Best Western puts faith in Malaysia with expansion

Best Western International (BWI) will launch a series of new hotels in Malaysia, including its first in the capital this year. The chain already operates three hotels in Malaysia – Best Western Kinabalu Daya, Best Western Sandakan Hotel & Residence and Best Western Marina Island Resort Pangkor.

 

In 2012, BWI will add two more hotels: the Best Western Premier Dua Sentral in Kuala Lumpur and Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel in Malacca. A further six properties will join the portfolio between 2013 and 2015. BWI will operate 15 properties in Malaysia by the first quarter of 2015 across nine destinations, including Ipoh, Klang, Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya.

 

Its newest, the Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, is a 364-room property located within the capital’s new business and transport hub. Opening in the second quarter, the hotel will have several restaurants, a spa and swimming pool, and eight function rooms. 

 

“With excellent air connections, especially via low-cost carriers, a strong economy and a diverse range of visitor attractions – from idyllic beaches to high-tech cities – the future of Malaysian tourism looks incredibly bright,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s vice president, international operations – Asia & the Middle East.

-TTG Asia.

www.bestwesternmalaysia.com

Putrajaya popular with local and foreign filmmakers

Aside from being a popular site for wedding photography, Putrajaya is also a favourite filming site for many filmmakers.

If you look closely at some of the scenes in our local dramas, be it Malay, Chinese or Tamil, you will notice landmarks in Putrajaya such as the scenic bridges, modern architecture and futuristic lamp posts. Local film Cicakman was shot in Putrajaya for the scenes of Metrofulus, a fictional city inspired by Batman’s Gotham City.

In motion: Some scenes in Hong Kong action flick Viral Factor, starring Nicholas Tse and Jay Chou, were filmed in Persiaran Perdana, Putrajaya.

It is not just local filmmakers but also foreign ones who have chosen Putrajaya for their scenes. About 80% of Hong Kong action drama Viral Factor shown in cinemas recently, was shot in Malaysia and some scenes were filmed in Putrajaya. A temporary cafe was even erected near the Putrajaya Corporation building to facilitate a chasing scene.

Kpop fans will be thrilled to know that popular boy band Super Junior shot their music video for the song Dancing Out in Putrajaya. Last year, of the 123 filming done in the city, 37 were commercials, 27 dramas, 13 films, nine documentaries and five photography shoots. 

According to location coordinators who scout for filming locations, one of the main reasons for choosing to film in Putrajaya is because of its modern and stylish architecture. Apparao, a local sponsor for foreign films in Hindi, Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages, said foreign filmmakers chose Putrajaya because of its modern location and beautiful parks.

Scenic: A TV commercial being filmed at the Wawasan Bridge in Putrajaya.

He has also arranged locations for Chinese and local Tamil filmmakers. “Having more foreign filmmakers shooting in Malaysia will bring more money to the country and help spur economy growth,” he said. Apparao also hoped that Putrajaya Corporation (Ppj) could issue permits faster.

Ppj, entrusted with the functions of a local authority and local planning authority, administers and manages Putrajaya on behalf of the Federal Government. “It takes seven days to obtain a permit to film in Putrajaya whereas it takes only a day in Kuala Lumpur. Red tape is also increasing as there are more regulations and more documents needed when applying for filming permits. “Those in the film industry have a tendency to suddenly change their arrangements. For example, a foreign filmmaker may suddenly decide to shoot in Kuala Lumpur. The Indian film industry works very fast,” he said.

Production manager Andrew Oh, whose company scouted the location for Viral Factor, said it was easier to control traffic in Putrajaya. “Those who want high-tech buildings, clean environment, less crowd and traffic will opt for Putrajaya. “Those who want crowd scenes will film in Kuala Lumpur,” he said, adding that it is easy to obtain filming permits in Putrajaya.

Aside from movies, the intelligent city is also a popular destination for making commercials. According to location coordinator for commercials Goh Wai Leong, Bangkok is the first choice followed by Malaysia.

“We have clients from India and we used to have clients from Dubai and Singapore who film their commercials here. If their budget permits, they would choose to shoot here instead of their own country. It is also cheaper to shoot in Malaysia. “Putrajaya is the choice location if the client wants modern, stylish buildings as a backdrop,” he said.

