DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team Looking For Improvements In Assen

Assen, Netherlands – Monday 22nd June

Circuit: TT Circuit Assen
Circuit Length: 4.5 km

Round eight of the Moto3 Championship sees the DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team head to the legendary TT Circuit Assen. Steeped in history the Dutch Grand Prix has played host to the Motorcycle World Championship since its creation in 1949. Renowned for its electric atmosphere that regularly attracts more than 100,000 fans, it is also the only race on the calendar traditionally held on a Saturday.
Known as ‘The Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing’, Assen is famous for its fast and flowing characteristics, which combine six left and twelve right-hand corners, with a straight measuring at 487m long.

After a difficult race weekend in Catalunya, Jakub Kornfeil is determined to come back fighting and will be looking to add more vital points to his Championship position. The Czech rider is hoping to find a better solution for his KTM machine by reverting back to previous settings used in Mugello, in order to regain his confidence and bounce back into good form.

Zulfahmi Khairuddin heads to Holland with a clear goal insight. Following a string of disappointing results, the Malaysian rider knows he must improve his performance and get his season back on track.

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager

“After struggling so much in Barcelona I hope that Assen will be a better weekend for us. We need to get back to where we were before and I think we will. We have a good base but unfortunately it just didn’t work out for either of the riders at the last Grand Prix, but we have learned from this and now we must look forward and not back. It’s important for both riders to step up in Assen. Up until Barcelona Jakub has been making great progress and getting stronger every race, so I hope to see him return to his strong form. For Fahmi we have set a target that he must try to be around the top fifteen for these next two races.
Assen is a very nice track; it’s fast and flowing, which I think will suit both Jakub and Fahmi. It also has good grip and there are no bumps which will be good for set-up because in the last race the bike didn’t seem to cope with the bumps so well. I hope for good weather and a good weekend, then we can build from there.”

#63 Zulfahmi Khairuddin

“The layout in Assen is really nice; it has a good combination of fast and slow corners, which I really enjoy. I think our KTM works well in the slow corners but we still need to work on our set-up for the faster corners and especially where there are bumps.
I hope that the conditions will be good so we can really focus on improving our performance. This is my aim; to improve both myself and the bike. We have not been competitive enough, so we have a lot of work to do in Assen. We have to turn things around. The team know what they are doing, so from my side I must continue to stay focused, work hard and push myself to achieve more. I hope we can make a positive start in the first free practice and then continue to build on it from there. ”

#84 Jakub Kornfeil

“I’m really looking forward to the Dutch Grand Prix. I always like visiting Holland but what makes this round really special is all the fans; there is always such a great atmosphere at Assen.
I think it’s going to be another tough race, but this is normal because Moto3 is so competitive. The track and the layout I like a lot, which is important for me. It’s a very fast track, which suits my style well. Looking back at last year, I believe the KTM can be strong there too. I think it will work well at Assen, without any disadvantages like in Barcelona and I believe this will be a much better Grand Prix for us. I hope we can make another step forward; this is what I am looking for now because in Barcelona we took a little step back, which was very difficult. I hope now we can do a better job. I know the team has a lot more potential than we are showing, so I hope that we can be much stronger. This is the most important thing we must do in Assen; we have to come back fighting and prove what we are capable of. We have to show our speed and make sure that we are with the first group in the race.”

-SIC Racing Team facebook.

PelanconganKini supported DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team.
Note: DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team Polo T-shirt & Round Neck T-shirt is now available at http://www.m7shop.com/home.aspx

FATA calls for visa waiver for nationals of ASEAN+3

ASEAN governments should remove travel restrictions on their own citizens and other ASEAN members, said president of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), Aung Myat Khaw.

“At the very least, ASEAN nationals should be allowed to enter any member country without visas for a minimum stay of 14 days,” he said, calling this “crucial” in the realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community by end this year.

Also the president of the Union Myanmar Travel Association, Aung Myat Khaw was speaking at the FATA meeting in Kuala Lumpur where members discussed the slowdown of tourists from western markets as well as the importance of growth in regional travel, especially from China, Japan and South Korea.

