral) Bentan who stabbed the sultan out of revenge for the killing of his wife and unborn child.

Zainoh said besides experiencing the culture of the Javanese community in the village, tourists could also observe the culture of the Minangkabau community of Kampung Temenin Lama nearby if they joined the cycling activity.

"We can't wait for the arrival of foreign tourists here. In the past we received tourists from Germany, the United States, Australia and Singapore. Language is not a problem, as even chickens and ducks can go about together, what more human beings," he said.

Coordinator for the Kampung Baru Salong homestays in Pekan, Pahang, Bakri Abu Talib said the villagers were thankful that their preparations to receive tourists this year had not been disrupted by the recent floods as the village was not affected.

He said the village community viewed the homestay industry not only as a source of income but also as a responsibility to assist the nation increase revenue through the tourism sector.

"We feel honoured that tourists are willing to come to our village. We hope there will be more tourists this year as there were less of them in 2013 compared to 2012 where the presence of many tourists had enlivened our village. "We enjoyed serving them kampung dishes like ikan patin masak tempoyak. The tourists also partook in grilling corn on the corb that had just been plucked from the farm operated by the village youths," he said.

Bakri said to attract more young tourists to the area, the villagers would offer activities like climbing the 641-metre (2,103 ft) high Bukit Chini with an overnight stay at the foot of the hill.

Romlee Hassan, coordinator for the Paya Guring homestays, about 4km from Arau, Perlis, said the villagers opted for the gotong-royong way in receiving tourists to portray unity of the Malay community in doing things. "Activities are also planned according to the seasons such as the fruit season and the padi planting or harvesting season," he said.

Romlee said the homestay operators in the village also attended an English language course to enable them to converse with foreign tourists, besides using social media like Facebook and blogs to draw tourists to the area.

-bernama.

KL Roads Closed Due To Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Launch

launch preparation. photo: Malaysia Truly Asia facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- Several roads will be closed and traffic diverted from Thursday until Jan 5 in conjunction with the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at Dataran Merdeka here.

In a media statement, Kuala Lumpur police said Jalan Raja (in front of Sultan Abdul Samad Building) and the junction of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja (heading towards Jalan Raja) will be closed for four days starting today.

Three roads in the city centre will be fully closed on Jan 4. These are Jalan Leboh Pasar Besar (heading towards Jalan Sultan Hishammuddin), Jalan Gereja and Jalan Mahkamah Persekutuan (behind Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad).

Police advise the public to use alternative routes and avoid the areas affected by the road closures and traffic diversions.

They are also advised to use public transportation to get to Dataran Merdeka and to observe all traffic rules and the instructions of the police force on duty.

Members of the public without important matters to attend to in the city are also advised to avoid the affected areas on the days concerned.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Extravaganza Festival organising committee chairman Datuk Naim Mohamad said several roads in the city centre would be temporarily closed on Sunday (Jan 5) to make way for the Green Car Free Morning campaign.

He said the campaign was being held to enable city folks to engage in recreational activities like cycling and walking while enjoying the beauty of the federal capital.

"A criterium loop (1.5 kilometres) will be held beginning from Menara 1 Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) in Jalan Raja Laut and on to Jalan Semarang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Tun Perak and back to Menara 1 DBKL, which will be from 7.30am to 9.30am," he told a press conference here.

He said a lap of honour covering six kilometres would also be opened from 7.30am to 8am with the start at Menara 1 DBKL Jalan Raja Laut and passing through Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Tun Perak. This route will only be closed to motorists but public transport like buses and taxis can still use it on designated special lanes.

The Extravaganza will also feature children's colouring competition, cultural shows, batik printing and traditional games.
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Lanjutan Perkhidmatan LRT, Monorel & Bas RapidKL sempena Visit Malaysia 2014 Grand Launch ( 4 Januari 2014 )

-www.myrapid.com.my

VMY 2014 first-day arrivals receive star treatment

VIP treatment: The Proboscis Monkey mascot welcoming tourists at LCCT Sepang on the first day of Visit Malaysia 2014.