Putrajaya Corporation senior deputy director (Public Relations) Zaharah Salamat said filming in the city started in 2001. “Local productions make up 70% while 30% are international films or commercials. “Filming in Putrajaya was at its peak six to seven years ago. There is slight decline after that as filmmakers and production companies prefer to shoot at new locations.

“We welcome filmmakers and advise them on traffic control. We sometimes provide enforcement officers but applicants must apply to the relevant agencies such as the police or Department of Civil Aviation (for helicopter scenes),” she said.

She added that the corporation did not generate much revenue from issuing filming permits. It cost RM2,500 for a three-day permit for commercial purposes and RM250 for government film productions. Last year, RM105,150 was generated from issuing filming permits. If the shooting is done in a public area, a deposit is required. Any damage to public amenities will result in a deduction of the deposit.

“Filming here indirectly helps PPj and the Government to promote Putrajaya and Malaysia not only as an administration centre but also a tourist destination,” she said. Just keep your eyes peeled the next time you visit Putrajaya. Who knows, you may just bump into your favourite Bollywood star or witness a filming scene.

-thestar online.

Karnival WOW Putrajaya 2012

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Setting the benchmark

The Malaysian Association of Amusement, Theme Park & Family Attractions (Maatfa) organised an award recognition programme for its members recently who are actively involved in the industry.

The glittering Maatfa Awards Night was held at the Only World Group Grand Hall in Shah Alam, Selangor and Plantation Industries and Commodities minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok was the guest of honour. The idea behind the Maatfa Awards was to ensure that all members would be able to maintain and bring up standards of safety, management, operations and services to higher level of international recognition.

Maatfa president Datuk Richard Kohsaid said there was a need for them to play an effective role in promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination by offering the attraction that complied with international standards. He said the awards, which will be used as a benchmark with international safety standards for local operators, would be held annually.

The awards were presented to all the winners which includes Best Museum – Ripley’s Believe It Or Not; Best Small Water Attraction – Wet World Shah Alam; Best Large Water Attraction – Bukit Gambang Resort Waterpark; Best Small FEC – Indah Manufacturer; Best Large FEC – CYC; Best New Attraction – Sepang Goldcoast; Best New Product – Park Games Equipment; Best Wildlife Park & Aquarium – Aquaria KLCC. The runners-up for Best Large Water Attraction – Desa Waterpark, Kuala Lumpur and Best Small FEC – CYC. Special awards were given to Sunway Lagoon – Contribution towards the ThemePark and Attractions Industry and 1st Green Water Attraction to Wet World Shah Alam for being an eco-friendly park.

Maatfa members and violinist Joanne Yeoh entertained the crowd at the event.

-thestar online.

www.maatfa.com.my

Southern Johor has potential to be a tourist destination

Continuing to expand: Dr Ng (right) looking at one of the many Lego structures being constructed at the Legoland Model Building Centre in Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park.

JOHOR BARU: Southern Johor is set to boom in terms of tourism with the opening of the Premium Outlets and Legoland Malaysia. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the two major tourism attractions in the state will be included in various promotional materials to tourists worldwide. “Southern Johor has big potential for tourism and we will look at how we can continue to expand here,” she said during a site tour to the Legoland Model Building Centre in Nusajaya recently.

Dr Ng said that the ministry especially, is hoping to work with Legoland to promote Malaysia through their five other theme parks worldwide. “We will try to include Legoland Malaysia in their brochures or start a special ‘passport’ where visitors can collect stamps when the visiting the different Legolands around the world,” she said.

She explained that other than that, the park would also be promoted during the Asean Tourism Forum which is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2014 as it also features a special cluster dedicated to Asean related structures. “This is one special feature in Legoland Malaysia and it will definitely be something to showcase during the forum,” she said. Dr Ng added that the ministry was in the midst of discussing special privileges for MyKad holders who want to visit Legoland Malaysia. “This may not necessarily relate to discounts in the entrance fee itself but it may be some other type of privilege for Malaysians,” she said.

Commenting on the attraction, Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst said that the park would also include interactive workshops where visitors will be able to create their own lego models and buildings. “We will also be providing short educational classes on Lego building which will make the experience both educational and entertaining as well,” he said adding that the park aimed to welcome about one million visitors in the first year.

