Girls’ Generation, Scherzinger and Kelis among stars to perform at F1 concert

KUALA LUMPUR: Top South Korean band Girls' Generation will make its debut in Malaysia at the Twin Towers@Live 2012 concert here on Friday.

The nine-member group is also referred to as SoShi or SNSD by fans. The group's 2009 hit single Gee holds the record for being the longest running No 1 song on KBS Music Bank, staying at the top for nine consecutive weeks. Gee was named Song of the Decade by the South Korean music site Melon.

The K-pop sensation will be joined by Nicole Scherzinger, the former lead singer of the sizzling Pussycat Dolls. The American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, model and actress is returning to Malaysia for her first performance here as a solo singer.

The show replaces the aborted F1 Rocks entertainment extravaganza, following the cancelled appearance of Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue over an alleged contractual dispute between Petronas, the chief organiser of the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, and Enterprise Entertainment Ltd, the London-based company who owns the F1 Rocks franchise. For more girl power, Scherzinger will be joined by an award-winning American R&B star Kelis at the concert. Scherzinger has performed here twice before with her former band. After leaving the Dolls in December 2010, she began a solo career with the release of her debut studio album Killer Love. The album's second single, Don't Hold Your Breath peaked at number one on Britain's Singles Chart, marking her first number one hit as a solo artist.

Kelis Rogers, better known as just Kelis, has won the Brit Awards, Q Awards and NME Awards and was nominated for two Grammy awards. Outside her native United States, she has had nine Top 10 singles in Britain alone. She was initially scheduled to perform here on Saturday. An estimated 70,000 crowd is expected at the Malaysian F1 concert.
-thestar online.

Firefly connects East Coast with JB & adds new link to Hat Yai

Subang - Firefly is introducing two new routes, Kota Bharu - Johor Bahru and Subang - Hat Yai. The Kota Bharu - Johor Bahru service will link the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia with the Southern state of Johor. This service will commence on 26 April 2012 with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Services between Subang and Thailand’s southern city of Hat Yai will commence on May 2 with flights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Ticket sales to these new destinations will commence on 16 March 2012 and can be purchased from Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my), Firefly’s airport and city ticketing offices and through travel agents.

In conjunction with these new routes, Firefly will offer special promotional airfares of RM25, all-in fare for Kota Bharu - Johor Bahru route and from RM129 one way, all-in on the Subang - Hat Yai route. These promotional rates are for bookings made online from 16 March until March 20, 2012 for travel from 11 June, 2012 to 30 March, 2013. Travellers are encouraged to take opportunity of these promotional airfares as it precedes Firefly’s move to implement fuel surcharge for bookings made from March 21 to offset against persisting high jet fuel prices.

Firefly’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Angelina C Fernandez, said Firefly is the only airline that provides its passengers with direct access between the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the Southern state of Johor. She added: “The airline is targeting domestic traffic for this route and also from Singaporeans keen on visiting Kota Bharu and other parts in the East Coast.”

COO Shorthaul Malaysia Airlines/ Firefly, Ignatius M.C. Ong, said: “We are mounting these new flights to meet the needs of our loyal business and leisure customers from Kota Bharu who have requested for direct flights with convenient timings to the southern state of Johor. The rapid developments at Iskandar Malaysia have made Johor an increasingly popular destination to both the leisure and business traveller. It also serves as an affordable gateway to Singapore. We anticipate Malaysians using our new services to fly to Johor and travel onward by land to Singapore.

“Malaysians are attracted to Hat Yai for its shopping, good food and city attractions. Hat Yai is also the gateway to Satun and Trang provinces, both popular island destinations.We expect our load factor on the Subang - Hat Yai route to comprise Malaysians as well as foreign tourists who choose to combine Malaysia and Thailand in their holiday itinerary.

“Upon arrival in Subang, Hat Yai travellers will find the city airport very convenient due to its close proximity to the city centre. Resorts World Genting is popular with this market and it is only about an hour’s drive from Subang.”

-firefly.

Submarine museum targets 500,000 tourists

MALACCA: The submarine museum featuring a French-made SMD Ouessant (Agosta 70 class) vessel is expected to attract about 500,000 tourists and visitors to the state by the end of this year.