SEPANG: Thousands of visitors who arrived through 37 entry points throughout the country on the first day of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY 2014) were given a warm and rousing welcome.

Whether it was at airports, ports or CIQ complexes, the visitors received “VIP” treatment in specially arranged ceremonies, which saw them walking between lines of cultural troupes clad in full traditional attires.

The major ceremonies were held at KL International Airport (KLIA), Subang Skypark Terminal, Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), Padang Besar CIQ, Penang International Airport, Langkawi International Airport, Bukit Kayu Hitam CIQ, KL Sentral, Second Link, Causeway, Rantau Panjang, Kuching International Airport, Sungai Tujuh Immigra­tion Centre in Miri and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Those arriving via cruise ship at the Port Klang Cruise Centre were also given a special welcome.

At KLIA, Tourism Malaysia and Air Asia staff greeted the first tourists of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with flower garlands and teh tarik, a favourite drink of many Malaysians.

Japanese tourist Kaito Yamada, 43, said he was pleasantly surprised the Malaysian hosts were as warm and friendly as he had heard from friends who had travelled here before. Yamada, who travelled from Osaka with his wife and son, said the family was planning to see as much of the country starting in Kuala Lumpur and then heading up to Ipoh and Penang.

Engineering graduate Allison Jones, 22, said she did not expect be able to try teh tarik as soon as she arrived. Jones said she chose Malaysia as the first leg of her backpacking trip around South-East Asia as it seemed to already feature a lot of the regional culture. “I wanted to see what’s out there before starting work,” said the Australian national.

Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng led the welcoming ceremonies by personally greeting about 100 visitors from China as a symbolic gesture, indicating the commencement of VMY 2014 at the main arrival hall.

They were greeted with cultural performances accompanied by traditional music such as gamelan, cempuling and kompang. A group of Mah Meri cultural performers from Carey Island in Klang was also involved.

At the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab and AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Aireen Omar were on hand to greet the visitors. Some 9,000 goodie bags were distributed to visitors at the LCCT and another 9,000 at KLIA.

-thestar online.

VMY 2014 Promises Unique, Exciting Experience For Tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- It's the first day of 2014 and what a way to begin the new year with a bang, heralding the grand celebration of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2014) with a wide range of cultural events and exciting programmes awaiting tourists throughout the year.

VMY 2014 will highlight the unique attractions of the cultural wealth and heritage through a variety of ethnic groups living in peace and harmony.

Malaysia promises tourists from all over the world something special and unique to make their time here truly memorable and enjoyable with visits to historical sites, unique tourist spots and feasting on local delights, not to mention the shopping spree.

Themed 'Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia' VMY 2014 targets RM76 billion in returns through the presence of 28 million tourists here. The mascot is a monkey from the Proboscis species, VMY 2014 is the fourth edition after three similar celebrations in 1990, 1994 and 2007 which helped to boost the country's tourism industry.

The official launch of the VMY 2014 will take place on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, from 9am to 5pm, and promises exciting events and memorable experiences to tourists, including performances by popular artistes, concerts, fireworks, food and a demonstration of Malaysian handicraft.

The Royal Langkawi International Regatta, scheduled from Jan 13 to 18 is part of the initial programme for VMY 2014, followed by the Chinese New Year Open House 2014 celebrations and the World Kite Festival in February.

In addition, events such as the Colors of 1Malaysia, an annual event to showcase the rich and diverse culture of the country, the F1 Grand Prix in Sepang, the rainforest world music festival in Sarawak and Mega Sales carnival nationwide awaits tourists.

In Sabah, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, said among the new tourist spots, Gunung Trus Madi in Tambunan and Gunung Tambuyukon in Ranau have the potential for development, and highlighted this in conjunction with VMY 2014.

