SIBU, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Local and foreign "Base" jumpers will be performing out-of-the-ordinary feat by jumping at night from Wisma Sanyan, Sarawak's tallest building from Oct 15-16 this year. Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee said besides Malaysia Base Jump Association chairman Captain Abdul Aziz Ahmad, others would be from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. "Normally they will only jump during the day. This is the first time they are performing the night jumps," he told Bernama here.
He said Captain Abdul Aziz, the sole Malaysian Base jumper in the event, would perform a trial jump on Oct 14 in which he would be assisted by Australian Base Jump Association technical advisor Gary Cunningham. Before proceeding to Sibu, Sim said, the jumpers would participate in similar jumps in Alor Star, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Sabah Registers Eight Per Cent Increase In Tourist Arrivals Up To June
KOTA KINABALU, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Sabah registered an eight per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the first six months of this year, recording 1,195,168 arrivals compared to 1,104,903 in the same period last year. International tourist arrivals recorded a higher growth of 23.5 per cent (372,672 arrivals) while domestic arrivals only grew at 2.4 per cent (822,496 arrivals), said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. "International arrivals by air increased by 15 per cent but if we count Indonesians and Filipinos arriving by boat/ferry, it will be 23.5 per cent. "We also noted that there was a good increase of Indonesians and Filipinos arriving by air, with arrivals by air from the Philippines increasing by 40 per cent and Indonesian arrivals by air increasing by 38 per cent for the first six months," he told reporters after opening the Sabah Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair on Friday.
Masidi said this was also attributed to the increased number of flights between Manila and Kota Kinabalu, and with more high-end Indonesians visiting the state. There was also a notable increase in tourists from Europe and Taiwan, he added. In the meantime, he said, the low growth in domestic tourism could be attributed to tourists still being cautious over the economic situation. "Nevertheless, we hope the recent announcement by Malaysia Airlines to select Kota Kinabalu as its eastern hub will contribute to more active tourism activities in Sabah," he said, adding that new direct routes were expected, such as to Perth, Australia.
Earlier, in his speech, Masidi reminded travel agents and tour operators here to be honest when doing business to ensure that Sabah's image was kept clean and said they would benefit through repeat customers in the long term. Masidi claimed that almost 90 per cent of the complaints received from international tourists was that they had been cheated or they did not get what they were promised, such as no refund if they cancelled their trip. "We will not tolerate cheats. We will come after you. We will not hesitate to recommend the cancellation of your licence if you feel you need to cheat," he warned.
The Matta Fair, which will be on until Sunday, showcases 50 booths consisting of travel operators, national tourism organisations and state tourism organisations, where more than 30 per cent are promoting domestic tourism, said Sabah chapter Matta chairman cum organising chairman K.L Tan. Matta Malaysia president Datuk Khalid Harun said this was the seventh Matta fair held this year out of the 12 fairs scheduled annually, and they tried to arrange one fair in a different state every month.
Masidi said this was also attributed to the increased number of flights between Manila and Kota Kinabalu, and with more high-end Indonesians visiting the state. There was also a notable increase in tourists from Europe and Taiwan, he added. In the meantime, he said, the low growth in domestic tourism could be attributed to tourists still being cautious over the economic situation. "Nevertheless, we hope the recent announcement by Malaysia Airlines to select Kota Kinabalu as its eastern hub will contribute to more active tourism activities in Sabah," he said, adding that new direct routes were expected, such as to Perth, Australia.
Earlier, in his speech, Masidi reminded travel agents and tour operators here to be honest when doing business to ensure that Sabah's image was kept clean and said they would benefit through repeat customers in the long term. Masidi claimed that almost 90 per cent of the complaints received from international tourists was that they had been cheated or they did not get what they were promised, such as no refund if they cancelled their trip. "We will not tolerate cheats. We will come after you. We will not hesitate to recommend the cancellation of your licence if you feel you need to cheat," he warned.