-thestar online.

MAHB’s plans to attract more airlines to Malaysia

SEPANG: Malaysian Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which posted a fourth-quarter net profit of RM122.9mil, is in discussions to get more airlines to fly into Malaysia.
The airport operator has allocated RM70mil as growth incentives for airlines and is looking at a new set of incentives after the existing programme has run its course.

“We will like to see some form of incentives. New airlines flying in will be given three years of free landing,” chief financial officer Faizal Mansor told a briefing yesterday. He said MAHB would be awarding the tender for KLIA2 concessionaires in April. “We will be awarding it phase by phase.” MAHB will be conducting a briefing today to update on the KLIA2 tender process.

During the briefing, MAHB announced its net profit rose marginally to 11.17 sen per share for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, up from RM121.9mil, or 11.08 sen a share, in the previous corresponding period. Its revenue for the quarter increased to RM837.4mil against RM820.6mil a year ago. For the full year (FY11), MAHB's net profit jumped to RM401.1mil from RM316.7mil previously. Revenue for FY11 was RM2.75bil. Its aeronautical revenue was at RM889mil while non-aeronautical revenue stood at RM897.8mil.

Faizal said 2011 was a challenging year for MAHB, especially with the eurozone debt crisis, turnmoil in the Middle East and the tsunami in Japan. “We have also some good news. Our passenger service charge has been revised. Male International Airport operation has also contributed RM20mil in 2011.”

He acknowledged that 2012 was going to be a challenging year but has forecast passenger growth at between 6% and 7%. Its passenger movement grew 10.7% in 2011 to 64 million at its 39 airports in the country.

On getting more flights into Malaysia, Faisal said there were currently about 60 airlines that flew to Malaysia and more might come. Faizal said MAHB was also having an “on-going” discussion with Russian's S7 airline to commence flights to Kuala Lumpur. During 2011, MAHB had adopted IC Interpretation 12: Service Concession Arrangement which recognises the construction revenues and costs in accordance with FRS111:Construction Contracts by reference to the stage of completion of the construction works of KLIA2 and Penang International Airport. In 2011 and 2010, MAHB recognised the construction revenues and costs in relation to KLIA2 and Penang International Airport amounting to RM820.5mil and RM782.3mil respectively. Stripping out the IC 12 effects, MAHB's revenue for 2011 would be RM1.93bil while pre-tax profit would be RM535.9mil.
-thestar online.

MyCEB Revs Up With 49 Bid Wins In 2011

Conventions worth an estimated RM382 million in economic impact heading to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 20 February 2012 – A total of 49 international and regional conventions have been secured for Malaysia by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) with industry partners in 2011.  

Malaysia’s stellar performance and the strong display of commitment by Ministry of Tourism, various government agencies, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and other strategic partners in securing business events for the country further reinforce Malaysia’s positioning as Asia’s Business Events Hub. 

“With an average of 730 delegates per event, these conventions are expected to attract over 35,750 delegates to Malaysia between 2012-2019 and generate in excess of RM382 million (EUR91 million, USD123 million, AUD123 million) in economic impact for the country,” said Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, MyCEB. 

One of the most significant successes includes the world’s largest meeting of Chinese finance and insurance professionals, the International Dragon Award Annual Conference 2013 (5,000 delegates), Women Deliver Conference 2013 (4,500 delegates). 

Initiatives like the Malaysia Twin Deal programme for the Chinese market proven successful having already secured 13 groups with 9,000 delegates confirmed from the campaign. The Twin Deals programme has been extended to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand  and other key markets soon.

The period in review also saw MyCEB providing support towards 198 business events, including 130 conventions, 62 corporate meetings/incentives and 6 exhibitions. These events accounted for 150,935 delegates with an estimated RM 1 billion (EUR254 million, USD344 million, AUD344 million) in economic impact. 

“We view these positive results as very promising for Malaysia entering the new financial year (2012). With our new branding campaign launch ‘Malaysia – Asia’s Business Events Hub’ plus a host of other initiatives introduced including a sales mission to China, Industry Partner Programme, implementation of a Customer Relationship Management programme and a growing focus on innovation, we hope to continue these efforts to progressively realise our mission,” added Mr Zulkefli. 