"With these new tourist attractions which have great potential, we are confident of achieving the target of 3.4 million tourist arrival to the state during VMY 2014," he said at a press conference to welcome the first visitors to Sabah, at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Terminal 1 here, today.

Sabah currently has a World Heritage Site, namely the Kinabalu National Park, home to the 4,095-metre high Mount Kinabalu while the 2,642-metre high Mount Trus Madi is the second highest mountain and Mount Tambuyukon which is 2,579m in height is also one of the mountains that form the Crocker Range.

Meanwhile, until the end of November, more than 200,000 orders have been received to visit Malaysia in conjunction with the VMY 2014, from China, Japan, East Asia and Europe.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng said the orders were received from all over the world, especially from Asian countries like China, Japan, East Asia and Europe.

This goes to show how keen they are to visit Malaysia when more than 600 tour packages were offered, he said at a press conference after receiving 69 tourists from Beijing and 20 tourists from Shanghai as a symbolic start to VMY 2014 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang here, today.
-bernama.

Kedah Expect Two-Fold Increase In Tourist Arrivals In VMY 2014

Sunset Langkawi. photo: PelanconganKini

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Kedah is targeting a two-fold increase in its tourist arrivals next year as 2014 has been declared Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2014).

Kedah state exco Aminuddin Omar said Kedah had recorded 2.8 million tourist arrivals last year through its main entry points, Langkawi International Airport, Kuah Ferry Terminal, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport and the Immigration and Customs Quarantine (ICQ) complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Aminuddin said the target of 5.4 million tourist arrivals next year was achievable through proper planning, promotion and preparation, especially by Tourism Malaysia, plus the related agencies in the state and Federal.

He said though duty free Pulau Langkawi which is a popular holiday destination would be the main draw card for tourists, there would be numerous programmes and promotions to attract tourists to the mainland holiday destinations in Kedah.

"The current rapid development, peace and harmony in the country will be a main factor to attract tourists," he told reporters after welcoming tourists in conjunction with the launch of VMY 2014 at the ICQ in Bukit Kayu Hitam, today.

According to Aminuddin, the bombing incidents in Danok, Sadao and Padang Besar, in Thailand would be another factor to draw tourists to Malaysia.

He said a number of seven-star hotels have been build to cater for an increasing demand for luxury hotels while international events have also been lined up throughout 2014 to attract tourists.

Aminuddin said Kedah's VMY 2014 calendar would kick off with the Kedah Sultan's Birthday celebrations on Jan 19.
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International Music Festival - Main Attraction For Tourists To Pahang

Sungai Kuantan. photo: PelanconganKini

KUANTAN, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The International Music Festival to be held in Kuantan for the first time this April will be the main attraction for tourists to the state in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (TMM14).

The Festival which is on par with the Borneo Rainforest Music Festival will feature many local and overseas artistes and music lovers from around the world. Pahang Tourism Office director, Idros Yahya said the success of the Borneo Rainforest Music Festival held for the first time in Sarawak in 2005 has inspired them to organise a similar event.

"Through this festival, we will reveal the unique culture and local traditional music to tourists, thus giving them an opportunity to get to know how the locals live. "Apart from that, such a festival can be the meeting point for musicians from around the world, and a chance for them to exchange ideas about their respective cultures," he told reporters after a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first group of foreign tourists at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (LTSAS) here, today.

At the event,a total of 110 tourists who flew by MAS from Kuala Lumpur and Fireflyz from Singapore were welcomed with state cultural performances at the arrival hall.

Meanwhile, the general manager of State Tourism, Ishak Mokhtar, who was also present at the event said, there were three programmes available in the state tourism calendar this year namely the Bird Programme at Fraser's Hill in June, followed by the national level Aidilfitri Celebrations and the Royal Billfish Challenge in Rompin. Many interesting tour packages will also be offered to attract tourists.

"In addition, the state tourism office will also introduce the 'Pahang Bicyclemania' event to be held in each district throughout the year," he said.

