Boney M to start anniversary tour in Kuching on Jan 4

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak will begin 2025 with a concert by popular 1970s band Boney M which marks their 50th anniversary tour in Kuching on Jan 4.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the band, led by original member Maizie Williams, had chosen Kuching as the first stop on their tour.

"We feel honoured to start the year with such a popular international band. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this iconic band live," he said in a news report today.

Event promoter Front Row Entertainment Sdn Bhd executive director Zaid Zaini said the Boney M show at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching was part of Sarawak's initiative to host international cultural events.

Founded in 1974, Boney M is a disco group renowned for hits like Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Ma Baker and Rivers of Babylon.

The concert organised by Lo-Fi Entertainment and Front Row Entertainment is titled Boney M 50th Anniversary Tour and will also be held in Mega Star Arena, Jalan Sultan Ismail here on Jan 12.

-nst online.

130 pemain berentap aksi pusingan akhir golf MFGA

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Lebih 130 pemain berentap pada pusingan grand final golf Malaysia Flying Golfers Association (MFGA) di Kelab Golf Seriemas, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan baru-baru ini.

Pada saingan kali ini, seramai tujuh pemain luar negara iaitu dari Lubnan, Korea Selatan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia dan Singapura turut memperagakan kehebatan.

Pemain berbakat, Nasaruddin Abdul Basir muncul juara Order Of Merit selepas berjaya mengumpulkan 1,850 mata manakala tempat kedua dan ketiga masing-masing milik Ramlan Mohd Nor (1,580 mata) dan Sivalingam SP (1,570 mata).

Bagi kategori Medal A pula, Abd Rashid Md Zain muncul juara dengan pungutan 41 mata manakala tempat kedua dan ketiga masing-masing dimenangi Norazman Sabri (40 mata) dan Ruszamuddin (38 mata).

Pemain handikap 16, Salzeli Zamri pula berjaya mengumpul 49 mata untuk merangkul gelaran juara kategori B manakala naib juara milik Toh Puan Fatimah Rosli (36 mata) dan ketiga dimenangi Datuk Arshad Abdul Jalil (35 mata).

Gelaran juara kategori C pula menjadi milik Hussin Ahmad dengan himpunan 43 mata manakala Datuk Mohd Fauzi Aziz (42 mata) di tempat kedua dan Ismet Omar (41 mata), ketiga.

Bagi kategori jemputan, di tempat pertama dimenangi Norazizul Hashim dengan 39 mata, manakala Mohamed Khalid dengan 38 mata (kedua) dan tempat ketiga milik Zikry Zain (37 mata).

Presiden MFGA, Zulkifli Mohd Razali berkata penganjuran saingan golf pada kali ini berjaya mengeratkan persahabatan antara pemain negara ini dan luar negari selain membantu mempromosi pelancongan menerusi sukan golf.

"MFGA yang ditubuhkan sejak 41 tahun lalu sehingga kini terus melebarkan jalinan persahabatan dengan pemain-pemain negara luar melalui platform golf.

"Sepanjang kejohanan tahun ini, MFGA berjaya membawa sektor pelancongan negara ke persada dunia. Ini terbukti dengan penyertaan pemain-pemain dari luar negara," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Zulkifli berharap dapat menganjurkan kejohanan lebih besar pada masa depan dengan penyertaan lebih ramai kalangan pemain luar negara disamping mempromosikan sukan golf Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa.

-berita harian online.

Fam Trip for KOLs & Media from Taiwan to Sarawak

 

Tourism Malaysia Taipei organized a KOL and Media Fam Trip to Mulu and Kuching, Sarawak from 2 – 8 December 2024, bringing together a group of 8 Taiwanese outdoor enthusiasts (4 KOLs and 4 editors of magazine/online media) from diverse backgrounds, including jungle trackers, mountain climbers, marathoners, and lifestyle travelers. This trip was fully sponsored by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB). Additionally, 3 pax from MAB AV team joined the trip to document the journey via video/photo along each itinerary together with 1 pax from TM Taipei.