The project, costing RM12.5mil came under heavy criticism and deemed a waste of money by certain quarters. State Museum Corporation general manager Datuk Khamis Abas said that from Jan 1 to March 14, the museum had attracted 53,737 tourists and visitors and the figure could reach 500,000 by year end. “Among them were 10,000 tourists who visited the SMD Quessant,” he said.

Based on the popularity and returns generated, the cost of bringing the Agosta 70 class vessel formerly owned by the French navy was irrelevant. Apart from being a museum, the submarine museum also acts as an information centre for visitors who are interested to learn more about underwater warfare in detail.

-Bernama.

Makeover pays off for hotel

Golden Sands Resort in Penang, a member of the Shangri-La Group of Hotels and Resorts, has chalked up a good occupancy rate since its RM50mil renovation exercise was completed in November 2009.

According to its general manager Bruno Cristol, the 387 room resort had recorded a 68% occupancy rate for 2011, an increase of 7% per annum since it underwent the largest makeover in its 32-year history. “This year, we are targeting an occupancy rate of over 70% as we plan to penetrate the growing market in China,” he added. “The projected occupancy rate for this year should also increase because of the three awards we won last year,” Cristol said.

Golden Sands won the Best Family Resort in Asia from the ‘Holiday With Kids’ magazine, a leading family publication in Australia, to strengthen its status in the family market segment in Australia. “We also won another Best Family Resort award in Malaysia from the ‘Expatriate Lifestyle’ magazine, a Kuala Lumpur based publication, which should help raise the awareness of our resort’s expatriates com- munity.

“The most important award is the Best Hotel Services award from the Malaysia Tourism Award 2010/2011,” he said. Cristol said the three awards confirmed the resort’s position as the premier family resort in Asia. “The awards were given based on a stringent criteria set by the judges. “The criteria include overall efficiency, courtesy and hospitality related qualities in the hotel operations such as cleanliness, maintenance and general services,” he said.

Since 2009, the meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) market for Golden Sands has also improved by about 60%. He added that in the last two years, the resort received a lot of bookings from the pharmaceu- tical and petroleum business segments. “And per month, for the past two years, the bookings from the MICE market had been around 1,700 compared 300 to 400 per month before the renovation,” he said.

Cristol said the top five over- seas destinations for Golden Sands Resort came from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle-East, which generated about 60% of the resort’s business. “The remaining 40% comes from the domestic market,” he said.

-thestar online.

www.shangri-la.com

Good response to marathon

The organisers of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon at Dataran Merdeka on June 24, are on track to attract a record 27,000 participants. To date, almost 18,000 participants have signed up for the KL Marathon. Last year, the event attracted about 22,000 runners.

Dirigo Event director Rainer Biemans said they were pleased with the overwhelming response. “Achieving the numbers so early is truly encouraging to the positive sentiments and recognition runners have for the Standard Char-tered KL Marathon,” said Biemans. “For the marathon category alone, we have recorded over 67% increase in registrations compared to the same period last year.

“This clearly solidifies the KL Marathon as the biggest and a truly international running event where everyone, regardless of age, experience, or background, can run for a reason this year,’’ he added. Participants for the half marathon this year has increased by over 58% with more than 3,800 sign-ups to-date.

Meanwhile, the 10km has recorded close to 7,500 registrations to-date signifying a 48% increase over registration numbers in the same period last year. This year there is also a new category — MSIG Ekiden — and 75 teams have signed up. The maximum limit for the MSIG Ekiden is 100 teams.

The annual ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits are also back to help prepare beginners and seasoned participants for race day. Led by coach Mark Williams and coaches from the Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA), participants can learn proper techniques for warming up, cooling down, hydration and nutrition, and a host of other valuable training tips. Participants of the training circuits will also receive a training booklet with training log sheets to track their progress. The training circuits take place until June 10.

For more information or to register for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, and the ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits, visit www.kl-marathon.com or keep up-to-date via twitterwww.twitter.com/scklmarathon/

-thestar online.

Excelsior International School completion by September 2013

JOHOR BAHARU: An international school valued at RM60 million will be built in Seri Alam, here, which is expected to be fully completed by September next year. Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Excelsior International School will be constructed on eight hectares of land and provide an alternative option to parents who send their kids to schools in Singapore.