He said: “It is imperative that all ASEAN countries drop visa requirements for visitors from these three East Asian countries before more of their nationals travel to other parts of the world and bypass ASEAN destinations altogether.”

Aung Myat Khaw emphasised that ASEAN governments should realise that tourist arrivals are not a given growth but requires continuous promotion. “However, such efforts would be ineffective if little effort was made to facilitate entry of visitors, especially in removing visa requirements. It is a bother to spend time and money applying for a visa and many high-spending tourists often travel at short notice, and would rather visit countries that do not require visas.”

Moreover, tourism brings an influx of businesses and investments into the country, said Hamzah Rahmat, FATA secretary general and president of MATTA.

“A government that insists on imposing visas does not want to see the potential tourism can bring for the economy,” he said.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Needs Media For Promotion - Raja Muda Of Perlis

KANGAR, June 21 (Bernama) -- The tourism industry will only grow with vigorous campaigns and promotions, especially through the mass media, the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

He said a tourism agenda which had no promotion would be a waste of resources and time. "The media is an important element that can help to promote tourism, besides programmes by the government through its agencies," he said in a statement here today.

The statement was issued by Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation in conjunction with the launch of the second edition of the Promotion on Perlis Food in Hatyai. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin launched the event at the Kai Tod Decha Muslim Restaurant in Hatyai yesterday.

He said Perlis needed the assistance of the media to promote the state through write-ups in publications as well as postings on websites and blogs.

The week-long food promotion is organised by Kai Tod Decha Muslim Restaurant with the cooperation of, among others, Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation and Tourism Malaysia Perlis.

While in Hatyai yesterday, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, accompanied by the Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, also went to a Islamic religious school, Sekolah Pengajian Agama Thamsuksa Mulniti Hatyai, to present Ramadan aid.
-bernama.

Johor Darul Ta'zim vs Borussia Dortmund at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin, Johor ( 9 July 2015 )

Eight-time German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund will be arriving in Johor Baru for the highly anticipated match against 2014 Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin on 9^th July 2015.

Among Borussia Dortmund’s stars in Johor Baru are Japan’s Shinji Kagawa, who returned to Signal Iduna Park from Manchester United last summer, Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Australian goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak and new signings in midfielders Gonzalo Castro, 19-year-old Julian Weigl, and goalkeeper Roman Bürki.

The Crown Prince of Johor and President of Johor Football Association, HRH Brigadier General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, said he is extremely excited with Borussia Dortmund’s presence in the state following successful cooperation between the two clubs.

“This is a long-term agreement between us and Dortmund.  I’m serious about the development of football in Johor and I want to see it move up to the next level,” said Tunku Ismail. “Today marks a new chapter in JDT’s development plans and with BVB on our side, we will achieve positive results.”

Borussia Dortmund’s Chief Executive Officer, Hans-Joachim Watzke, said the club’s first Asia trip since 2007 reflects BVB’s long-term global strategy.

“The people in Asia want the chance to see the stars first-hand, and this is a wish that we would like to take into account. The Bundesliga’s presence in Asian TV markets is increasing. That, in turn, will help us to become better known and more visible,” said Watzke.

Borussia Dortmund remains Europe's number one club in terms of attendance figures and was the only club in the 2014/2015 season - just like in previous years - to break the sound barrier with an average attendance of over 80,000 fans per home game.

-www.ticketpro.com.my

Iftar@KL 2015 Expected To Attract 300,000 Visitors

photo: MOTAC facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- About 300,000 visitors are expected to attend the Iftar@KL 2015, which will be held every weekend throughout the month of Ramadan in Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, here.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the target was achievable because of the special activities arranged this year.

"This annual festival will feature activities like nasyid competition, question and answer session on religion and mosque tourism exhibition," he told reporters at the launching of Iftar@KL 2015, here today.

Also present was Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ong Hong Peng. The launching ceremony was attended by more than 3,000 people including tourists.