Highlights of the trip included jungle trekking and cave exploration at Mulu National Park (Deer, Lang, Wind, and Clearwater Caves), as well as a longboat ride on Sungai Melinau. The group enjoyed their 3D2N stay at the Mulu Marriott.

In addition to Mulu, the group visited and experienced the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Annah Rais Longhouse, Tasik Biru Sarawak Delta Geopark, Kuching Heritage Trail, Borneo Culture Museum, and embarked on a Royal Kuching Cruise. To fully immerse themselves in Sarawak's gastronomy, the group dined at Telang Usan Restaurant, savored seafood at Top Spot hawkers, experienced Bidayuh flavors at Jak Ma'an and butter coffee at traditional coffee shop at Kai Joo Lane, enjoyed a local breakfast like Laksa Sarawak and Kolo Mee at Choon Hui Cafe, visited night market and dine at The Post in Siniawan and even participated in a hands-on cooking experience at Annah Rais.

The group was also invited to the STB Media Night on 6 December at the Imperial Hotel, together with other invited local and international media from Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and the USA. This provided a valuable networking opportunity and additional memorable experiences for the group, since almost half of them had never visited Malaysia before.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Langkawi receives 124,203 tourists from India in first six months this year

 

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid (left) said the island received 124,203 tourist arrivals from India during the first six months of this year, compared to 132,000 throughout last year. NSTP/HAMZAH OSMAN

LANGKAWI: The number of Indian tourists visiting Langkawi is expected to increase by 10 per cent this year following the implementation of the 30-day visa exemption policy for visitors from India.

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said the island received 124,203 tourist arrivals from India during the first six months of this year, compared to 132,000 throughout last year.

Haslina projected that the number of Indian tourist arrivals in Langkawi will grow further next year with the introduction of direct flights between Bengaluru and Langkawi, which begin today.

"This positive momentum has been supported by the 30-day visa exemption under the Visa Liberalisation Plan, effective from December 1 last year," she told reporters.

Earlier, Haslina opened a ceremony to welcome 186 passengers on IndiGo's inaugural direct flight from Bengaluru to Langkawi at the Langkawi International Airport here. Haslina added that the Bengaluru-Langkawi direct flight operates seven times a week, reflecting IndiGo's commitment to expanding its network across Southeast Asia.

"The opening of this route will also bring economic benefits to the local community, especially small business owners, hotels, homestays, and other tourism-related products on the island.

"IndiGo is the third airline to operate direct flights to Langkawi, following FlyDubai from the United Arab Emirates, which commenced its service in October," she added.

-nst online.

Home Stay Malaysia Adakan Jelajah Budaya Di Indonesia Dari 15-19 Desember Di Indonesia

 

Jakarta, INDONEWS.ID - Sebanyak 38  Travel Agent, Asosiasi, Kerajinan Tangan Malaysia  Akan ikuti Jelajah Budaya Dalam rangka promosi Tahun Melawat Home Stay tahun 2025 dan Tahun Melawat Malaysia tahun 2026   dari tanggal 15-19 Desember mendatang.

Ketua Homestay Malaysia Dato Sahariman Hamdan menyebutkan keikutsertaan peserta dari Malaysia itu mendapat dukungan penuh dari Kedutaan Besar Malaysia TYT Dato` Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Husein dan  Direktur Tourism Malaysia Hair Mohd Yakzan.

Disamping itu kita juga membawa  Chef/Tukang masak dari  Malaysia serta kumpulan kebudayaan Malaysia dan intinya kegiatan yang kita lakukan ini untuk merapatkan   hubungan jiran tetangga., Malaysia-Indonesia khususnya melalui Wisata dan ekonomi kreatif dan  mempromosikan produk produk dan Acara Homestay .

Apalagi perkembangan home Stay saat ini sudah mulai meningkat dan itu dibuktikan banyaknya pelancong pelancong dari berbagai Negara khusus yang berkunjung ke Malaysia menginap di home stay

Sementara itu jelajah Wisata itu mulai dari  Jakarta, Bogor & Bandung dan berlangsung dari tanggal 15-19 Disember, 2025.