Highlights of conventions secured in 2011:

·      81^st Annual Scientific Congress of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 2012 – 2,500 delegates

·      43^rd Union World Conference on Lung Health 2012 – 2,800 delegates

·      8^th Design & Health World Congress & Exhibition 2012 – 1,000 delegates 

·      9^th World Congress of Chinese Medicine 2012 – 1,000 delegates 

·      7^th IAS HIV Conference in Pathogenesis, treatment and Prevention 2013 – 5,000 -6,000 delegates

·      International Dragon Award (IDA) Annual Conference 2013 – 5,000 delegates

·      Women Deliver Conference 2013 – 4,500 delegates

·      12^th International Congress on Obesity 2014 – 3,000 delegates

·      Human Genome Meeting 2015 – 1,000 delegates

-MyCEB. 

www.myceb.com.my

Promosi pelancongan tentera capai sasaran

SEPANGGAR 20 Feb. - Kesungguhan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) mempromosikan negeri ini mencapai kejayaan besar apabila seramai 10,021 pelancong terdiri daripada tentera asing mendarat di Teluk Sepanggar sepanjang tempoh dua tahun lalu.

Panglima Wilayah Laut Dua, Laksamana Muda Datuk Anuwi Hassan berkata, jumlah kehadiran pelancong tentera tahun lalu mencatat peningkatan hampir sekali ganda berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Katanya, seramai 3,761 pelancong tentera tiba di sini pada 2010, manakala pada tahun lalu meningkat kepada 6,260 orang, biarpun jumlah pendaratan kapal tentera laut asing mengalami pengurangan sebanyak dua kapal.

"Sebanyak 30 kapal tentera laut asing mendarat di pangkalan TLDM di Teluk Sepanggar bagi tempoh dua tahun lalu. "Ia satu pencapaian yang sangat membanggakan dan berharap pelancongan tentera di sini akan mencatat pencapaian lebih baik pada tahun-tahun akan datang, sekali gus membuktikan perairan negeri ini selamat dikunjungi," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Anuwi berkata demikian pada majlis perbarisan perpisahan beliau yang akan melepaskan jawatan pada 24 Februari ini. Tempat Anuwi yang ditukarkan ke jawatan baharu sebagai Asisten Ketua Staf (AKS) Operasi dan Latihan di Markas TLDM diganti oleh Panglima Angkatan Kapal Selam, Laksamana Pertama Datuk Mohammad Rosland Omar.

Mengulas lanjut, Anuwi berkata, selain keindahan Sabah, pangkalan TLDM Teluk Sepanggar menjadi pilihan kapal tentera laut asing kerana memiliki kemudahan logistik dan sukan yang baik. Menurutnya, sebanyak 16 kapal tentera laut asing mendarat di pangkalan itu pada 2010, manakala 14 buah pada tahun lalu. "Pada tahun lalu, lapan buah kapal dari Amerika Syarikat, dua dari Brunei dan sebuah kapal masing-masing dari Perancis, India, Australia serta Singapura mendarat di sini," katanya.

-Utusan Online.

Gua Niah jadi tarikan

Pintu masuk ke Taman Negara Niah, Sarawak sedia menanti kedatangan pengunjung. - utusan/RACHEL NINA.

NIAH 20 Feb. - Batu Niah, 'pekan' koboi yang terletak kira-kira 103 kilometer dari Miri sememangnya mempunyai tarikan serta keunikan tersendiri dan salah satu daripadanya ialah Taman Negara Niah. Terletak berhampiran pekan Batu Niah dan hanya dipisahkan oleh Sungai Niah, taman negara itu sentiasa menggamit pelancong asing dan pelawat tempatan.

Tarikan utamanya sudah tentu gua-gua yang pernah menjadi penempatan terawal manusia zaman Praneolitik dan Neolitik kira-kira 40,000 tahun lalu. Jadi, jika berkunjung ke Batu Niah, apa salahnya meluangkan masa melawat Gua Niah sambil meneroka lokasi yang amat bersejarah dalam kehidupan awal manusia di rantau Asia.