The Matta Fair, which will be on until Sunday, showcases 50 booths consisting of travel operators, national tourism organisations and state tourism organisations, where more than 30 per cent are promoting domestic tourism, said Sabah chapter Matta chairman cum organising chairman K.L Tan. Matta Malaysia president Datuk Khalid Harun said this was the seventh Matta fair held this year out of the 12 fairs scheduled annually, and they tried to arrange one fair in a different state every month.
Jalan Bandar Mariamman Temple Consecration Ceremony On Sunday
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- About 100,000 people, including foreign tourists, are expected to throng the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Bandar here on Sunday to attend the 127-year-old temple's "kumbhabhishekam" or consecration ceremony. Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said the consecration ceremony of the temple, situated at the edge of Chinatown, would take place from 9.30am to 10.30am. "All preparations to conduct the consecration ceremony are going on smoothly," he told Bernama.
A kumbhabhishekam is a series of rites and rituals held either to formally consecrate a new temple, or reconsecrate an old one, usually every 12 years. Founded in 1873, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest temple in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and one of the oldest temples in Malaysia. Nadarajah said the dignitaries expected to grace the auspicious ceremony included MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.
He said that in conjunction with the ceremony, the "Kumbhabhishekam Malar" magazine and a postage stamp depicting the "Raja Gopuram" (tower) of the temple would be launched Saturday.
A kumbhabhishekam is a series of rites and rituals held either to formally consecrate a new temple, or reconsecrate an old one, usually every 12 years. Founded in 1873, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest temple in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and one of the oldest temples in Malaysia. Nadarajah said the dignitaries expected to grace the auspicious ceremony included MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.
He said that in conjunction with the ceremony, the "Kumbhabhishekam Malar" magazine and a postage stamp depicting the "Raja Gopuram" (tower) of the temple would be launched Saturday.
Tourism Malaysia Develops Unique Products To Woo Kiwis
AUCKLAND, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia has developed a number of unique offerings to entice Kiwis to visit Malaysia. Presenting Malaysia's Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 at a "Malaysia Truly Asia" event, here Thursday night, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said, as in New Zealand, tourism was critical to Malaysia's economic development. To attract Kiwi tourists, Malaysia had begun to focus on improving tourism products and creating focused tourism "clusters" that leveraged on existing and new iconic products, said Dr Ng, who is on a seven-day visit to New Zealand and Australia to promote tourism.
"Initiatives include a greater focus on ecotourism, major cultural events and activities for young urban professionals. Family-friendly destinations, wellness activities, value for money and a safe, clean environment are some the key drivers of this market," Dr Ng said. To promote Malaysia as a biodiversity hotspot, Tourism Malaysia is putting attention on its flora and fauna and soft adventure options such as jungle-trekking, rafting, bird watching and visits to World Heritage Sites such as the Kinabalu Park in Sabah.
Dr Ng said major cultural events would include a three-month food event from October to December under the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia and the inaugural 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival which was launched last month. "The festival is aimed at attracting high-yield tourists to Malaysia and establishing it as a hub for contemporary art in the region," Dr Ng told about 150 travel trade representatives at the event. "The Malaysian Government has also initiated a 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean campaign to educate and increase awareness among tour operators and the public on the importance of keeping tourists spots pristine, both to attract visitors and enhance their sustainability," she said.
"Initiatives include a greater focus on ecotourism, major cultural events and activities for young urban professionals. Family-friendly destinations, wellness activities, value for money and a safe, clean environment are some the key drivers of this market," Dr Ng said. To promote Malaysia as a biodiversity hotspot, Tourism Malaysia is putting attention on its flora and fauna and soft adventure options such as jungle-trekking, rafting, bird watching and visits to World Heritage Sites such as the Kinabalu Park in Sabah.