Kedutaan Besar Malaysia TYT Dato` Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Husein menyampaikan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada Ketua Homestay Malaysia yang sudah menyiapkan rancangan kegiatan jelajah budaya untuk. Menyambut  Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 dengan penuh semangat dan aspirasi baru.

Dalam usaha untuk menghidupkan semula industri pelancongan pasca-pandemik, tahun ini dijangka menjadi titik tolak penting bagi negara ini dalam menarik pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) menyasarkan kedatangan pelancong luar negara sebanyak 35.6 juta sempena kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

Tema ini ini bukan saja memanifestasikan kerjasama erat antara Tourism Malaysia dan home stay Malaysia, tetapi juga memberi peluang kepada rakyat Malaysia untuk merancang percutian merbeka sambil menikmati pengalaman pelancongan secara langsung dalam aktiviti seni, kraf tangan, budaya serta warisan tempatan.

-indonews.id

Hasil pelancongan Perlis catat peningkatan RM1.03 juta

 

KANGAR: Perlis merekodkan peningkatan hasil pelancongan sebanyak RM1,038,168 serta kehadiran seramai 523,171 orang pelancong ke negeri berkenaan sejak Tahun Melawat Perlis 2024-2025 dilancarkan awal tahun ini.

Peningkatan berkenaan direkodkan sehingga Oktober lalu adalah hasil terus kepada komuniti atau ke jabatan negeri melalui jualan tiket produk atau di lokasi pelancongan di bawah seliaan jabatan negeri itu.

Exco Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya negeri, Abu Bakar Hamzah berkata, peningkaan berkenaan dicatatkan di pelbagai lokasi eko pelancongan yang sering menjadi tarikan terutamanya di bawah pengurusan Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perlis.

"Antaranya adalah Kompleks Eko Pelancongan Sungai Batu Pahat, Kompleks Eko Pelancongan Gua Kelam, Taman Negeri Perlis, Viewpoint Wang Kelian dan Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Kubu.

"Bagi kawasan pendakian pula adalah seperti di Pintu Wang Gunung, Bukit Jernih, Bukit Wang Mu, Gunung Perlis dan Bukit Pelarit manakala bagi tempat pelancongan yang berada di bawah kelolaan Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Perlis pula, jumlah kutipan hasil di Taman Buah-Buahan Eksotik adalah sebanyak RM48,077.

"Selain itu, lokasi pelancongan yang turut menjadi tumpuan orang ramai di negeri ini adalah Taman Agrovet yang diselia oleh Jabatan Veterinar Negeri Perlis dimana sehingga bulan lalu sahaja, ia mencatatkan kedatangan pelancong seramai 58,658 orang dan jumlah kutipan hasil sehingga Oktober lalu pula adalah sebanyak RM105,920 yang mana bayaran tiket masuk ke tempat berkenaan sudah dilaksanakan sejak Disember tahun lalu dengan bayaran sebanyak RM1 ke RM2 mengikut ketetapan usia," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan Saad Seman (Perikatan Nasional (PN)/PAS-Chuping) semasa Mesyuarat Keempat, Penggal Persidangan Kedua, Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perlis ke-15 di Kompleks DUN, di sini hari ini.

Saad sebelum itu mengemukakan soalan berhubung prestasi kerajaan negeri dan jumlah hasil yang di perolehi oleh Kerajaan Negeri Perlis sehingga terkini bagi tahun ini serta jumlah pelawat dan pelancong dalam dan luar negara yang direkodkan serta lokasi tempat yang popular di lawati oleh pelawat dan pelancong di negeri itu.

-berita harian online.

Big names among 100 players at Sabah golf tournament

 

KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural Sabah Tourism Golf Challenge (STGC) has attracted 100 golfers from across the region.

The star-studded event also featured appearances from renowned celebrities in the sport, besides influencers from as far as Singapore and Thailand.

The three-day event, which concluded yesterday, was hosted by three of Sabah's finest golf courses.

The tournament offered a total prize pool of up to US$23,000 (RM100,000), including a special hole-in-one prize.

In the Men and Women's Gross categories, the event was won by Dylan Zayden Darius of Malaysia and Kim Yeonsil of South Korea, respectively. Winners of the Gross categories each took home a US$300 prize.