 

"There are parents who send their children for schooling in Singapore...and this will offer them a choice. "This way they no longer need to get up early to send their children all the way there," he told reporters after the school groundbreaking ceremony at Jalan Purnama, Bandar Seri Alam, today. Mohamed Khaled, who is also Higher Education Minister, said besides the shorter distance the school offers academic fees which are 15 per cent lower compared to institutions in Singapore.

 

He said the school jointly built with Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd and Singapore-based company Raffles Campus Pte Ltd will be furnished with hostels, airconditioned classrooms, swimming pool and tennis courts. The school which is able to accommodate over 2,500 students at a time will be fully managed by Raffles Campus, with an internationally recognised syllabus and co-curriculum activities for students aged between three and 18. 

 

"The first student intake will be early next year. Such schools are in line with the government's hopes to develop the economy through the education sector, as well as turn Seri Alam into a knowledge city," he added.

-Bernama.

Japanese investors to develop RM500mil "Little Japan" in Johor Baru

JOHOR BARU: Japanese investors plan to develop Malaysia's first "Little Japan" township in Taman Molek here for high net worth ethnic Japanese keen to relocate and make Malaysia their second home.

Global Asia Assets (M) Sdn Bhd (GAAM), an asset-building consulting company for Japanese investors, which is behind the project, hopes to woo 2,000 wealthy Japanese to live, work or do business here within the next few years. GAAM chief executive officer Fujimura Masanori said since March last year, some 70 Japanese individuals had already relocated here under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

Additionally, 365 Japanese investors have also acquired high-end residential and commercial properties worth more than RM400mil here since January last year and are expected to also move here permanently soon. "In view of the overwhelming response, we are eager to kick start the "Little Japan" project in Taman Molek where Japanese individuals are expected to invest over RM500mil in landed houses and luxury apartments over the next few years," said Fujimura.

Fukimura was talking to reporters at the Starhill Golf & Country Club in conjunction with a charity golf tournament in aid of the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami last year. About 50 golfers, including 20-GAAM customers from Japan had flown here to take part in the event. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society for distribution to needy victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11 last year.

According to Fujimura, "Little Japan", the first of its kind in Malaysia, would be a self-contained township complete with restaurants, spas, medical facilities and retirement homes for Japanese who want to live and work here. He noted that the Japanese, who have traditionally avoided investing outside of Japan, have enormous amounts of liquid assets lying dormant in Japanese banks.

Fujimura said the response was very positive with Japanese clients buying up 50 per cent of the 248 high-end condominium units in Molek Pine Tower 3 - a project by the Kuok Group subsidiary, Tanjung Bintang Sdn Bhd, which is marketed under the Berinda brand name.

"The developer, in view of the overwhelming response from Japanese buyers, will refit the units with special Japanese features such as Onsen-Spa facilities, Ofuro (Japanese bathtub) and Zen concept landscaping. "Our clients have already committed over RM400 million in the purchase of units in various residential schemes in Taman Molek and Taman Ponderosa, which is yet another project by Berinda," he said, adding that GAAM will also manage the property on behalf of its clients.

"Johor Baru's proximity to Singapore, coupled with good infrastructure, fine weather, the Government's commitment to boost safety and security and the virtual absence of natural disasters like earthquakes, makes it an ideal place for Japanese to make it their second home," he said. These residents, he added, would eventually also open Japanese convenience shops, fine restaurants, dental and medical clinics in partnership with locals, traditional medicine shops and even retirement homes catering not only to Japanese clients, but also Singaporeans and locals.

"They will help create jobs, provide skills training, help promote business and contribute to the local economy and the growth of Johor and Malaysia as a whole," he stressed. Fujimura is confident the "Little Japan" project will take off in a big way because of rapid development in Johor under Iskandar Malaysia, with international schools and universities and top-notch health and medical facilities all opening here soon.

-Bernama.

Many prefer to holiday somewhere closer

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a strong demand for holiday packages to domestic and regional destinations at the KL MATTA Fair 2012.

Firefly chief operating officer Ignatius Ong said that apart from the low prices, many were opting for holidays in Malaysia and neighbouring countries because they did not require long flights. He noticed that more travellers were choosing to fly instead of taking a train or bus because it was much cheaper and time-saving.

“More people are also planning their travel and making advance bookings. For instance, we received a lot of advance bookings for travel from May onwards,” he said in a statement yesterday. The most popular was the three-day-two-night holiday package to Koh Samui that came with complimentary airport transfers. Other packages which sold well were to Langkawi, Medan and Hatyai.