Dr Ng said major cultural events would include a three-month food event from October to December under the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia and the inaugural 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival which was launched last month. "The festival is aimed at attracting high-yield tourists to Malaysia and establishing it as a hub for contemporary art in the region," Dr Ng told about 150 travel trade representatives at the event. "The Malaysian Government has also initiated a 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean campaign to educate and increase awareness among tour operators and the public on the importance of keeping tourists spots pristine, both to attract visitors and enhance their sustainability," she said.
New hill railway coaches ready for the ride
GEORGE TOWN: The new Swiss-made coaches for the Penang Hill funicular train service have arrived. The two coaches, each weighing 16 tonnes and measuring 16m in length, were unloaded at the foot of the hill after arriving here at 1am yesterday from Port Klang. Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the coaches, with five compartments each, would be put on the tracks for a trial run once the RM63mil upgrading of the funicular system was completed in November.
“The modern coaches will still have the wooden benches, which shows that we are still keeping the heritage value intact,” he said when met at the foot of Penang Hill yesterday. He added that the upgrading was originally scheduled for completion in September but had been delayed as the contractors needed more time to strengthen the tracks’ foundation and slopes. On Feb 22, the 87-year-old funicular train service ceased operations to make way for the RM63mil upgrading project by the Tourism Ministry. The new air-conditioned coaches, which can carry 50 people each, will travel non-stop between the foot of the hill and the top station under the upgraded system unlike the old system where passengers have to change trains at the middle station.
Lim said the commuting time of the new service would be less than 10 minutes per way compared to 30 minutes previously. He said the new service would be able to carry 1,000 passengers per hour compared to 250 under the old system. He said the coaches would be able to glide down at a slower speed to the lower station should there be any technical glitch or power supply disruption. Lim said there would also be a sensor system to enable early detection of landslides or trees falling onto the rail tracks as well as a stand-by generator to provide power should there be electricity supply disruption.
-thestar online.
“The modern coaches will still have the wooden benches, which shows that we are still keeping the heritage value intact,” he said when met at the foot of Penang Hill yesterday. He added that the upgrading was originally scheduled for completion in September but had been delayed as the contractors needed more time to strengthen the tracks’ foundation and slopes. On Feb 22, the 87-year-old funicular train service ceased operations to make way for the RM63mil upgrading project by the Tourism Ministry. The new air-conditioned coaches, which can carry 50 people each, will travel non-stop between the foot of the hill and the top station under the upgraded system unlike the old system where passengers have to change trains at the middle station.
Lim said the commuting time of the new service would be less than 10 minutes per way compared to 30 minutes previously. He said the new service would be able to carry 1,000 passengers per hour compared to 250 under the old system. He said the coaches would be able to glide down at a slower speed to the lower station should there be any technical glitch or power supply disruption. Lim said there would also be a sensor system to enable early detection of landslides or trees falling onto the rail tracks as well as a stand-by generator to provide power should there be electricity supply disruption.
-thestar online.
Grand 1Malaysia lantern fest on the cards
KUALA LUMPUR: The 1Malaysia Lantern Festival 2010 is set to be an entertaining one with exciting programmes, including a lantern-making competition, lion dance, cultural performances, and a 24-season drums show. Organised for the second year running by the Federation of Malaysia Chinese Guilds Association, the event will be held at Central Market on Sept 17. It is co-organised by the Tourism Ministry and more than 100 associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The federation’s president Lim Kee Boon said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would join in the highlight of the festival, which is a lantern procession. The procession will start from Jalan Hang Kasturi and pass through Jalan Sultan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Petaling, he added. “The festival itself is a window to Malaysia’s many cultures. We hope everyone will join in the festivities in the spirit of 1Malaysia,” he told a press conference yesterday.
At the inaugural festival last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government would allocate RM250,000 to the Tourism Ministry to support NGOs which were involved in the festival. It was attended by about 20,000 people. The festival begins at 4pm and ends at 11pm. For more information, call 03-9200 5105 or log on to www.hangzong.com.