Meanwhile, a tourist from New Zealand, Robert Atkinson, 51, said Malaysia is one of his favourite places to visit because of the culture and its friendly people.

"I had visited Malaysia a few times and this is the second time I've come to Pahang. Malaysia is a beautiful country with a beautiful culture and the people are friendly. I've visited Sarawak before and overall this is a nice place to bring the family for a vacation," he added.
-bernama.

More Than 3,500 Foreign Tourists Arrive At P.Klang

PORT KLANG, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 3,571 foreign tourists who are travelling on board the tourist ship, Mariner of The Seas, arrived at the Port Klang Cruise Centre, in Pulau Indah, here today.

They were warmly greeted on the first day of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with traditional dance performances by the Seri Pekan Cultural Association and a 'silat' performance by Tourism Selangor Sdn Bhd.

The Director of the Industry Development Division of Tourism Malaysia, Saidi Bundan, who led the welcoming party, told reporters that Port Klang was the first port of call by the luxury liner in Malaysia from Singapore before proceeding its journey to Penang tomorrow and subsequently to Langkawi.

Today, the tourists from Europe, Africa, Hong Kong, and Japan would be taken on a tour as well as shopping and enjoying the local food in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, he said.

"We hope this will be the beginning of a rise in the number of tourists visiting this country in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014," he said. A press statement from Tourism Malaysia said the number of stops by cruise ships had increased from 287 in 2010 to 338 in 2012.
-bernama.

Kuala Lumpur Aims To Attract 15 Million Tourists This Year

photo: Malaysia Truly Asia facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is targetting to get 15 million tourists to visit the federal capital this year in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said DBKL was targetting 10.1 million international tourists and 4.9 million domestic tourists, who were expected to bring in revenue estimated at RM24.9 billion.

In 2012, the city recorded 14 million tourist arrivals, comprising 9.3 million foreign tourists and 4.7 million domestic tourists, who brought in revenue of RM19.8 billion, he added.

He told this to reporters after launching the calendar of events and festivals in Kuala Lumpur for 2014 at the KL Sentral station here.

On last night's incident at Dataran Merdeka, where the New Year's eve concert there had to be called off when protesters broke through the police cordon to seize the stage, Ahmad Phesal hoped it would not mar efforts by the government to get more tourists to come to the country.

In another development, he said DBKL received 153,758 protest letters on the hike in assessment rate of properties in the city.
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Joyous Celebration To Welcome 2014 Nationwide

photo: PelanconganKini

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- At the stroke of midnight (Dec 31), fireworks lit the night sky at several locations throughout the country to welcome 2014 and leave 2013 with fond memories.

The new year celebration also marks the start of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Despite an anti-government rally held in the capital, it did not dampen the celebration in other places in the country.

In PUTRAJAYA, more than 500,000 visitors swarmed Dataran Putrajaya in Precinct 3 for the 2014 New Year Concert organised by AmBank Group with the cooperation of Putrajaya Corporation.

Present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Dr Aseh Che Mat, and Ambank Group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim and his wife, Tunku Arishah Tunku Maamor.

Apart from fireworks, a concert featuring artists, including Datuk M Nasir, Datuk Hattan, Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Ella, Soo Wincci, Rabbit Mac, Mista G, Kumpulan Sweet Charity, Amy Search and Hujan, The Malaysian Drum Symphony, The Singing Shop and Kombo PPj entertained revellers. The concert was telecasted live over NTV7 and hosted by HotFM DJs Fara Fauzana and Faizal Ismail.

In SHAH ALAM, more than 3,000 people thronged Dataran Kemerdekaan for the celebration.

Apart from performances put up by singers such as Aisyah, Nora and Voice of Ummi, the celebration was enlivened by religious talks given by religious scholars, namely Aziz Ibrahim, Haslin Ibrahim and Don Danial.