“Hatyai is popular among Malaysians for its city attractions, good food and shopping which attract repeat visitors,” he said, adding that Firefly's four weekly flights between Subang and Hatyai will commence on May 2. Ong said Firefly was targeting a 20% increase in sales at this year's fair, adding that customers were also attracted by the contests and rewards offered at Firefly's booth.

“Walk-in customers who make purchases worth a minimum of RM500 at our booth will win a chance for a lucky dip. “Two air tickets on Malaysia Airlines to selected regional destinations will be given to the highest spender on each day, while the overall top spender on all three days will receive a gift set worth RM12,000 inclusive of return air tickets to Koh Samui and accommodation at the five-star Le Mridian Koh Samui Resort & Spa,” he said. Ong said Firely was giving out prizes worth RM130,000 throughout the three-day fair.

-thestar online.

Brosur ‘Pakej Istimewa Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia’ Di MATTA Fair KL 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 MAC 2012: Tourism Malaysia telah mengeluarkan sebuah brosur bertajuk "Pakej Istimewa Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia" bersempena dengan penyertaannya dalam pameran pelancongan MATTA Fair KL 2012 yang berlangsung di Pusat Perdagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) dari 16-18 Mac.

Brosur dwi-bahasa (Bahasa Melayu & Bahasa Inggeris) yang telah dihasilkan dengan kerjasama 13 agensi pelancongan tempatan ini menawarkan sebanyak 50 pakej produk-produk pelancongan. Antara pakej-pakej pelancongan yang terdapat dalam brosur tersebut termasuklah:-

• Taman & Laman (Kuala Lumpur) - Pakej 2 hari 1 malam dari RM210 seorang termasuk tempat tinggal, sarapan pagi dan lawatan ke Taman Orkid, Taman Rama-Rama, Taman Rusa dan Taman Burung.

• Lawatan Udara (Kuala Lumpur) - Menaiki helikopter selama 20-25 minit bersama juruterbang untuk menikmati pemandangan Kuala Lumpur dari udara dari RM550 seorang.

• Rasai Pengalaman Bermalam di Muzium Melaka - Pakej 2 hari 1 malam dari RM230 seorang dengan menginap di atas kapal Flor De Lar Mar.

• Acara Jejak Pencinta Seni - Pakej 4 hari 3 malam dari RM780 seorang (dewasa) dan RM530 seorang (kanak-kanak) termasuk tempat tinggal, makan dan lawatan ke galeri-galeri seni dan pameran lukisan bersama pemandu pelancong.

• Mountain Retreat - Pakej 3 hari 2 malam dari RM490 seorang (minima 10 orang) termasuk tempat tinggal, pengangkutan, makan, dan lawatan ke Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs, Canopy Walkway, War Memorial dan Rose Garden.

Agensi-agensi pelancongan yang terlibat terdiri daripada:-
1. Ace Altair Travels Sdn. Bhd.
2. Adventure Quest & Tour Sdn. Bhd. 
3. BMC Travel Sdn. Bhd.
4. Inter-Orient Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
5. Lavender Holidays & Management Sdn. Bhd. 
6. Metro Bike 
7. NKS Hotel & Travel Sdn. Bhd. 
8. Pesaka Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. 
9. Travel Forte Sdn. Bhd. 
10. Titian Permata Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
11. Tuah Travel & Tours (M) Sdn. Bhd.
12. World Travel Agency Sdn. Bhd.
13. Zuk Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.

Penghasilan brosur 'Pakej Istimewa Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia' ini ialah satu usaha dan langkah positif dalam membantu mempromosikan produk-produk pelancongan domestik di pasaran tempatan dan luar negara bagi menggalakkan percutian terancang seiring dengan objektif kempen pemasaran domestik 'Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia'.

Penyertaan kali keenam Tourism Malaysia dalam pameran MATTA KL Fair 2012 ini melibatkan sebanyak 48 gerai pameran dengan 65 peserta di bawah payung Tourism Malaysia. Pada pameran pelancongan MATTA 2011, sebanyak 10,262 pakej Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia telah dijual dan berjaya menjana pendapatan sebanyak RM2,246,335.65.

Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Malaysia, YB Dato Dr. James Dawos Mamit telah melancarkan brosur 'Pakej Istimewa Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia' ini di Astaka Tourism Malaysia, Hall 3, PWTC sejurus selepas merasmikan pameran MATTA Fair KL 2012 di sini, hari ini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Gawai Special Package Offers A Taste Of Dayak Culture

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 MARCH 2012: In conjunction with the celebration of Gawai Dayak Day (Harvest Festival), a new cultural tour package called Gawai Special Package has been developed to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit Sarawak during the festival to experience the unique Dayak culture.

Tourism Malaysia Sarawak Office, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Convention Bureau and Sarawak Cultural Village have teamed up to develop the innovative tourism product. It is hoped that the special package will help to diversify Sarawak's tourism products, attract tourists to stay longer in Sarawak and also promote the culture of the Iban and Bidayuh to the world.

The package is available for sale from today onwards and tours will take place from 18 May until 30 June at the Sarawak Cultural Village. The Gawai Special Package offers a variety of tours comprising 2 Days 1 Night stay, 3 Days 2 Nights stay and 4 Days 3 Nights stay. They are priced at RM399, RM499 and RM599 respectively. Tourists who buy the package are welcomed to stay at either a Bidayuh, Iban or Orang Ulu longhouse at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Among the activities included in the package are jungle trekking at the foothills of Mount Santubong, cooking local dishes, folk song and dances lesson and visiting the variety of ethnic houses at the Sarawak Cultural Villages. Night tours from 10 pm to 3 am can also be purchased by tourists to witness the unique ceremony called Miring.

The Gawai Special Package was launched by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, YB Dato Dr. James Dawos Mamit together with Assistant Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Sarawak, YB Datuk Talip Zulpilip at the White Rajah Café Restaurant, here today. For online booking, please log on to www.SarawakBorneoTour.com or email ask@SarawakBorneoTour.com.

GAWAI DAYAK
The Gawai Dayak festival is a harvest and social festival that is celebrated every 1st June in Sarawak. Gawai means ritual or festival and Dayak is a collective name for the tribes of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and many more.

It is a feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals, traditional performances, feasting and a variety of traditional games. Gawai Dayak became a symbol of unity, aspiration and hope for the Dayak community and is an integral part of the Dayak social life today.

-Tourism Malaysia.

KK International Airport to be operational 24 hours by May 1

KOTA KINABALU: The international airport here will be operational around the clock by May 1 after being shutdown for six hours daily since 2006 for runway resurfacing works.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the 792m runway extension to accommodate a fully loaded Boeing 747 would only be completed by year end. “The most critical element now is to get the runway opened for 24 hours and we will be able to do this by May 1,” he said after visiting the ongoing runway project at the Kota Kinabalu Internatioonal Airport (KKIA) on Saturday. He said the six-hour shut down of the airport had largely affected chartered flights and not the scheduled operations of MAS and other airlines.

The runway extension was part of the massive RM1.4bil expansion and refurbishment works of the KKIA that included the construction of a new main terminal, a low cost carrier terminal and a new control tower. On the runway extension from the existing 2,988m to 3,780m, he said work on the additional 792m was ongoing, including increasing the elevation and installation of approach lights in the sea on the southern end to comply with international safety standards.

-thestar online.

MyCEB Sets Sights On North America Market

Kuala Lumpur, 16 March 2012 - Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) announces that New York City-based Marketing Challenges International (MCIntl) has been appointed as their North America sales and marketing representation effective 1 March 2012.

An established global destination marketing firm, MCIntl's appointment is seen as a strategic approach to build from Malaysia's recent success in the North American market and to further reinforce Malaysia's positioning as Asia's business events hub. MCIntl will assist MyCEB with bids, sales promotions, media relations and marketing programmes in the North American convention and incentive market. The company will also be providing research services to identify North American meeting and incentive planners with the potential to bring international business events to Malaysia.

Malaysia's success in attracting major international conventions such as the 18th World Congress of Accountants 2010 (6,000 delegates) and 70th Internal Auditors Conference 2011 (2,200 delegates), both achieving record attendance, and the interest generated from participation in America's Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (IMEX North America) and The Americas Meetings and Events Exhibitions (AIBTM) reinforces the need for a stronger presence in the North American market.