The federation’s president Lim Kee Boon said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would join in the highlight of the festival, which is a lantern procession. The procession will start from Jalan Hang Kasturi and pass through Jalan Sultan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Petaling, he added. “The festival itself is a window to Malaysia’s many cultures. We hope everyone will join in the festivities in the spirit of 1Malaysia,” he told a press conference yesterday.
At the inaugural festival last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government would allocate RM250,000 to the Tourism Ministry to support NGOs which were involved in the festival. It was attended by about 20,000 people. The festival begins at 4pm and ends at 11pm. For more information, call 03-9200 5105 or log on to www.hangzong.com.
MAB: Tourists will come
SEPANG: The four-and-a-half-month suspension of the Aerotrain service at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from November will not affect tourist arrivals, said Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) senior general manager Datuk Azmi Murad. “We are confident travellers will not be put off just because they have to use buses.
“Many large airports around the world use bus services to transport passengers,” he said after a media briefing yesterday on the closure of the Aerotrain service here. Azmi said travellers would only take seven more minutes to travel between the two buildings using the interim bus service.
“We will put up signs to notify travellers where to board the buses, and station personnel to guide them should there be any confusion,” said Azmi.
“Many large airports around the world use bus services to transport passengers,” he said after a media briefing yesterday on the closure of the Aerotrain service here. Azmi said travellers would only take seven more minutes to travel between the two buildings using the interim bus service.
“We will put up signs to notify travellers where to board the buses, and station personnel to guide them should there be any confusion,” said Azmi.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Terengganu To Seek EDA's Cooperation To Promote Diving Activities In Islands
KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- In efforts to turn islands in Terengganu into world class diving destinations, the state government is expected to work with the Emirates Diving Association (EDA) in Dubai to promote diving activities in the islands. State Tourism, Culture, Art and Heritage committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said the government would visit Dubai to identify requirements needed to attract divers, especially professional divers, to the Islands in Terengganu.
"We will work with EDA and wish to engage EDA as our ambassador in the middle east to promote diving activities because the association has 1,400 professional divers. "We will also conduct seminars and workshops together with EDA for its members," he told reporters after receiving nine visiting EDA members here Thursday. He added that EDA's members from Egypt, France, England, South Africa and the Philippines had carried out diving activities in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau Bidong for a week, starting Aug 13. Rahin said for a start, Terengganu hoped to attract about 20 per cent of EDA's members from all over the world.
"We will work with EDA and wish to engage EDA as our ambassador in the middle east to promote diving activities because the association has 1,400 professional divers. "We will also conduct seminars and workshops together with EDA for its members," he told reporters after receiving nine visiting EDA members here Thursday. He added that EDA's members from Egypt, France, England, South Africa and the Philippines had carried out diving activities in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau Bidong for a week, starting Aug 13. Rahin said for a start, Terengganu hoped to attract about 20 per cent of EDA's members from all over the world.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
National Museum To Hold Snakes Exhibition
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The National Museum will organise a Snake Exhibition, showcasing 100 venomous and non-venomous snakes, for a month beginning Sept 4. Its director-general, Datuk Ibrahim Ismail said the exhibition would be held in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia's Poisons Centre and Institute of Medical Research Malaysia with the aim of giving the public the opportunity to learn more about the reptile.Themed "Snakes Versus Snakes", he said a total of 60 venomous snakes would be displayed together with 40 non-venomous snakes for the exhibition.
"We are confident that the visitors would be amused, while improving their knowledge about the predators," he told Bernama here. Other exhibits to be showcased are seven preserved venomous sea snakes, including Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina Schistosa) and Ornate Reef Sea Snake (Hydrophis ornatos) from the Indian Ocean, Kloss' Sea Snake (Hydrophis klossi) from Indo-West Pacific, Jerdon's Sea Snake (Kerilia jerdoni) from Central Indo-Pacific to India, Banded Sea Snake (Laticauda colubrina) from coast of Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, West Malaysia dan Singapore to Indonesia and Anomalous Sea Snake (Thalassophis anomalus) from the South China Sea. Ibrahim said apart from live and preserved snakes, skeletons of the local phytons would also be displayed during the exhibition.