Iftar@KL 2015, organised by Tourism and Culture Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, will be held every Saturday and Sunday during Ramadan.
-bernama.

Gov't Agrees To Visa-Free Entry For Chinese Tour Groups On Trial Basis

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The government has agreed to visa exemption for tour groups from China on a trial basis.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move was decided by the Cabinet yesterday. He said the implementation date of the trial period would be announced by the Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz soon.

"We are still looking for the best option for individual tourists," he told a press conference before a Ramadan breaking-of-fast ceremony with 200 orphans from Bagan Datoh at the Sogo Shopping Complex here today

Mohamed Nazri had called on the government to hasten the process of the proposed visa exemption for tourists from China, in a move to woo more of them to the country. Mohamed Nazri said between January and March this year, the number of tourist arrivals had dropped to 6.5 million from 7.1 million in the same period last year.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datoh member of Parliament, however said that the government would not compromise on security. "Several mechanisms to ensure that they return to their home country for a certain period are being sought together with the immigration, police and other authorities," he said.

He said the government had to withdraw the visa on arrival (VOA) to Chinese tourists to the country due to some problems like overstaying.
-bernama.

Michael Learns To Rock '25 Live' Anniversary Celebration @ Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur ( 15 August 2015 )

GLOBAL BAND MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK TO PERFORM AT MEGA STAR ARENA;
THE BAND SETS EAGERLY AWAITED DATES;
SHOWS CELEBRATES THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND ALBUM, “25”;

Multi-platinum selling band, Michael Learns To Rock, will be making their way to Malaysia giving fans the ultimate experience with their new album, ‘25’ at Mega Star Arena on the 15th of August.

The album ‘25’ consist of all their hit songs as well as two new singles and the concert 25 Live will be a whole new experience that only Malaysian fans will get to enjoy. Fans here can expect a whole visual treat filled with stunning multimedia on LEDs, confetti and special musical arrangements by the band. In celebrating 25 years of making music, the well-loved Danish band are all set to perform some of their all-time hits like The Actor, 25 Minutes, Paint My Love, Sleeping Child, Take Me To Your Heart and many more.

The band is excited about playing this show in Malaysia: "Our 25th anniversary as recording artists is a milestone in our career and calls for a something special for our fantastic fans in Malaysia and the rest of Asia. That's why we are working on a new show with great visual effects and a lot of our fans' favorite songs. It is our aim to create new visual surroundings of our music, adding new perspectives to the MLTR live experience. We look forward to bringing the show to Malaysia and hope to see a lot of smiling faces and hear the beautiful voices of our fans singing along. See you!”, says Kaare.

25 years ago, the bands hit songs were played in high rotation on radio, which included songs like The Actor, 25 Minutes, Paint My Love, Sleeping Child, resulting in high sales of 11,000 physical album sales.

Micheal Learns To Rock “25 Live” The Anniversary Celebration in Malaysia brought to you by Mega Ultimate and Warner Music Malaysia, GS Realty as co-organizer, Mega Star Arena as Official Venue, LITE FM as Official Radio, Melody FM and Sinar FM as Supporting Radio, Double Tree Hotel as Official Hotel, Special Thanks to MONE.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy Micheal Learns To Rock in Malaysia. The official ticket launch will be held on 20th June 2015 (Saturday), ticket price categories as below : VIP – RM469, PS1 – RM289, PS2 – RM169 (All ticket prices has included RM4 processing fee and GST).

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

ASEAN Exhibition @ National Library Of Malaysia ( June ~ December 2015 )

-MOTAC facebook.

Disaster Should Not Hinder Country's Tourism Growth - MTC

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- A disaster or any other crisis should not hinder the country's tourism industry growth, said Malaysian Tourism Council (MTC) president Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.

He said South Korea for instance, which is facing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, had remained a choice destination for foreign tourists. "This is because South Korea continues to actively promote its tourism attractions even in the face of disaster such as the ferry tragedy and now the MERS.