For the Men and Women's Nett categories, Afdlin Mikhail and Jamie Tan, both from Kota Kinabalu, emerged as the victors. Winners of the Nett categories each walked away with US$350.

In the Mixed Team category, Team Lato-Lato A, comprising Afdlin Mikhail, Sabri Abdul Malik, Mohd Soffwan Nair and Mohd Iskandar, emerged as the winner. The winning team took home a US$1,200 prize.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the state was thrilled to host the challenge and looked forward to welcoming more golfers from all over Southeast Asia to experience the beauty and hospitality of Sabah.

"This event not only promotes the sport of golf but also highlights Sabah as a premier travel destination," he said in a statement.

-nst online.

Kedutaan Besar Malaysia Dukung Jelajah Budaya Home Stay Malaysia Di Indonesia

 

Jakarta, 9 Desember 2024: Sebanyak 38 Travel Agent, Asosiasi, Kerajinan Tangan Malaysia akan ikuti Jelajah Budaya Dalam rangka promosi Tahun Melawat Home Stay tahun 2025 dan Tahun Melawat Malaysia tahun 2026 dari tanggal 15-19 Desember mendatang.

Ketua Homestay Malaysia Dato Sahariman Hamdan menyebutkan keikutsertaan peserta dari Malaysia itu mendapat dukungan penuh dari Kedutaan Besar Malaysia TYT Dato’ Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Husein dan Direktur Tourism Malaysia Hair Mohd Yakzan.

Disamping itu kita juga membawa Chef/Tukang masak dari Malaysia serta kumpulan kebudayaan Malaysia dan intinya kegiatan yang kita lakukan ini untuk merapatkan   hubungan jiran tetangga., Malaysia-Indonesia khususnya melalui Wisata dan ekonomi kreatif dan mempromosikan produk produk dan acara Homestay.

Apalagi perkembangan home Stay saat ini sudah mulai meningkat dan itu dibuktikan banyaknya pelancong pelancong dari berbagai Negara khusus yang berkunjung ke Malaysia menginap di home stay.

Sementara itu jelajah Wisata itu mulai dari Jakarta, Bogor & Bandung dan berlangsung dari tanggal 15-19 Disember, 2025.

Kedutaan Besar Malaysia TYT Dato’ Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Husein menyampaikan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada Ketua Homestay Malaysia yang sudah menyiapkan rancangan kegiatan jelajah budaya untuk. Menyambut  Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 dengan penuh semangat dan aspirasi baru.

Dalam usaha untuk menghidupkan semula industri pelancongan pasca-pandemik, tahun ini dijangka menjadi titik tolak penting bagi negara ini dalam menarik pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) menyasarkan kedatangan pelancong luar negara sebanyak 35.6 juta sempena kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

Tema ini ini bukan sahaja memanifestasikan kerjasama erat antara Tourism Malaysia dan home stay Malaysia, tetapi juga memberi peluang kepada rakyat Malaysia untuk merancang percutian merbeka sambil menikmati pengalaman pelancongan secara langsung dalam aktiviti seni, kraf tangan, budaya serta warisan tempatan.

-gowesterkini.com

International sports events attract 1.8 million tourists to Langkawi this year

 

LANGKAWI: The hosting of 13 international sports events has been identified as a major contributor to the arrival of 1.8 million tourists in Langkawi during the first nine months of this year.

Langkawi Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said the strong participation in each event demonstrates the island's potential as a hub for sports tourism.

"At least 13 international-level sports events were held on the island by the end of September, including the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, the 20th Langkawi International Regatta Perdana, Langkawi Rugby Festival and Langkawi Satun Fishing Thru Andaman.

"Other events included the Rotax MAX Challenge Asia Trophy, Langkawi Ultra, Langkawi Swimming Festival, the 3rd Langkawi Youth Sailing Championship, M8 Malaysia Pushbike GP Series 2, Pulau Rebak Social Regatta, Ironman Malaysia and Ironman 70.3 Langkawi, and Langkawi 7-a-side Football Championship," she said after presenting awards to winners of the Langkawi International Half Marathon 2024 at the Langkawi International Convention Centre in Padang Matsirat today.