"Besides, visitors can also watch snake shows which will be held every weekend throughout the month-long exhibition," he added. Meanwhile, the museum is also holding an exhibition on unsung heroes of the country beginning Tuesday. Ibrahim said 70 personalities would be featured including from Sabah and Sarawak and they included names like Datuk Siti Rahmah Kassim, who raised funds for the country's independence delegation's talks in London and Datuk Seri Lau Pak Khuan, MCA's founder and who played an instrumental role in getting the Chinese community's backing for Malaysia to gain independence. A discourse on their's and other unsung heroes exploits will also be held on Aug 27. It is scheduled to be opened by Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. Besides these, the museum is also offering a stay in programme on Aug 27 and 28 and is limited to 100 persons maximum. Details can be obtained at www2.jmm.gov.my.
"We are confident that the visitors would be amused, while improving their knowledge about the predators," he told Bernama here. Other exhibits to be showcased are seven preserved venomous sea snakes, including Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina Schistosa) and Ornate Reef Sea Snake (Hydrophis ornatos) from the Indian Ocean, Kloss' Sea Snake (Hydrophis klossi) from Indo-West Pacific, Jerdon's Sea Snake (Kerilia jerdoni) from Central Indo-Pacific to India, Banded Sea Snake (Laticauda colubrina) from coast of Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, West Malaysia dan Singapore to Indonesia and Anomalous Sea Snake (Thalassophis anomalus) from the South China Sea. Ibrahim said apart from live and preserved snakes, skeletons of the local phytons would also be displayed during the exhibition.
"Besides, visitors can also watch snake shows which will be held every weekend throughout the month-long exhibition," he added. Meanwhile, the museum is also holding an exhibition on unsung heroes of the country beginning Tuesday. Ibrahim said 70 personalities would be featured including from Sabah and Sarawak and they included names like Datuk Siti Rahmah Kassim, who raised funds for the country's independence delegation's talks in London and Datuk Seri Lau Pak Khuan, MCA's founder and who played an instrumental role in getting the Chinese community's backing for Malaysia to gain independence. A discourse on their's and other unsung heroes exploits will also be held on Aug 27. It is scheduled to be opened by Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. Besides these, the museum is also offering a stay in programme on Aug 27 and 28 and is limited to 100 persons maximum. Details can be obtained at www2.jmm.gov.my.
Aidilfitri Craft Promotion At KL Craft Complex
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay here will organise the 6th edition of its Aidilfitri Craft Promotion beginning Friday. Its Corporate Communication division director Misroni Sulaiman said the promotion would be held for 12 days from 10am to 6pm daily in collaboration with the Information Communication and Culture Ministry.
Among the promotional activities which had been lined up for the event were Aidilfitri service and craft sale, craft demonstration, interactive products and cooking demonstration, he said in a statement. He said a special gotong-royong event, known as 'Mantai Aidilfitri' would also be held to inculcate the spirit of cooperation and unity among the public in celebrating Hari Raya.
Among the promotional activities which had been lined up for the event were Aidilfitri service and craft sale, craft demonstration, interactive products and cooking demonstration, he said in a statement. He said a special gotong-royong event, known as 'Mantai Aidilfitri' would also be held to inculcate the spirit of cooperation and unity among the public in celebrating Hari Raya.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Langkawi Aquaria Offers Discount For Locals During Ramadan
LANGKAWI, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The Underwater World Langkawi (UWL), the country's largest aquaria, is offering an entrance fee discount for Langkawi-born visitors during Ramadan. It said that during the campaign, from Aug 11 to Sept 9, adult visitors would only be charged RM10, while the rate for children would be RM5. The normal rate is RM28 and RM18 respectively.
"They should show their MyKad to be eligible for the promotion," it said said in a statement. The rate for other visitors is unchanged. It added that the facility would be closed 30 minutes early during Ramadan. The UWL, which has 100 aquaria, houses 4,000 animals and marine creatures from 500 species, among them anaconda, penguin and sea lion.