Untuk sampai ke sana, pengunjung perlu menggunakan perahu menyeberangi Sungai Niah selebar 50 meter menggunakan perkhidmatan bot penambang. Perjalanan hampir empat kilometer untuk menjejaki tamadun manusia zaman Praneolitik dan Neolitik di Gua Niah memang berbaloi walaupun baju basah lencun dengan peluh. Panas terik matahari ketika menyusuri titi kayu tidak terasa kerana dilindungi pokok-pokok hutan.

Apatah lagi jika semakin menghampiri gua yang menyimpan seribu kenangan silam itu, sejuknya semakin terasa. Berada di dalam gua batu kapur yang dikatakan wujud kira-kira sejuta tahun lampau terasa bagaikan merentasi mesin masa untuk merasai sendiri kehidupan manusia zaman dahulu. Bagi yang terlupa membawa bekalan minuman, tidak perlu susah hati kerana sejurus sebelum sampai ke pintu gua, anda akan menemui beberapa penduduk rumah panjang berdekatan menjual minuman.

Petanda Gua Niah semakin hampir tidak sukar untuk diketahui kerana bau najis kelawar dan burung layang-layang yang tengik akan mencucuk hidung anda. Aktiviti mengambil sarang burung layang-layang oleh masyarakat tempatan masih dapat dilihat melalui kewujudan galah-galah buluh panjang di sepanjang gua berkenaan.

Bagi yang pertama kali menjejaki gua ini, jangan keliru kerana gua pertama yang ditempuhi ialah Gua Dagang manakala Gua Niah yang mempunyai keluasan lantai kira-kira 10.5 hektar pula terletak hanya beberapa meter dari situ. Pelawat atau pelancong juga dinasihatkan supaya membawa lampu suluh atau menyewanya di Pangkalan Lobang kerana keadaan dalam Gua Niah gelap-gelita.

Sesampainya di pintu gua itu, anda akan terus dapat melihat bekas tapak penggalian arkeologi yang menandakan kewujudan manusia moden (Homo Sapiens). Bukti kewujudan tengkorak manusia kuno berkenaan ditemui pada 7 Februari 1958 sekali gus disebut penemuan paling penting di Asia Tenggara pada ketika itu. 

Penemuan itu menarik kedatangan ahli arkeologi yang membawa kepada penemuan-penemuan lain termasuk subang jed, bekas tembikar, peralatan batu, cengkerang, tulang (peralatan dan makanan) serta lebih 200 perkuburan manusia. Bagi pelawat yang ingin mengetahui secara lanjutan mengenai sejarah gua ini, sebahagian artifak berkenaan terdapat di Muzium Arkeologi Niah yang terletak di Pangkalan Lobang.

-Utusan Online.

Malaysia simplifies visa process for Chinese FITs

The Malaysian government’s move to relax the visa application process for Chinese FITs is expected to boost overall inbound numbers from mainland China. Ultra Kirana, together with its Chinese partners, was appointed last April to process Chinese group applications for Malaysian visas, making it unneccesary for Chinese group travellers to visit Malaysian overseas missions to apply for their travel documents.

 

The visa application facilities at one-stop centres located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Kunming, have been expanded from this month to cater to individual travellers. Applicants are able to collect their visas within two working days, with fees ranging from RMB150 (US$25) to RMB230.

 

Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau general manager – sales & marketing, Ho Yoke Ping, said: “This new development will add to the existing allure of Malaysia to the Chinese market, which includes accessibility and language.” “To date, there have already been several meetings and incentives events from China, with record-breaking attendance.”

 

BMC Travel’s inbound operations manager, Meddy Hor, added: “Inbound from China is growing everyday. This development is going to lead to positive growth.”

-TTG Asia.

2012 PATA Annual Conference

Date: 21~22 April 2012

Venue: The Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Organiser: PATA

Hosted: Tourism Malaysia

Online Registration: www.regonline.com/pac2012

-PATA.

MyCEB To Lead 27 Malaysian Industry Partners To AIME 2012

Melbourne, 20 February 2012 – Things are in full gear as Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) leaves for Australia leading an enthusiastic group of 27 Malaysian industry partners to the 20^th Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne from 21 - 22 February 2012. 