On today's event, Haslina said 4,300 participants from 28 countries took part in the third edition of the international marathon, which was first organised in 2022.

"What makes this unique is that participants run through the iconic 'Mahsuri Ring', an area shaped like a ring, believed to have formed due to a meteor impact in the past.

"The race began at 6.30am, and by the time runners reached the area, the scenery was breathtaking, offering unforgettable memories for international participants," she added.

-nst online.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas raises funds to support wildlife conservation

 

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, in collaboration with JungleWalla Adventures and Wildlife Tours, reports success in its Dollar for Deeds initiative, raising funds for worthy causes through the brand’s CSR programme.

With the introduction of Dollar for Deeds at Anantara Desaru Coast last year, guests were given the option to add five ringgit (US$1.10) per night to their bill, with the property matching the donation ringgit for ringgit. From January to October 2024, guests contributed 74,847 ringgit, an amount matched by the hotel, bringing the total donation to 149,694 ringgit.

The funds raised supported Project Rewild Desaru, an ambitious environmental restoration initiative focused on revitalising the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Desaru Coast. In response to habitat degradation caused by urbanisation, deforestation, and other human activities, the project runs several key programmes, including bird censuses to track local avian species, tree planting to restore damaged landscapes, camera trap installations to monitor the health and diversity of ecosystems, and seed collecting to preserve local flora. Anantara guests have the opportunity to participate in the latter two activities.

Torsten Richter, area general manager, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, said: “We couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of our partners from JungleWalla and our wonderful guests. Thanks to their generous donations, Project Rewild Desaru was able to launch hornbill nesting boxes, helping to conserve their populations in areas where tree destruction has made natural nesting impossible.

He added that the remaining funds were used for planting trees, camera trapping, seed collection and building green bridges for wildlife.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia participated in the Tashkent International Travel Fair 2024

 

Tourism Malaysia has participated in the Tashkent International Travel Fair 2024 which took place in the city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan starting from 21 to 23 November 2024. A total of 9 companies from Malaysia consisting of hotels, travel agents, product owners, and airlines have been involved in this exhibition.

For the first time this exhibition was held in a new location at the Central Asian Expo Uzbekistan (CAEx) and this exhibition is the main tourism exhibition in Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole. The theme of the exhibition this time is Tourism On the Silk Road has featured tourism bodies from 19 countries and has received more than 20 thousand visitors throughout the 3 days of the exhibition.

This exhibition involves B2B during the first 2 days and B2C on the last day of the exhibition. This opportunity was fully utilized by industry players from Malaysia to meet new tourism business partners to promote Malaysia in Uzbekistan.

Tourism Malaysia’s pavilion was inaugurated by the Chairman of The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan on 21 November 2024. Tourism Malaysia’s pavilion was also visited by the Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan on the first day of the exhibition. Tourism Malaysia has received the award as Most Colorful Exhibition Stand from the organizers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Teater Muzikal Permata Seni @ Auditorium Perdana, Angkasapuri, RTM ( 14 & 15 Disember 2024 )

 

Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan Teater Muzikal PERMATA Seni, sebuah pementasan teater muzikal, garapan elemen tarian, nyanyian dan muzik yang penuh dengan nilai-nilai kemanusiaan, menghasilkan sebuah persembahan yang memukau daripada anak-anak PERMATA Seni. Ayuh bersama-sama kita meriahkan pementasan ini.

Tarikh: 14 & 15 Disember 2024 (Sabtu dan Ahad)

Masa: 8.30 malam

Tempat: Auditorium Perdana RTM, Angkasapuri Kota Media

Pas masuk boleh diambil di Aras 26, Bahagian Bimbingan Seni Budaya, Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Menara TH Perdana, Jalan Sultan Ismail mulai pukul 10.00 pagi sehingga 5.00 petang,10 Disember 2024 (Selasa).

-Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara.