"They should show their MyKad to be eligible for the promotion," it said said in a statement. The rate for other visitors is unchanged. It added that the facility would be closed 30 minutes early during Ramadan. The UWL, which has 100 aquaria, houses 4,000 animals and marine creatures from 500 species, among them anaconda, penguin and sea lion.
More Foreigners Coming To Langkawi This Year
LANGKAWI, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- More foreign tourists are coming to this resort island this year compared to domestic tourists, Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) tourism manager Megat Shahrul Azman Abas said. He said the latest figure obtained from hotels here showed that 55 per cent of tourists here were foreigners. In previous years, domestic tourists made up 70 per cent of tourist arrivals, he said.
"Although the domestic arrivals are on the increase, they are not as high as those of foreign tourists, especially from India, Middle East and Europe. "In the case of India, the growth can be attributed to the promotional campaign were carried out in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai in the past two years. We also carried out numerous sales missions to the Middle East," he told Bernama. Judging from the number of arrivals, at 1.2 million during the first half of 2010, he said, Langkawi was on track to achieve 2.4 million tourist arrivals for this year. Some 2.36 million tourists visited the island last year.
"Although the domestic arrivals are on the increase, they are not as high as those of foreign tourists, especially from India, Middle East and Europe. "In the case of India, the growth can be attributed to the promotional campaign were carried out in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai in the past two years. We also carried out numerous sales missions to the Middle East," he told Bernama. Judging from the number of arrivals, at 1.2 million during the first half of 2010, he said, Langkawi was on track to achieve 2.4 million tourist arrivals for this year. Some 2.36 million tourists visited the island last year.
Malaysia Eyes Luxury End Of HK & Chinese Travel Market
SHENZHEN, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- With an estimated 17 million tourists from China and Hong Kong having travelled overseas last year, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen wants Malaysia to capture a sizeable slice of this growing market, especially the luxury end. Her latest promotion campaign to Hong Kong and southern China last week yielded some interesting results: there is growing interest in luxury tourism besides art and culture tourism and ecotourism among the well-heeled Chinese tourists. "The demand for luxury tourism has increased for the past few years, especially in China and Hong Kong, as many of their travellers are looking for quality holidays rather than cheap products with poor service. They are often cash rich, time poor but demanding," she told Bernama at the end of her recent promotions. Dr Ng said her ministry recognised the growing importance of high net worth travallers wanting to experience luxurious lifestyles during their travels.
"We must build ourselves up as the beauty of Malaysia and our fascinating heritage allow us to offer a diversity of sophisticated products such as golfing, spa retreats as well as art tourism," she said. Dr Ng said luxury tourism meant that the tour packages must be above RM5,000 each with luxury top-end accommodation, great food and exclusive activities thrown in for the affluent travellers. As for feedback from travel and tour operators in Hong Kong and southern China, she said Malaysia stood a good chance of getting more tourist arrivals from Hong Kong and China this year. In addition to the luxury segment, Dr Ng said Malaysia also hoped to attract tourists from Hong Kong and China in senior citizens tours, ecotourism, shopping, food and homestay packages. "Besides tourism packages, we also hope to attract investors from China to invest in tourism-related products like restaurants or invest in property through the "Malaysia, My Second Home" programme," she disclosed.
As a first step towards creating greater awareness among tourists in Hong Kong and China in the art segment and to further position Malaysia as a tourism hub, she said Malaysia would take part in the Hong Kong International Art and Antiques Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Oct 3 to 6. Dr Ng also hoped that the on-going 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Festival and Malaysia Mega Sale Shopping Carnival and a food festival from October until December this year would attract more overseas tourists. Malaysia, she said, would continue to host the International Shoe Festival and F1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix as part of efforts to have many exciting tourism products. Tourism brought in about RM52 billion to the nation's coffers last year from a total of 23.65 million tourist arrivals (2008: 22.05 million visitors).