"In the event of a disaster in the country, it is our responsibility to step up efforts to alter potential foreign visitors' negative perception and woo them to Malaysia," he told Bernama here.

On the earthquake that devastated Mt Kinabalu, a popular tourist destination in Sabah, Mohd Sharkar believed it had not adversely affected foreign visitor arrival to the state which has an abundance of other attractions.

He said in this regard, MTC was actively drawing and carrying out promotion programmes to increase visitor flow particularly foreign tourists. "We will also monitor the country's tourism services, from the entry point to transportation and accommodation (hotel) to ensure that they match tourists' requirements, which vary from time to time," he said.

He said MTC was also working with local universities such as International Islamic University Malaysia to produce more ideas for annual tourism programmes in the country.
-bernama.

Malindo to ply Ipoh-Singapore route

Malaysia's hybrid airline Malindo Air today announced it would commence Ipoh-Singapore-Ipoh daily services from July 14, 2015, deploying its first Boeing aircraft, B737NG.

The daily service will depart from Changi Airport (Terminal 3) at 10.00 and arrive at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh at 11.25. From Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, the flight will depart at 12.10 and arrive at Changi Airport (Terminal 3) at 13.30.

The new Ipoh-Singapore sector is a part of the airline’s route expansion and enhancement plan with the delivery of two B737NG aircraft, which will boost the fleet size to a total of 21, comprising 10 Boeing aircraft and 11 ATR 72-600. Six more B737NG jets are expected to be delivered by December 2015.

Malindo Air CEO, Chandran Rama Muthy, said: “The airline is fast expanding with its plan to connect to more domestic and international cities. We would be adding new aircraft to the fleet, where two out of eight aircraft orders have arrived and we are immediately adding frequencies and deploying them to new regional routes.”

Ticket sales are now open, with promo fares from RM128 (US$34) one-way inclusive of 20kg baggage allowance, in-flight entertainment and light refreshments.

Just last month, Tigerair too, inaugurated its Singapore-Ipoh route with four-weekly services.

-TTG Asia.

PLUS Offers Toll Rebate Up To 50 Percent For Hari Raya

PLUS will be offering toll rebates up to 50 percent to the public paying toll electronically for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

 

PLUS Malaysia Berhad Managing Director, Dato’ Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid said, “The toll rebate will be given to Class 1 Vehicle users paying toll electronically on Off-Peak Days on 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23 July in conjunction with the Hari Raya. The rebate is given to those travelling more than 100 kilometres on the PLUS highways.”

 

According to Noorizah, a 50 percent toll rebate will be given to highway users paying toll electronically via PLUSMiles and Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAGs on 13 and 23 July. A 40 percent toll rebate will be given to electronic toll paying users on 14 and 22 July. Meanwhile, a 30 percent toll rebate will be given to highway users paying toll electronically on 15 and 21 July. 

 

The rebate is part of an initiative to distribute the traffic and to encourage the public to travel on Off-Peak Days. It is also an effort to reward the highway users and the public.

 

PLUS has also finalised other approaches and strategies to help the public enjoy smoother travel on the highways during the upcoming festive season. This includes the issuance to the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) and others.

 

“Details of these initiatives will be issued to the media at a special media briefing and conference,” Noorizah said.

 

For details, please contact PLUSLine at 1800 88 0000.

-www.plus.com.my

Malaysia Looks At 'Quick Wins' To Address Drop In Tourist Arrivals

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism which, among other things, looked at so-called "quick wins" to address the drop in tourist arrivals to Malaysia this year.

A Tourism and Culture Ministry statement said the country recorded a drop of 8.6 per cent in the number of tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year as against the corresponding period last year.

It said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek were among those who attended the closed-door meeting.

The statement said the "quick wins" strategies being looked at included enhancing collaboration with international airlines; undertaking tactical promotion missions with Malaysian industry activists in certain countries and stepping up promotions through digital marketing.

They also involved organising the Malaysia Educational Seminar for Foreign Media; extending visa exemption for tourists from China and enhancing joint-venture promotions in China by ministries and agencies.