500 pelancong China teruja diraikan

 

Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha MOTAC, Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot (berdiri kanan) melihat kesungguhan pelancong dari China sedang mencuba proses mencanting batik ketika meraikan mereka di Homestay D'Pelandok Best, di Kampung Teluk, Port Dickson. - Foto NSTP/Mohd Khidir Zakaria

PORT DICKSON: Port Dickson terus menjadi pilihan pelancong dari negara China apabila seramai 500 orang datang dan diraikan meriah Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) Negeri Sembilan di Homestay D'Pelandok di sini tadi.

Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha MOTAC, Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot berkata, mereka di sambut meriah dengan minuman air kelapa 'Janda Pulang' sebaik turun dari bas persiaran.

Kita nampak, ramai pelancong dari negara itu amat berminat dengan kunjungan ke negara kita dan kita raikannya dengan membawa mereka ke beberapa destinasi menarik khususnya di Port Dickson.

"Selain itu, mereka juga dihidangkan dengan tarian kebudayaan Melayu serta mencuba aktiviti mencanting batik dan kita nampak kesungguhan mereka mencuba melukis batik yang disediakan di sini," katanya ketika ditemui di sini tadi. Turut hadir, Presiden Angkasa, Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fatah Abdullah.

Katanya, selaras dengan perkembangan dan trend industri pelancongan global, kerajaan juga memperluaskan konsep program Pengalaman Homestay Malaysia kepada konsep Kampungstay.

"Ia satu pengalaman apabila mereka turut diadakan program kebudayaan, mencanting batik, tarian kebudayaan, memasak makanan tradisional dan pelbagai lagi aktiviti bersama penduduk tempatan.

"Rumah yang disediakan juga bercirikan tradisional lengkap dengan kemudahan asas tetapi tidak tinggal bersama tuan rumah tetapi mereka masih boleh berinteraksi serta mengikuti aktiviti masyarakat kampung dan kebudayaan tempatan," ujarnya.

Shaharuddin berkata, kepujian harus diberikan pihak Homestay D'Pelandok yang berjaya menguruskan dan mengadakan pelbagai aktiviti menarik yang mereka sediakan.

Bagi pelancong dari Beijing, China, Huang Xan Oun, 35, dia tertarik dengan air minuman yang disediakan yang diberi nama 'Janda Pulang'.

"Pada mulanya saya bimbang kerana ingatkan ia adalah minuman yang memabukkan tetapi selepas diberitahu rakan ia diproses dari air buah kelapa yang rasanya amat enak sekali.

"Ini adalah kali pertama saya datang ke Malaysia atas ajakan rakan yang mengatakan makanan dan minuman di sini amat sedap tetapi agak pedas. Terima kasih atas layanan penduduk yang sangat peramah," katanya yang juga adalah seorang guru sekolah rendah.

Menurut Huang, dia dan rombongannya akan berada di Malaysia selama seminggu sebelum kembali ke negaranya.

"Sebelum ini saya kurang tahu berkenaan negara Malaysia, ternyata ia negara yang menarik dengan pelbagai kaum serta budaya namun hidup dalam harmoni.

"Apa yang menarik, penduduk Malaysia sangat baik, peramah dan sedia membantu, mungkin kerana sudah biasa hidup dengan masyarakat yang pelbagai kaum, sungguh ramai antara kami kagum dengan sambutan dan kebaikan orang Malaysia," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Malaysia Receives Top Honours in Scuba Diving Magazine's 2025 Readers Choice Awards

 

Malaysia has recently been acknowledged as a leading diving destination in the esteemed Scuba Diving Magazine’s 2025 Readers Choice Awards, clinching top honours in several categories.

In the highly competitive rankings of the Pacific and Indian Oceans category, Malaysia achieved remarkable placements, including:

● 1st Place in both Beginners and Best Value categories, showcasing its accessible dive opportunities and affordability for divers and families.

● 2nd Place in Snorkelling and Shore Diving, reflecting the country’s diverse underwater experiences and stunning coastal environments.

● Top 5 recognition in Best Overall and Macro Life, emphasising Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and vibrant marine habitats.

● Top 10 for Wall Diving, showcasing its spectacular vertical drop-offs and diverse marine life.

● Acknowledged as One of the Best for Big Animals, Advanced Diving, Wreck Diving, and Photography, highlighting the unique encounters and unforgettable experiences awaiting divers.