For 2010, the target is RM54 billion in receipts from a projected 24 million in visitor arrivals. Malaysia was also one of seven countries to have achieved positive growth in tourist arrivals last year when the rest of the world experienced a four per cent cent decline, no thanks to the global economic crisis and H1N1 influenza pandemic. Describing her promotion as successful, Ng added,"We have achieved what we wanted to achieve, which is promoting the new art tourism, as we had met the right people involved in the industry here to inform them that the Malaysian government is keen to develop art tourism." While in Hong Kong, she met various art industry leaders, including the founder of Hong Kong International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, Andy Hei, and the chairman of the China Culture Global Association, Alice Chiu. Dr Ng said Chiu was expected to lead a group of delegates to Malaysia next month and her ministry was looking forward to welcoming them.
Ramadan Bazaar Draws Tourists From West Asia, Europe
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is offering the fasting month of Ramadan and Ramadan Bazaar to be shared with the world as tourism products, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. "That is why we have been inviting foreign tourists to be with us during Ramadan. For example, this afternoon we have visitors from the United Kingdom, France, Iran, Japan and India," she told reporters after opening a Ramadan bazaar outside Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque here Saturday.
She said from this year until 2015, Ramadan would fall in summer in West Asian countries and Pakistan and sweltering heat would prompt the rich to travel and Malaysia could be their preferred destination. "We are also collaborating with local authorities such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to encourage selected shopping complexes to stay open longer for sahur (predawn meal) at its food courts and shopping," she added. Ng said 50,000 Saudi Arabian, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iranian tourists visited Malaysia in the first quarter of this year and they spent around RM7,169 each and stayed in the country for an average of 10 days. In conjunction with the occasion, the Tourism Ministry provided an allocation to Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque to cook 100 pots of "bubur lambuk" (rice porridge) for 25,000 people while 51 Rumah Sinar Salam inmates were presented with Aidilfitri aid.
She said from this year until 2015, Ramadan would fall in summer in West Asian countries and Pakistan and sweltering heat would prompt the rich to travel and Malaysia could be their preferred destination. "We are also collaborating with local authorities such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to encourage selected shopping complexes to stay open longer for sahur (predawn meal) at its food courts and shopping," she added. Ng said 50,000 Saudi Arabian, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iranian tourists visited Malaysia in the first quarter of this year and they spent around RM7,169 each and stayed in the country for an average of 10 days. In conjunction with the occasion, the Tourism Ministry provided an allocation to Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque to cook 100 pots of "bubur lambuk" (rice porridge) for 25,000 people while 51 Rumah Sinar Salam inmates were presented with Aidilfitri aid.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Malaysia Abolishes Visa-On-Arrival Effective Aug 16
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is to abolish the visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility effective Monday, Immigration director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman announced on Friday. As such, all foreign nationals requiring a visa to enter the country must apply for it at the offices of Malaysian missions overseas, he said in a statement. He said the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants decided that the VOA facility granted to the nationals of several countries be abolished.
"The VOA facility is being abolished because it has been misused and this has had a negative effect on Malaysia," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced early this month that the VOA would no longer be issued at the country's points of entry as there had been gross misuse of the facility.
"The VOA facility is being abolished because it has been misused and this has had a negative effect on Malaysia," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced early this month that the VOA would no longer be issued at the country's points of entry as there had been gross misuse of the facility.
Malaysia To Draw More Tourists From China
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is to go on an aggressive promotion campaign to draw more tourists from China as they have the potential to generate for Malaysia revenue of more than RM3 billion annually, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk James Dawos Mamit said Friday. He said Chinese tourists loved to come to Malaysia but were unaware of what Malaysia had to offer due to a lack of promotion in their country. As such, promotion efforts would be beefed up in China's magazines, televisions and newspapers and through their travel agents, he told a news conference after launching the Malaysia Airlines-Malaysian International Travel Mart (MAS-MITM) Travel Fair 2010, here.