The appointment of MCIntl is based on its excellent reputation as a company which specializes in marketing international destinations, venues and organizations to the business travel market in North America. On joining forces with MyCEB, Michel Couturier, President of MCIntl said, "In addition to an attractive natural and cultural backdrop, Malaysia's infrastructure, stability, great value for money and strategic location all help to make the destination a major player in the business events industry for both the Asian marketplace and the world. We look forward to working closely with the MyCEB team to put Malaysia at the forefront of the minds of North American planners."

Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB said, "Malaysia caters well for both the incentive and convention market with its unique culture, natural wonders, world class venues and renowned hospitality. It is also increasingly becoming the choice destination in Asia because of the ease in which events can be staged here. Having Marketing Challenges International representing MyCEB will provide invaluable support for North American planners, making it easier for them to consider and plan their business events in Malaysia."

MyCEB's decision to increase its presence internationally is to build on its current success. The year 2011 saw MyCEB providing support towards 198 international business events, including 130 conventions, 62 corporate meetings/incentives and 6 exhibitions. These events accounted for 150,935 delegates with an estimated RM1 billion (EUR254 million, USD344 million, AUD344 million) in economic impact.

-MyCEB.

www.myceb.com.my

Up-to-date info on MRT

In anticipation of the MyRapid Transit (MRT) project, MRT Corporation has geared up with packed information for the public at all times.

Five MRT Info Centres have been established in Kota Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL Sentral, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Kajang. Since they began operation in November 2011, some 10,000 people have visited the centres which channel vital and up-to-date information to the public on the next phase of the transportation system.

Hello: A staff member attending to a call at the centre

A kiosk has been set up in Bukit Bintang while a mobile info van, which will be rolled out in a month’s time, will be reaching to local communities along the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line. The centres are strategically placed in areas with high volume of traffic, to serve as a one-stop centre for comprehensive information with feedback avenues.

There is also an interactive “Hawk-Eye” 360-degree application that gives visitors a virtual view of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang alignment. So far, the info centres have received positive feedback as people are able to obtain vital information at an early stage. Information officers at the centres and call centres provide almost immediate feedback to queries raised by concerned public.

Ready to serve: Information officers are prepared to answer queries from the public.

Speaking more about the info centres MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd general manager (project management department) Adil Putra Ahmad said they were prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly in disseminating information related to the project.

He said since end of January, a system had been set up to get all the complaints and feedback locked in before any action was taken. Taking the lead from previous train projects, Adil said they were well aware of what to expect.

“Usually when construction starts, the number of complaints picks up, but for now we have received mostly positive feedback from the public. We aim to empathise with the public to resolve their grouses. “We will have traffic announcements, put up notices on traffic diversion and management programme to minimise the effects on the public.

“The contractors have even started their safeguard traffic plans and this was made sure during the tender process. “Emergency response team, safety measures, people manning traffic and environmental factors are all taken into consideration because we want to minimise the inconveniences to the public,” he said.

Adil added that information or complaints would be vetted with the site managers before further action was taken to rectify problems. “Sometimes five out of 10 complaints received may not be related. That is why all feedback received by the system, whether they are emails or SMSes, are transmitted to the ground personnel to be checked. “They have to investigate within 15 minutes after receiving a complaint to get a clearer picture of the problem. However, the speed of the response will depend on the nature of the complaint.

“Traffic will be a major concern, so early preparations are needed as some of the schemes need one to two months of approval from the relevant authorities and stakeholders,” he said. He added that they would be going to schools and engaging residents’ associations in areas surrounding the MRT line with activities and events as a way to inform the communities. For details on the MRT, call the hotline at 1-800-82-6868 or visit www.kvmrt.com.my

-thestar online.

30 Days Left to Enjoy LEGOLAND® Malaysia Pre-Opening Annual Pass Promotion

Johor, 16 March 2012 – Since the launch of the pre-opening promotional annual passes in December 2011, LEGOLAND^® Malaysia has received positive responses from the public on the sale of these annual passes. To date LEGOLAND Malaysia, which is especially designed for families with children from 2-12 years of age, has sold over 10,000 passes with 60% sold in Malaysia.

However, the offer of the special discounted pre-opening annual passes will last for a very limited period till 16 April 2012. 