I-City, endorsed as a night tourism destination by the government, ushered in the new year and Visit Malaysia Year with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Instead of having the customary fireworks display at the stroke of midnight, the City management has decided to incorporate an additional session at 8pm to usher in both the new year and VMY 2014, touted to be the biggest event in the Malaysian tourism calendar.

In between the two fireworks displays, thousands of Shah Alam city folks took the opportunity to visit the i-City's theme park that boasts a host of leisure attractions, among others, Snowalk, Trick Art Museum and Red Carpet, Malaysia's first interactive All-Star wax museum.

Tang Soke Cheng, information manager of I-Berhad, the developer of i-City, told Bernama that 2014 is expected to be a big year for i-City with more exciting attractions. "As a major player in the leisure business, we reiterate our fullest support to the all-out efforts by the Tourism and Culture Ministry to make VMY 2014 a resounding success," she added.

In MELAKA, over 5,000 revellers, including foreign tourists, attended the new year celebration at Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir.

State executive councillor Datuk Md Yunos Husin simultaneously launched the VMY 2014 as the state was set to welcome 14 million tourists by holding 94 events, including the International River Festival, World Heritage Festival and Melaka Tourism Show.

Tourists attending the new year celebration were given the Melaka Visit Year calendar prepared by the Chief Minister's Office tourism promotion division. A choir, fireworks, a lucky draw and the countdown enlivened the atmosphere.

In GEORGE TOWN, thousands of Penang residents and tourists flooded Padang Kota Lama to welcome the new year and witnessed a firework display at the stroke of midnight.

Earlier, some 8,000 revellers were entertained to a concert featuring artistes such as Kumpulan JYJ Reunion, Bunkface, Tomok, Manifesto, The Villanz and Pink Tan. Huge crowds were also reported in Gurney Drive, Bukit Bendera, Queensbay Mall, Kompleks Bukit Jambul and Butterworth Municipal Council field as early as 8pm to usher in the new year.

In KEDAH, the new year celebration was also held in several major towns.

People gathered at Taman Jubli Emas in Alor Setar, Langkawi and Dataran Zero in Sungai Petani for the celebration. Fireworks were also lighted at midnight to welcome the new year.

In KANGAR, there was no organised events to welcome 2014, but thousands of people visited the 2013 Perlis IMT-GT Fair which indirectly became the focal point of the celebration at Dataran Datuk Sheikh Ahmad. A countdown was held for visitors in front of the Perlis Government Complex clock.

The brief occasion was held without any fanfare or fireworks while the Perlis IMT-GT fair which assembled entrepreneurs from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to promote their products for six-days.
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Sabah Eyeing 3.4 Million Tourists In Visit Malaysia Year 2014

photo: www.sabahtourism.com

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Sabah is targeting 3.4 million tourists with a projected revenue of RM6.3 billion during the 2014 Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2014).

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said this was in line with the country's VMY 2014 target of 28 million tourist arrivals and tourism revenue of RM76 billion. "To achieve these objective, it is important for all parties, especially those who are front liners such as taxi drivers, hotel employees, tourist guides and so on, to give their best service," he said.

He was speaking at the countdown celebration for the New Year and Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at Lintasan Deasoka which was attended by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, here Tuesday night.

Musa hoped all front liners would be well equipped with information on various products and tourist attractions in Sabah to mount an integrated approach to promote tourism with the ministry, department and agencies as well as members of the community.

At the same time, he welcomed efforts of all government agencies in Sabah to continue holding more cultural and community activities to display the various unique cultures and customs of the local people. "Therefore, I hope all Malaysians in Sabah will ensure we are the best host to the visitors," he said.

Musa who is also state Finance Minister said the people should be grateful to live in a peaceful and harmonious environment despite the various cultures, religions, ethnics and communities in the state. He said the harmonious environment in Sabah met the features envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who once said Sabah was a fine example of the spirit of 1Malaysia.

"Apart from political stability and economic prosperity, Sabah is also blessed with natural attractions and rich with its flora and fauna which attracts tourists from all over the world.
-bernama.