Dawos said Chinese tourists contributed about RM2.7 billion in revenue for Malaysia last year. Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) president Paul Paw said roadshows would be organised to promote Malaysia in various cities in China. "We will organise roadshows and go to every city in China. There will be dialogues, exhibitions and many more," he said, adding that the association would meet Tourism Ministry officers soon to plan the roadshows. The MAS-MITM Travel Fair, at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from today to Aug 15, is making available bargains for travel enthusiasts.
Malaysia Airlines senior general manager (sales and marketing) Datuk Bernard Francis said the national carrier was offering discounts of up to 70 per cent of the normal fares to a wide range of destinations, including in China and Europe. Customers could fly to Medan (Indonesia) for as low as RM169 one way by purchasing the airfare at the fair and avail themselves of a travel package for as low as RM939 for a four-day/three-night trip to Sydney, Australia. Francis said MAS expected to register RM20 million to RM25 million in sales from the event, which was expected to draw 60,000 visitors. "There will be no hidden charges; what you see is what you get," he said.
Dawos said Chinese tourists contributed about RM2.7 billion in revenue for Malaysia last year. Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) president Paul Paw said roadshows would be organised to promote Malaysia in various cities in China. "We will organise roadshows and go to every city in China. There will be dialogues, exhibitions and many more," he said, adding that the association would meet Tourism Ministry officers soon to plan the roadshows. The MAS-MITM Travel Fair, at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from today to Aug 15, is making available bargains for travel enthusiasts.
Malaysia Airlines senior general manager (sales and marketing) Datuk Bernard Francis said the national carrier was offering discounts of up to 70 per cent of the normal fares to a wide range of destinations, including in China and Europe. Customers could fly to Medan (Indonesia) for as low as RM169 one way by purchasing the airfare at the fair and avail themselves of a travel package for as low as RM939 for a four-day/three-night trip to Sydney, Australia. Francis said MAS expected to register RM20 million to RM25 million in sales from the event, which was expected to draw 60,000 visitors. "There will be no hidden charges; what you see is what you get," he said.
Melaka Museums A Big Hit
MELAKA, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- More than 1.6 million people visited 22 museums and five galleries in the state between 2008 and Aug 9 this year, said Melaka Museums Corporation general manager Khamis Abas. He gave the breakdown as 579,670 visitors in 2008, 677,875 in 2009 and 390,247 from January till Aug 9 this year. "The highest numbers came during school holidays especially in December, " he told Bernama here Friday. He added that the oceanic museum was the most popular.
Friday, 13 August 2010
MAS Fights For Air Space With Air Asia
MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) ramps up flights to Yangon, Myanmar from Kuala Lumpur from September 2. Facing off with AirAsia, MAS will have daily flights, up from its current five weekly flights. The increase in service frequency follows low-cost carrier AirAsia's new daily flights on the same route on July 20. The latter is offering fares from as low as US$9 per way. MAS is offering a return fare of US$206 nett to mark the start of the improved frequency. Regular fares, excluding surcharges and taxes, will start from US$279.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's move to stop issuing visa-on-arrival (VOA) to tourists from seven countries, including Myanmar, from August 15 is believed to have no impact on Myanmar travellers, said an officer at the Malaysian embassy in Yangon. He explained that the majority of Myanmar travellers preferred to arrange their visa in advance at the embassy as it is cheaper. VOA at Kuala Lumpur Airport costs RM100 (US$31.40) while a visa obtained from the embassy in Yangon is US$6.
-TTG Asia.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's move to stop issuing visa-on-arrival (VOA) to tourists from seven countries, including Myanmar, from August 15 is believed to have no impact on Myanmar travellers, said an officer at the Malaysian embassy in Yangon. He explained that the majority of Myanmar travellers preferred to arrange their visa in advance at the embassy as it is cheaper. VOA at Kuala Lumpur Airport costs RM100 (US$31.40) while a visa obtained from the embassy in Yangon is US$6.
-TTG Asia.
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