“We have received fantastic responses from families and LEGOLAND enthusiasts since we started the promotion in December 2011.  Over the last few months, LEGOLAND Malaysia has sold well over 10,000 annual passes. Malaysian families are wanting to take full advantage of our special prices before the deal comes to an end and are eagerly counting down the days to the park’s opening later on in the year,” commented Mr Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of LEGOLAND Malaysia.

LEGOLAND Malaysia at MATTA FAIR

With its participation at the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur from 16 to 18 March 2012, LEGOLAND Malaysia will continue on its marketing roadshow in key cities in Southeast Asia to create greater awareness for the theme park. Located in Nusajaya and especially designed for families with children aged from 2-12 years, LEGOLAND Malaysia will be the sixth LEGOLAND theme park in the world and first in Asia. 

“We are excited to be part of the MATTA Fair in KL this weekend as this is the perfect platform for us to kick-start our marketing campaign. It is also an opportunity to get in touch with families in person to explain what LEGOLAND Malaysia is about and how it will form part of the very exciting offering to both domestic and foreign visitors to Malaysia. We will be visiting the key cities in Southeast Asia in the months to come to give everyone a taste of what is to come at LEGOLAND Malaysia,” said Mr Boerst. 

Annual passes to LEGOLAND Malaysia will be on sale at the MATTA Fair. 

BACKGROUND

On opening day LEGOLAND Malaysia will be packed full of more than 40 rides, shows and attractions over an impressive area of 76 acres. Nearly all of the rides are hands-on, so you can push, pull, pedal, programme, steer, squirt, splash, crawl, climb and yes - build your way through a full day and more, of non-stop fun. The park is divided up into seven themed areas. Each themed area is designed to ensure that heroes of all ages will find much to explore and enjoy at the LEGO experiment centers, roller coasters, water attractions and shows. The whole family can thus embark on a day-long voyage of discovery, adventure and fun! 

For ticketing details and to buy your annual passes, please visit the LEGOLAND Malaysia website at www.LEGOLAND.my or purchase via www.AirAsiaRedTix.com. 

ANNUAL PASS PRICES

PRE-OPENING ANNUAL PASS	ANNUAL PASS (NORMAL PRICE)
Promotion to end 16 April 2012! Adult - RM195 Child - RM150	Adult - RM275 Child - RM210
GATE PRICES
Adult - RM140 Child - RM110

-Legoland Malaysia.

Tourism Ministry proposes Matta fair be extended overseas

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry has proposed to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) for the locally-held Matta Fair to be extended overseas.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said the proposal was made following the success of the annual Matta Fair. "Maybe twice a year, for instance. If possible, Matta could start it, one in Europe and one in Central Asia, it will be good to attract tourists from other countries to come over to Malaysia," he told reporters after launching the Matta Fair 2012 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on Friday.

The Matta Fair, which runs until this Sunday, is expected to attract about 90,000 visitors. Dr James said last year Malaysia recorded a 0.6% increase in arrivals with 24.7 million tourists, compared with 24.6 million arrivals in 2010. He added that tourist arrivals were expected to increase this year.

"The marginal increase was understandable as 2011 was a challenging year with natural disasters and economic and political instability in many countries," he said. Dr James said the ministry expected some 36 million tourist arrivals, generating an income of about RM168 billion in 2020.

"We are confident that the target is achievable as all stakeholders in the industry are working even harder in the face of the stiff competition in this region. "We have to be mindful and constantly remind ourselves that the chase for the tourists and tourism dollars is getting very competitive and tougher every year and therefore we all must always be on our toes to remain in the race, and not be left behind," he said.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia today released a brochure titled "Pakej Istimewa Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia" (1Malaysia Special Holiday Package) in conjunction with its participation in the Matta tourism exhibition at PWTC.

Meanwhile, in Ipoh, 30,000 visitors are expected to visit the Tourism Expo organised by the Perak branch of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta Fair 2012) at the Stadium Indera Mulia from today until Sunday. Matta Fair 2012 organising chairman Aminurrashid Abas said the organisers expected sales during the three-day expo to increase to RM20 million compared with RM15 million during a similar expo last year. He said from the total sales, the organisers expected RM7 million would come from local tourists while the remaining RM13 million would be from foreign tourists.

-Bernama.