Fresh from launching its new tagline, “Malaysia – Asia’s Business Events Hub” and armed with a more user-friendly website (www.myceb.com.my), MyCEB has announced that this years’ encouraging number of participation will promote new networking opportunities for global AIME attendees. With new initiatives and incentives, the Malaysian team is all set to woo attendees to discover Malaysia’s exotic incentive offerings, where “For 600 years, adventurers have been coming to Malaysia for a change of pace. And now, it’s incentive participants for the sheer adrenaline rush of the exotic”. 

Another interesting aspect this year for MyCEB is its new booth design with visuals of its new brand and taking on the fireworks and nature pattern known as ‘Kelarai Bunga Api’.  The abstract motif is a traditional Malay design used by mengkuang (a species of the pine) weavers in Malaysia and is a popular craft among village women. The motifs, which have their source in Malaysian flora and fauna, were arranged and carefully woven into intricate and beautiful patterns. 

During the two days event, MyCEB will showcase its Malaysian Cultural Experience with pocket activities depicting the diversity in its culture. The activities will include experts in rattan weaving, traditional Chinese calligraphy, making of Indian flower garlands and the crafting of ‘kasut manik’ or beaded slippers.

“We hope that the attendees of AIME 2012 will visit the Malaysian Pavilion at booth number 4724 and 4732 of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, and experience the world famous Malaysian hospitality. I am very sure that we could accommodate to any of your requests and make your event in Malaysia the real incentive Asian experience” said Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager – Sales & Marketing of MyCEB. 

This year will also see the participation of new industry partners and state tourism bureaus – a clear testament to the country’s efforts to further improve and develop its business events industry. Amongst the new exhibitors are: 

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)

LADA was officially established on March 15, 1990 to plan, promote and carry out development on the world-famous island of Langkawi.  Listed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top ten island destination in the world for 2011, Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast - a mystical island of jungle-covered mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls, swathed with legends of romance and mystery. The government of Malaysia has also declared the entire Langkawi island as a duty free zone and all goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax. Declared as the first geopark island in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Langkawi has its own international airport and can easily be reached via sea and air. 

Penang Global Tourism

Penang Global Tourism is the state tourism bureau set up to work with key tourism players to promote the state through better forged ties, reliable data as well as synergistic activities. A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines. 

Tourism Melaka

Tourism Melaka is the state tourism bureau set up to work with key tourism players to promote the enchanting Melaka (Malacca). Dubbed the historic state, Melaka is the third smallest Malaysian state with rich historical and culture offerings.  On July 7, 2008, Melaka was bestowed by UNESCO with the title ‘World Heritage Site’ due to its distinctive identity.  Malacca has been listed by influential The New York Times as one of the 45 places to visit this year. “With its lantern-lighted canals and silent, narrow streets lined with decades-old ornate temples and shophouses, few places in South-East Asia conjure romantic images of the past as effectively as Malacca."  

-MyCEB.

Air-conditioned KLCC-Bukit Bintang walkway launched

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the fully air-conditioned pedestrian walkway at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) last month. The walkway, which is linked to Bukit Bintang area, provides a direct passage between the two popular shopping sites of the city.

The elevated walkway is a 562-m stretch and spans 5m wide which goes across Jalan Pinang, Jalan Perak and Jalan Raja Chulan with entry and exit points at a few convenient locations. Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismailwere also present at the ceremony.

Convenient way: Najib accompanied by Raja Nong Chik and Ahmad Fuad at the launch of the KLCC-Bukit Bintang walkaway.

The walkway is a RM100 million project financed by Petronas as part of its social contribution programme. It is also part of the Comprehensive Pedestrian Net work joint initiative between the Economic Transformation Pro gramme’s (ETP) Greater Kuala Lumpur National Key Economic Area (NKEA) and the GTP’s Urban Public Transport NKRA, which aims to improve the experience of commuting by providing better connectivity between the various public transport services.

The walkway features links from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to Impiana KLCC Hotel and from the hotel to the bridge crossing at Pavillion shopping centre in Bukit Bintang. In a statement issued at the event, members of the public could now walk from Bukit Bintang and the Raja Chulan monorail station to the KLCC LRT station through Suria KLCC, which is also linked to the KL Convention Centre by an underground passageway, in the comfort of the air-conditioned covered walkway and tunnels.

-thestar online.

Perks for MAS business class passengers

PETALING JAYA: Business class travellers on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) can look forward to great deals on its domestic and international routes this month.