For more information on Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, visit https://www.scubadiving.com/tags/readers-choice-awards

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Boosts ASEAN Tourism With Batik Air’s New Bangkok-Johor Bahru Route

JOHOR BAHRU, 1 December 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is proud to celebrate the inaugural Batik Air flight connecting Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Thailand, to Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening tourism and fostering bilateral ties between the two nations.

As part of the celebration, Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Batik Air, will host a 3-day, 2-night familiarisation trip for Thai tour agents. This trip will showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes, offering participants a firsthand experience of the country's renowned hospitality and unique attractions. 

The initiative seeks to strengthen tourism ties and foster greater collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia has consistently shown support for new flight routes and airline expansions, recognising their importance in increasing tourist arrivals and supporting economic growth. The addition of this new route underscores Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to connecting Malaysia with key ASEAN markets.

The inaugural flight takes place on Sunday, 1 December 2024. The new route, OD531, operates seven flights per week, departing Bangkok at 01:45 p.m. and arriving in Johor Bahru at 05:15 p.m. This route, served by a Boeing 737-800 (B738), offers travellers convenient access between northern Thailand and southern Malaysia.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Batik Air on this new route and to host the familiarisation trip for tour agents from Thailand. This initiative aligns with our goals of advancing ASEAN cooperation and regional tourism while emphasising Malaysia’s dedication as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

He added, “Strengthening connectivity between key cities in ASEAN and second-tier destinations like Johor Bahru is vital to fostering greater regional integration and showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings.”

The increased seating capacity on the DMK-JHB route provides opportunities for travel agencies to create innovative packages for the Thai market, encouraging more travellers to discover Johor Bahru. This effort will diversify Malaysia’s tourism landscape, cater to a broader range of traveller preferences, and further solidify Johor Bahru as a gateway to unique Malaysian experiences.

By supporting the inaugural flight and organising the familiarisation trip, Tourism Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to enhancing tourism exchange, fostering cultural understanding, and strengthening economic cooperation between both countries. This initiative also underscores Malaysia's role within the ASEAN region and aligns with the vision of Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts.

For more information and to learn more about the familiarisation trip and other tourism initiatives, please visit the Tourism Malaysia website or contact our press office.

-Tourism Malaysia.

PENYAYANG anjur Batik Fun Walk promosi batik, bantu pesakit kanser

 

Pengerusi PENYAYANG, Nori Abdullah (tengah) bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Datuk Leela Mohd Ali menyampaikan papan penghargaan penajaan kepada wakil The Orange Tree Consultancy, Geoff Kronenburg.

KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG) akan menganjurkan program Batik Fun Walk pada pertengahan bulan hadapan, acara riadah untuk mempromosi batik sebagai seni warisan negara dan penggunaannya sebagai pakaian harian serta santai.

Acara kali ke-19 bertempat di Lanai, Pusat Pelancongan Malaysia (MaTiC) di sini pada 15 Disember itu dianjurkan PENYAYANG dengan kerjasama Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) yang sesuai disertai semua lapisan masyarakat bersama ahli keluarga dan rakan-rakan.

Dalam satu kenyataan hari ini, PENYAYANG memaklumkan, majlis perasmian dan pelepasan peserta acara itu yang dijadual bermula dengan sesi pendaftaran pada jam 6.30 pagi, dijadual disempurnakan oleh Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

"Acara akan bermula dan tamat di Lanai MaTiC, dengan perjalanan melalui Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P Ramlee, Persiaran Petronas dan seterusnya memasuki Jalan Ampang dan akan kembali ke Lanai. Jarak perjalanan 2.5 kilometer," menurut kenyataan itu.

Yuran penyertaan RM45 dikenakan bagi peserta dewasa yang akan turut menerima kain batik, RM20 tanpa kain batik bagi kanak-kanak berusia antara tujuh hingga 12 tahun, manakala percuma tanpa batik dan pingat untuk kanak-kanak berusia bawah tujuh tahun yang ditemani penjaga.

"Pendaftaran juga boleh dibuat secara dalam talian melalui pautan http://bit.ly/Batikfunwalk2024 atau melalui https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/37797/batik-fun-walk-2024," menurut PENYAYANG.