Future Music Festival Asia @ Malaysia

Date: 17 March 2012 (Saturday)

Time: 2pm - late

Venue: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia

Tickets: www.airasiaredtix.com

Pelan induk tarik pelancong ke Bakun

BELAGA 14 Mac - Satu pelan induk bakal dirangka untuk membangunkan kawasan Empangan Hidro Elektrik Bakun (Empangan Bakun) sebagai pusat pelancongan tasik yang mampu menjadi tarikan utama pelawat dan pelancong asing di negeri ini.

Menteri Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg berkata, pelan induk berkenaan yang akan dirangka oleh kerajaan negeri melalui syarikat konsultan dijangka siap menjelang pertengahan tahun depan. Menurutnya, pelan berkenaan bakal mengetengahkan potensi serta destinasi pelancongan yang terdapat di sekitar Empangan Bakun yang kaya dengan keindahan flora dan faunanya kepada orang ramai.

"Ia turut mengemukakan saranan serta cadangan bagi membantu masyarakat Orang Ulu daripada 15 buah rumah panjang di Sungai Asap dalam memajukan industri kraf tangan. "Selain itu, kita juga akan mencari jalan untuk memajukan program inap desa seperti yang terdapat di Uma Belor Leo Dian sekarang ini," katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui selepas mengikuti taklimat oleh Sarawak Hidro Sdn. Bhd. dan Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) di Dewan Makan Matahari Bakun Resort di sini, baru-baru ini.

Mengulas berkenaan pelan itu, Johari berkata, ia mengandungi perancangan idea yang cukup komprehensif mencakupi pelbagai aspek untuk meningkatkan taraf ekonomi penduduk di sekitar empangan berkenaan. Di samping, itu katanya, ia tidak memberi manfaat kepada industri pelancongan semata-mata, sebaliknya mampu menarik penglibatan masyarakat setempat untuk turut serta dalam kegiatan ekonomi. "Jika pelan itu telah siap dan berjaya dilaksanakan, tidak mustahil hasrat kita untuk membangunkan Empangan Bakun sebagai antara pusat pelancongan tasik bertaraf antarabangsa akan tercapai suatu hari nanti," katanya.

Sementara itu, Johari menjelaskan, terdapat empat faktor yang membolehkan kawasan empangan berkenaan dibangunkan menjadi destinasi utama pelancong iaitu keindahan hutan hujan tropika, kekayaan khazanah biodiversiti, keunikan kebudayaan dan pembangunan mapan tanpa menjejaskan ekosistem tasik berkenaan. "Kita juga akan memastikan pelan induk ini sentiasa menekankan penjagaan serta pemuliharaan alam bagi memastikan segala aktiviti ekonomi tidak menjejaskan kawasan sekitar," katanya.

Menyentuh berkenaan pembinaan 'jelatong' oleh penduduk tempatan yang didakwa boleh menjejaskan pemandangan serta persekitaran tasik berkenaan, beliau berharap pelan itu nanti dapat mengatasi masalah berkenaan. Terdapat kira-kira 200 buah 'jelatong' yang dibina oleh penduduk tempatan sebagai tempat tinggal sementara atau sebagai tempat untuk mencari sumber pendapatan di sekitar tasik berkenaan.

-Utusan Online.

Harga bot Melaka River Cruise naik

MELAKA 14 Mac - Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM) membuat penyelarasan harga baru tiket bot Melaka River Cruise sebanyak 50 peratus bagi dewasa dan kanak-kanak berkuatkuasa 1 Mac lalu.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Baharom Majid berkata, harga baru yang ditetapkan bagi dewasa ialah RM20 berbanding RM10 sebelum ini manakala bagi kanak-kanak pula dari RM5 dinaikkan kepada RM10. ''Namun begitu bagi setiap pengunjung atau ejen pelancongan yang ingin mendapat potongan harga sebanyak 50 peratus, hanya perlu menunjukkan MyKad dan MyKid semasa membeli tiket di kaunter," katanya dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.

Bagi pengunjung yang menaiki bot VIP bersama artis dari Jumaat hingga Ahad katanya, harga tiket yang ditetapkan adalah RM30 bagi dewasa dan RM15 untuk kanak-kanak. Beliau berkata, jika mereka menunjukkan MyKad dan MyKid, harga tiket potongan yang diberikan ialah RM20 untuk dewasa dan RM10 bagi kanak-kanak.

-Utusan Online.