The deals, which begin at RM399 one way and RM798 for return for local destinations, include air fare, fuel surcharges and airport taxes. “The deals are made possible because of the new fuel-efficient aircraft,” its regional senior vice-president for Malaysia and Asean, Muzammil Mohamad, said in a statement yesterday.

The promotion, effective immediatelym ends on Aug 31 for travel within the country and to Asean destinations, and ends on June 30 to destinations in the United States, North Asia, Europe, South Asia, China, Hong Kong and Australia. For Asean travel, fares start at RM399 one way to Medan and RM599 to Phuket while those planning to travel to China will pay from RM1,356 one way to Guangzhou, Xiamen and Kunming, and fares to South Asian cities start at RM1,164 to Hyderabad.

The fares for premium destinations, including the United States, Australia and Europe, begin at RM2,894 one way to Perth, RM4,972 to Los Angeles and RM5,123 to London. Besides the low prices, children aged between two and 12 will enjoy an additional 35% discount for domestic travel and 25% off for international destinations.

The offer is available between Feb 20 and 27 at www.malaysiaairlines.com, MAS ticket offices, its 24-hour toll-free call centre at 1300 88 3000 and its appointed agents.
-thestar online.

MATTA Fair 2012 @ Kuala Lumpur

Date: 16~18 March 2012

Time: 10am ~ 9pm

Venue: PWTC, Kuala lumpur, Malaysia

Web: www.mattafair.org.my

-MATTA.

Vitaly Petrov joins Caterham F1 Team

Caterham F1 Team has today announced that Vitaly Petrov has joined the team as race driver, replacing Jarno Trulli with immediate effect.

The Russian was at the Anglo-Malaysian team's factory in Hingham on Friday 17th February for a seat fitting ahead of his first run with the team at the second pre-season test in Barcelona, 21st to 24th February.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes: "We are all delighted to welcome Vitaly into our team and are very excited about the role he will play in helping us take the next steps forward in 2012 and for many years to come. When we first met it was immediately clear that Vitaly understands and shares our vision for how we want our team to grow. As the first Russian to race in F1 he carries the hopes of a huge nation with ease and his talents, experience with one of our current competitors and insights on and off track will play a huge role in our development as we fight to join the established teams ahead.

"I also want to take this opportunity to thank Jarno for the absolutely pivotal role he played in the formation and progression of our team since he joined us in December 2009. Jarno knew that when he joined us it would be a very different environment to where he had been before, and when we gave him the package he wanted he absolutely shone. With that in mind it was not an easy decision to bring Vitaly in to replace Jarno, but it was one we made to ensure that we give fresh impetus across the whole team and with a realistic eye on the global economic market. Jarno has an incredible natural talent behind the wheel, and his winning record and longevity in the sport will bear testament to that talent in the Formula 1 annals forever, but now it is time to open a new chapter in our team's story, and Vitaly is the right person to help us do that.

"We have reached agreement with Jarno to bring an end to our partnership with him, but he will always be part of our family. Now we want to integrate Vitaly as quickly as possible into the team, and we will do everything we can to welcome him in, give him a car he can use to showcase his skills, and keep up the rate of development that has seen us go from an empty factory with just four employees to a fully established Formula 1 team in just over two years."

Vitaly Petrov: "This is a very exciting day for me. I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin for giving me the chance to join a team that made its F1 debut at the same time as me, and has grown from one of the new teams to a serious force for future honours. The passion and spirit that Tony and the whole team have to keep moving forwards is infectious, and I am honoured to be able to join them and play my part in helping the team mount a serious challenge to the teams ahead in 2012 and for many seasons to come.

"I have been training hard all winter and am ready to get back into the cockpit and go to work. From what I have seen already, our new car is another good step forward from 2011 and now I cannot wait to see how it feels when we get to Barcelona. I would also like to take this chance to thank all my fans and partners for their support and their patience."

Jarno Trulli: "I want to take this chance to thank Tony, Kamarudin, SM Nasarudin, Riad, Mike and everyone in the team for the two seasons we had together. From zero we built up and established a solid F1 team. I'm really proud to have been part of it. I understand the decision the team has made and I want to wish to the whole team the very best of luck for the season ahead."

-www.caterhamf1.com