Hadiah turut disediakan untuk kategori peserta paling muda, peserta paling tua, penyertaan berkumpulan paling ramai, individu berpakaian batik paling kreatif dan keluarga berpakaian batik paling kreatif, selain hadiah utama dan cabutan bertuah.

"Kutipan daripada yuran penyertaan akan disumbangkan kepada Penyayang Pesakit Kanser (PPK), kumpulan sokongan yang memberikan khidmat dan bantuan kepada pesakit kanser melalui pusat Positive Image di Hospital Putrajaya, Institut Kanser Negara dan di Seri Kembangan.

"PPK turut bertanggungjawab dalam program kesukarelawan dan sokongan untuk pesakit kanser serta keluarga mereka," katanya menambah peserta acara itu yang dijayakan dengan kerjasama rakan strategik, MaTiC dan MCM CoMetro 5 Pillars Venture, yang menamatkan perjalanan layak menerima pingat Batik Fun Walk 2024.

Antara aktiviti lain akan diadakan pada acara turut mendapat sokongan Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) dan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) serta barisan penaja, termasuk The Orange Tree Consultancy itu adalah kuiz, cabaran kecergasan, putar dan menang, persembahan dan nyanyian, aksi badut serta cabutan bertuah.

-berita harian online.

Tourism Malaysia And VietJet Air Celebrate First Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur Flights

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2024 – Tourism Malaysia and VietJet Air are pleased to announce the launch of direct flights between Hanoi (HAN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional air connectivity.

The new service will be operated by the airline’s modern Airbus A320 fleet, offering a weekly capacity of 1,260 seats. With seven return flights per week, travellers from both cities can now enjoy convenient, reliable, and affordable travel options for business, leisure, and cultural exchanges with the following flight schedules:

• VJ905: Hanoi (HAN) - Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Departs 07:20, Arrives 11:40
• VJ906: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Hanoi (HAN): Departs 12:40, Arrives 15:05

This new service complements VietJet Air's existing daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, further strengthening the airline's presence in Malaysia and enhancing travel options for passengers.

To celebrate this milestone, a special reception will be held to mark the arrival of the inaugural VietJet Air flight from Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur on 28th November 2024. The event will be attended by dignitaries from Tourism Malaysia, VietJet Air, and other key stakeholders.

"We are delighted to collaborate with VietJet Air to introduce this new route, which will significantly boost tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and Malaysia. This initiative aligns with our efforts to enhance air connectivity and provide more affordable travel options, especially during the year-end and Lunar New Year festive season," said YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

This new route is a step forward in strengthening Malaysia's position as a regional hub, perfectly aligned with Visit Malaysia 2026’s goal to attract international visitors while promoting sustainable and accessible travel options.

VietJet Air, Vietnam's largest private carrier, continues to expand its network with modern and efficient aircraft. With a fleet of over 100 Airbus jets, VietJet Air is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and cost-effective flights to various destinations across Asia-Pacific. Connecting the vibrant cityscapes of Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, VietJet Air offers travellers an exciting journey through its ever-growing network.

For more information and bookings, visit www.vietjetair.com.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MAG’s First A330neo Aircraft Lands in Kuala Lumpur

 

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, welcomed the arrival of its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines today as part of the Group’s fleet modernisation strategy. 

The aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-MNG, departed from the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France on 28 November 2024 at 8:52pm local time and safely arrived at its home base at KL International Airport (KUL) on 29 November 2024 at 4:52 pm local time. Prior to its arrival, the aircraft was escorted by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet and performed a spectacular flypast, offering plane spotters an extraordinary sight. Upon arrival, the aircraft was greeted with a water salute. 

The journey of flight MH5039 took a total flight time of 13 hours and was flown by Captain Khairul Syukri Khalid, Captain Azim Sham Che Din, Captain Zainuddin Hussein and Captain Najwan Reshan Nahdan Rengganathan. 

MAG’s A330neo aircraft comprises 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom) and will be deployed on long-haul routes across Asia and Australasia. 

In August 2022, MAG signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028.

-Malaysia Airlines.