The meeting also studied the feedback from the activities arranged for the Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015.

The statement said Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was a most challenging year for the country's tourism industry because of three air disasters (MAS MH370, MAS MH17 and AirAsia QZ8501); abductions and security issues in Sabah waters and the massive floods in several states. Nevertheless, the tourism industry remained resilient and performed well despite the challenges, it said.

The statement said 27.4 million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2014 compared to 25.7 million in 2013, registering an increase of 6.7 per cent. The revenue from tourism showed a growth of 10 per cent, to RM72 billion last year from RM65.4 billion in the previous year, it said.

"According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, Malaysia retained the 13th position in 2014 in terms of international tourism receipts," the statement said. In terms of international tourist arrivals, Malaysia was on the 12th position in 2014.
-bernama.

Your Next Holiday Is Just 'DEKAT JE'

photo: Tourism Malaysia ~ Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 June 2015 – Tourism Malaysia has launched a new domestic travel campaign called ‘Cuti-Cuti 1 Malaysia Dekat Je’ to encourage more Malaysians to travel to nearby places in the country for their next weekend getaway.

The unmistakably Malaysian use of colloquial phrase ‘dekat je’, which loosely translates as ‘nearby only’ / ‘so close’ / ‘so near’, aims to remind Malaysians that the next exciting holiday destination is actually just right on their doorstep, and that travelling helps foster closer relationships with families and friends.

Choices for the next local holiday are endless and meet all types of budgets. It can be a simple staycation in the city, a quick getaway at the next town, a gastronomic journey across several states, or living it up in lush rainforest resorts.

The campaign was launched today by the newly-appointed Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Wee Choo Keong at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Also attending the event was Director General of Tourism Malaysia Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.

“When we think of travelling, it is usually just to ‘balik kampung’ during the festive season or school holiday. This campaign aims to remind Malaysians that there are many places they can travel to over the weekend, without having to take extra time off work,” said Wee.

“Travelling locally whether by car, airplane, or train is cost and time effective, more fun, and help foster better relationships, whether it’s family bonding at the waterfalls in Negeri Sembilan, newlyweds on honeymoon up in the highlands of Pahang, or a group of friends looking for adventure during a road trip to the outskirts of Selangor,” the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia continued.

During the press launch, Mr. Wee ‘rode across Malaysia’ from KLCC to Langkawi, passing through iconic tourist attractions in Melaka and Penang, which symbolises how one can enjoy breathtaking sceneries, magnificent architectures and amazing flora and fauna that are literally in their backyard.

Malaysian hip hop legend Altimet, along with the masters of percussion the Diplomats of Drum, were also at the press launch to entertain the guests.

“In today’s busy and ever-evolving lifestyle, time is very precious, hence spending quality time with family is crucial. Every weekend can be an adventure, so make the most of it and have fun – a lot of beautiful attractions and delicious food are just ‘dekat je’. Malaysia is blessed with beautiful natural resources, state-of-the-art family attractions and a myriad of delectable food thanks to our multicultural society,” said Wee.

As social media plays an integral role in today’s society, the popular ‘wefie’ forms part of the domestic tourism campaign. It encourages travellers to take wefies, and post it on their social media platforms with a hashtag of the location to promote their trip, be it against a stunning scenery, iconic monument, or while enjoying scrumptious local delights.

With the next trip or gastro affair ‘dekat je’, lots of photos and wefies are expected to take over virtual spaces, thus promoting and increasing domestic tourism, whilst creating a lasting and memorable holiday.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia, AirAsia X Bag Skytrax Awards

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- AirAsia was named the World's Best Low Cost Airline and Asia's Best Low Cost Airline, while AirAsia X bagged the World's Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin and Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat accolades at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony.

The event was held at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, as well as AirAsia X Chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, and AirAsia X Acting CEO Benyamin Ismail were present to receive the awards.

In a statement here Wednesday, Fernandes said to be named the world's best for the seventh consecutive year was an incredible honour and the airline would continue innovating on all fronts to provide guests with a superior travel experience.

Skytrax, the global benchmark of airline excellence, is one of the most prestigious accolades for the airline industry with 19 million customer surveys completed worldwide by over 160 nationalities.
-bernama.

New Chairman For Tourism Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, 17 June 2015: The Minister of Tourism & Culture YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has appointed Wee Choo Keong as the Chairman of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, better known as Tourism Malaysia, effective today. Wee is a Barrister-at-Law from the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London, and has been a practising advocate and solicitor of more than 32 years.

Upon being called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, he returned to Malaysia in 1980 where he was actively involved in serving the community through his legal consultation. The political and social development in Malaysia were also issues that were close to his heart, and this saw him serve two terms as Member of Parliament (MP) for Bukit Bintang, the heart of commerce and tourism in Kuala Lumpur, and another term as MP for Wangsa Maju.

Wee views the Chairmanship at Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board as an extension of his contribution to the betterment of Malaysia. Wee says, “As Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), I want to do the best for our country and will protect our national interests at all costs. I am also grateful to YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, for the appointment and trust he has in me.”

He says, “I look forward to working closely with the management and officers of Tourism Malaysia, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the tourism trade industry and the media and to further develop Malaysia’s tourism potential.”

Asked about his perspectives on tourism in Malaysia, he says, “Malaysia is blessed with many natural tourism assets and a peaceful, multi-cultural society. However, the promotion work lies not only with Tourism Malaysia and its advertisements. The true value of tourism promotion is in the people of Malaysia themselves – their warm hospitality, politeness and values. These are the values that will bring tourists to our shores and back again.”

Wee recalls the gracious hospitality and true community spirit in Kelantan where he spent his childhood years. He says, “I grew up in Kelantan among various cultures and races. We enjoyed this diversity and unity at the same time…Our differences became a unique attraction and we were respectful of one another. I hope that we can extend this welcoming spirit to tourists to our country. Every Malaysian needs to internalize the spirit of tourism in themselves.”

He continues, “My own travels to North and South America, Europe and Asia have given me a close look at how important tourism is as an industry, especially to a developing nation like Malaysia. The moment tourists step foot in Malaysia, they will be spending their tourist dollars for transportation, accommodation, even for a bottle of mineral water. The money they spend is income for our nation. It’s even more valuable when the tourist dollar goes straight to the locals and their community. So we must treat our tourists well – they are our customers!”

Tourism Malaysia warmly welcomes Mr. Wee Choo Keong as Chairman of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board from 17 June 2015.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Ministry Awaits Cabinet Paper To Abolish Visa For Chinese Tourists

SABAK BERNAM, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Tourism and Culture Ministry is still awaiting the Home Ministry (KDN) to complete a cabinet paper on the proposal to abolish visas for Chinese tourists visiting the country.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the cabinet paper would be studied by the cabinet ministers before any decision on the proposal was made.

"We have to take steps to ensure an increase in the number of tourists from China to this country and for that we propose that the Chinese tourist visa be abolished," he told reporters after a working visit to Sekinchan, here today. Also present was Sekinchan state assemblyman Ng Suee Lim.

Mohamed Nazri, in raising the matter at the cabinet meeting last Wednesday, said the proposed visa abolishment should be expedited in efforts to increase foreign tourist arrivals to the country. Hence KDN had been directed to prepare a cabinet paper to cancel the visa requirement for one year as a trial period.

Commenting on the police report lodged by various quarters following his statement that allegedly criticised Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Mohamed Nazri said he would not obstruct the police from conducting investigations on him concerning the issue.

"At present the police have yet to call me to give any statement on the matter," he said. Yesterday, inspector general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police would record the minister's statement soon.
-bernama.

Royal Belum Expected To Get UNESCO Recognition In Two Years

GERIK, (Bernama) -- Malaysia's rainforest treasure trove, the Royal Belum State Park in Perak, is expected to be accorded recognition as a world heritage site within two years.

Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Daniel Baskaran K., said the National Heritage Department, under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, has already prepared the dossier for submission to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

"Based on a very recent meeting we had with the ministry, the dossier is ready and is now in the stage of being sent to UNESCO," he said, adding that it contained an introduction to the Royal Belum State Park and the Malaysian government's request for UNESCO recognition.

"Once they agree to evaluate our request, the government will have to prepare the necessary documentation, with all the details, on why it wants the Royal Belum State Park to be turned into a world heritage site.

"Later, when UNESCO is in the midst of evaluating the documents we have submitted, it will send its team of scientists to Belum to validate our reports.

"It may take one or two years before the Royal Belum State Park is awarded world heritage status, depending on how long UNESCO's waiting list (of proposed sites awaiting recognition) is," he told Bernama during a recent media visit to property developer Emkay Group-managed Belum Adventure Camp on Pulau Banding, a man-made island located in the midst of Lake Temengor, which also serves as the gateway to the entire Belum-Temengor rainforest complex.

OLDER THAN AMAZON RAINFOREST

The PBF, a brainchild of Emkay Group Chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, promotes and performs research and studies on tropical rainforests.

The Royal Belum State Park, spread over 117,500 hectares (ha), is part of the 300,000ha Belum-Temengor complex, which is estimated to be more than 130 million years old, thus rendering it older than the Amazon rainforest in South America and Congo rainforest in Central Africa.

Other sites in Malaysia that have been declared as UNESCO world heritage sites are Melaka's historic city centre, George Town in Penang, Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Kinabalu Park in Sabah and the archaeological site in Lenggong Valley in Perak.

In May last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had urged the relevant agencies to consider whether the Belum-Temenggor rainforest could be recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Daniel Baskaran said over 100 scientists from various rainforest-possessing countries were expected to participate in an expedition to conduct research in the Royal Belum State Park in either October or November this year.

"We want to know more about what we have inside the jungle. Once the expedition is over, we will compile all the information (provided by the scientists) and build an inventory to prove that Belum is indeed rich in flora and fauna," he said, adding that an international conference was also slated to be held early next year.

CONTROLS ON VISITOR NUMBERS

The Royal Belum State Park hosts an estimated 3,000 species of flora, 64 species of ferns, 62 species of moss and 23 types of river fish.

It is also the home of the world's most threatened mammals, such as the tiger, Malayan sun bear, Sumatran rhinoceros, white-handed gibbon, Malayan tapir and Asiatic elephant. Hornbills, usually associated with Sarawak, can also be found in abundance at the park.

Daniel Baskaran said PBF was happy to note that environmental sustainability and resilience was among the six thrusts of the 11th Malaysia Plan, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister on May 21, adding that it would benefit the Royal Belum State Park and may even encourage non-governmental organisations to assist in forest conservation.

He said efforts were also being made to attract more tourists and visitors to Belum.

"Belum is still relatively new in the sense that it only started receiving visitors in recent years. Long ago, it used to be a 'black' area and people were prohibited from coming here due to the danger posed by the communists. Of course, things have changed now," he said, adding that unlike Taman Negara in Pahang, only certain parts of Belum were open to the public due to issues pertaining to conservation and preservation.

"We don't want an uncontrolled number of visitors as we don't want to disturb the flora and fauna in Belum," he said.

It was reported that some 13,207 tourists visited the Royal Belum State Park in 2013, an increase from 11,033 the year before.

ADVENTURE CAMPS

The PBF is now touting the setting up of adventure camps in Belum to draw the young crowd, so that they can discover the wonders of nature and the importance of conserving and preserving forests.

The Belum Adventure Camp, which was opened last year, can accommodate 30 people and it offers experiential learning, through which guests are given an insight into how the ecosystem works and how they can contribute to the environment and society once they get back home.

"It's unfortunate that our younger generation don't really appreciate the nation's rich natural heritage," lamented Daniel Baskaran, adding that the youth should develop utmost respect for the nation's rainforests and do all they can to protect them.
-bernama.